2022-2023 Spring/Summer: The CVSD LINK - Newsletter
Setting a Vision for CVSD
A message from Superintendent John Parker
![Dr. John Parker](https://3.files.edl.io/f159/23/06/27/003614-4a9666b7-a059-4e55-9920-abf9e9583380.jpg)
It’s my honor to serve as your superintendent and I look forward to our students return. This fall, we’re thrilled to kick off our 2023-2028 Strategic Roadmap, including multiple pathways for all students, to ensure everyone feels they belong and help guide our way for the next five years.
If there’s one thing I’ve heard many times throughout my inaugural year is how our community wants to maintain the quaint, relational feel of our district—in other words ‘small enough to know you, but big enough to serve you’. And that’s exactly what we aim to do by operating among three smaller community-oriented areas within our district: the Western, Central, and Eastern Learning Communities.
These Pre-K-12th grade communities will include those schools within the geographical attendance area boundaries of each of our three comprehensive high schools. This will allow us to focus on each student’s pre-school through high school and beyond pathway with smooth transitions between levels to achieve their best outcome. Imagine our entire system focused on this with an emphasis on service throughout!
To showcase our learning communities, as well as our students’ active learning, we anticipate holding “Community Link” events late this fall/winter in each of our three learning communities. Look for more info in the next “Link” issue as we return to school next fall.
Have a great summer!
Fast Forward CVSD 2023-2028
Strategic Roadmap Underway
A plan created by all members of the community
![Strategic Plan Core Committee](https://3.files.edl.io/6225/23/06/27/003816-4ec76086-81a8-4ba2-8996-cd28a521c469.jpg)
A 27-member core planning team was formed – representative of students, parents, alumni, teachers, staff, community, business and higher education members – who actively participated in a two-day workshop. They reviewed the engagement report, district data and a recent survey of 1,000 parents to identify a strategic framework.
Find more info at CVSD.org under “News - Strategic Plan” and join us for a community forum on Thurs., Oct. 26, 6pm at the University High School Theatre, 12420 E. 32nd Ave.
Linking Community & School Success…
That’s Meritorious! The School Board celebrated district-wide Meritorious Award recipients
![Meritorious Awardees](https://3.files.edl.io/f942/23/06/27/004042-b53abeae-09ed-4cf6-8780-9966af5847d7.jpg)
The Board announced district-wide recipients in each category on March 24:
- Certificated: Val Clapper, Ponderosa Teacher; Mark Bitz, SVT Teacher; Ross Johnson, Broadway Dean of Students; and Kristalyn Peterson, Chester Nurse;
- Classified: Stacey Jenkin, Greenacres MS Intervention Specialist; Chuck Warner, Opportunity Head Custodian;
- Employee Teams: Bus Drivers, Mechanics, Dispatchers;
- Community: Debra Walker, MultiCare “Stop the Bleed” kits; Jim Durning, OpenEye; Gifts of Hope.
Doris Morrison Learning Center Opens in Saltese Flats - Bringing wetlands education to life
![Doris Morrison Learning Center Sign](https://3.files.edl.io/665e/23/06/27/004638-814ae418-c4ce-442f-bcc4-502a831cf4b0.png)
After being drained for farming for a century, Spokane County worked the last 15 years to restore the Saltese Flats back into a healthy wetland ecosystem. With the addition of the interpretive center, students have the opportunity to study the wetlands and CVSD is excited to bring elementary and middle school classes there for field trips to strengthen our outdoor education program. Spokane County’s Water Education Program will provide classroom learning about the aquifer. The learning center has lab space, a covered patio for outdoor learning, bird watching, and a flat walking trail that leads to the wetlands with interpretive signage.
Doris Morrison, whom the center was named for, was a life-long teacher who cared for this land and the people who lived there, for her entire 103 years of life.
![Doris Morrison Learning Center Opening](https://3.files.edl.io/5767/23/06/27/004748-aaa4ab89-ab7d-429d-862c-c34e439ee411.jpg)
Sisters in STEM (SIS) Takes Off - Brand new club at CVHS & middle school powers up
![Sisters in STEM](https://3.files.edl.io/4eca/23/06/27/005303-60065aad-037b-474e-9a34-826ae0e54faa.jpg)
![Sisters in STEM](https://3.files.edl.io/9ed8/23/06/29/001019-ca5ec1fd-f4be-4d5c-8f8d-42750a8247e1.jpg)
CVSD Honors Longtime Partner - OpenEye annually promotes STEM & gives to students
![Students at OpenEye](https://3.files.edl.io/2b8b/23/06/27/005459-65711f91-dc48-40cc-acc2-9422dda7cba6.jpg)
Annually, OpenEye invites almost 100 students to experience a behind-the-scenes tour—teaching them the importance of STEM. The culmination is rewarding each student's efforts with a new bike of their own that they build together with a staff mentor. Students learn to read instructions, use mechanical skills and tools to build a bike. In addition, OpenEye generously gives supplies and backpacks to our back-to-school resource fair.
