Let's make it a better school year

This year is going to be different. It's got to be.For several years, Greeley-Evans District 6 has been plagued with declining test scores. Finally, last year, the situation was so desperate that the state put the district on academic watch.

Earlier this month, though, we got a glimpse of hope.

The results of the Colorado Student Assessment Program tests showed that District 6 improved its scores in 22 of the 29 tests. It declined in only two.

That was good news. And while the improvement wasn't enough -- the scores still lag behind the state averages by 10-20 percentage points -- it was definitely a step in the right direction.

But there's still a lot of work to do.

As students head back to schools throughout northern Colorado, we all need to rally behind them and declare our roles in their future. Everyone can be a part of the solution:

» Parents

Whether you have a little preschooler or high school senior, you've got to be involved.

Know what your child is learning, talk about school at home every day, and study and read with your child daily.

Also, get to know your child's teachers and friends. Support the teachers as they take on the challenge of shaping our future.

Finally, get involved in school programs yourself. The more interest you show in your child and your child's school, the more likely your child will be interested, as well.

» Community

In the past year, we've seen what can happen when a community comes together to make our schools better.

Greeley's business community has played a key role in helping students. We encourage every business out there -- no matter if it's a small store or a huge corporation -- to continue to be involved and allow employees to get involved with what's happening in the neighborhood schools.

Sponsor a program, donate prizes for school contests, set up a program for a couple employees to read to students every week.

» Schools

We are fortunate to have teachers and staff throughout the county who work tirelessly and care tremendously for our children.

This year, District 6 will implement a number of changes. For example, new principals will be leading several of the district's schools.

We support the changes and see them as a way for the district to unite and get where we want to be.

But we recognize that the teachers will still be the ones who will be working with our children every day. They will be the ones who implement the programs. They will be the ones who make the difference.

We're behind you. We know you can do it.

MORE INSIDE

« For more about back-to-school time, go to the back-to-school shopping story on page D1 .