![Honoring OpenEye](https://3.files.edl.io/fa05/23/06/27/005554-286d3c11-dca5-4da7-b6b6-e2642393a9af.jpeg)
2023 Spokane Valley Chamber’s CVSD Educator of the Year - Mark Bitz, Spokane Valley Tech
![Mark Bitz Educator of the Year](https://3.files.edl.io/1b96/23/06/29/003007-7335186c-f542-4071-ae5d-b34db36df59b.jpg)
Bitz has true passion for helping students find their future, and it shows. He started an apprenticeship program and propelled students to find careers befitting their passion—from astronaut to manufacturer or fashion designer. His impact on students and the greater community is visible and will be felt for years to come. Bitz will retire this school year after eleven years with CVSD and we wish him the best.
CVSD Intervention Specialist is Classified Employee of the Year - Tony Collins, Horizon MS
![Tony Collins HMS](https://3.files.edl.io/07b6/23/06/29/002451-fef83eab-7c32-4551-8c49-e84f0eb81dca.jpg)
He attended Horizon MS when it first opened as a junior high in 1982, and has served on the staff for nearly 25 years. Throughout his time at Horizon, Collins fostered a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and behaviorally while working as a behavior interventionist in general and in special education classrooms.
More than just ABCs... Teachers in all elementary schools are certified in LETRS
![LETRS Certified](https://3.files.edl.io/30b3/23/06/29/003308-c08c54fb-2f0a-4956-858e-5ef00f5f3769.jpg)
These LETRS-trained educators are better equipped to meet all students’ literacy learning needs. The training was so relevant that the team immediately applied the new learning to improve their practice. A second group of 40 educators will focus on special education and K-2 classroom teachers.
This training will have a long-term impact and lead to systemic change in literacy instruction in our district. The end reward will be the impact made on student learning.
Connect with Your CVSD School Board - Meet your 2022-2023 School Board Members.
![School Board](https://3.files.edl.io/aff5/23/06/29/004008-42044a47-2d44-418e-b6db-19ea788092c5.jpg)
Did you know? CVSD provides distinct choice programs to meet student needs
CVSD provides a variety of distinct alternative programs to meet student learning needs — all of these schools of choice are open to enrollment — one may be a great fit for your family. Find the one that may suit your needs.
![]() |
|
Central Valley Virtual Learning (CVVL) offers online learning options for K-12 students. One day of in-person is optional as well.
Visit cvvl.cvsd.org or call 558-5727.
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
Mica Peak High School (MPHS) offers a smaller learning environment for those HS students looking for something a little different.
Visit mphs.cvsd.org or call 558-5950.
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
Progress Elementary cultivates a curious and caring community of learners, Progress K-5 students engage in inquiry-based learning and explorations.
Visit pres.cvsd.org or call 558-4500.
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
Spokane Valley Learning Academy (SVLA) is designed to support parents who want flexibility to provide instruction at home for their child, grades K-8.
Visit svla.cvsd.org or call 558-5700.
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
Summit School uses expeditionary, student-centered learning curriculum for grades K-8.
Visit summit.cvsd.org or call 558-3250.
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
Spokane Valley Tech & STEM Academy has engaging programs & beyond-the-book learning for high school students.
Visit spokanevalleytech.org or call 558-6500.
|
Did you know? noteworthy notes about CVSD...
- Our 94% graduation rate remains higher than state (82%) and national averages.
- 50.2% of all CVSD students complete dual credits.
- CVSD employs 890 highly-qualified teachers with an average teacher experience of 14.1 years. 457 teachers have more than 15 years experience.
- 63.1% teachers have a masters degree or higher and CVSD has 111 Nationally Board Certified teachers
Save the dates!
- CVSD Budget Community Forum - Thurs. 9/21, 6pm at Central Valley HS Theatre, 821 S Sullivan Rd
- CVSD Strategic Roadmap Community Forum - Thurs. 10/26, 6pm at University HS Theatre, 12420 E 32nd Ave