“Creative thinking… is the ultimate expression of reflective and critical thinking” (Lynn Erickson, Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction, 2007).

Below are major activities that will occur in order to create a high quality, rigorous and inclusive educational program at Springville. Timelines may be adjusted for some activities. Calendars with specific dates for staff, parent, and community activities will be provided as schedule decisions are made.

October 2008
• Principal researches teaching/learning models for implementation at Springville (attending workshops and conferences and making visits to school sites in Beaverton and other districts)
• Principal meets with architect and project manager to make decisions about interiors, grounds, furniture, technology, etc.

November 2008
• Positions for secretary and “Planning Team” are posted (Planning Team is a representative group of teacher leaders who assist the principal and become Springville teaching staff)
• Activities begin for selection of Planning Team members, including classroom observations
• Activities begin for selection of school secretary
• Principal continues to research teaching/learning models for implementation at Springville and makes a determination
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager to make decisions about interiors, grounds, furniture, technology, etc.

December 2008
• Process continues for selecting Planning Team members and secretary
• Planning Team and secretary are hired prior to Winter Break
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager to make decisions about interiors, grounds, furniture, technology, etc.

January 2009
• Secretary begins work
• Planning Team (including principal) begins their work, first focusing on purpose, mission and vision
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager to make decisions about interiors, grounds, furniture, technology, etc.
• Process begins for selection of 80% of the remainder of the teaching staff
• Parents begin connecting to plan for a parent-teacher organization (PTO) and parent-supported activities such as Art Literacy
• School-based web site is launched
• First Springville School newsletter is published (continues monthly through August)

February 2009
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager in planning completion of the school
• Planning Team continues their work, including assisting with hiring of additional staff and planning parent/community communication and activities
• Parents continue to develop a PTO and parent-supported activities

March 2009
• Majority of teaching positions are hired prior to Spring Break
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager in planning completion of the school
• Planning Team continues their work, including planning transition activities for Springville students currently at Jacob Wismer, Rock Creek and Oak Hills
• Planning Team participates in professional development regarding the teaching/learning model
• Parents continue to develop a parent-teacher organization and parent-supported activities

April 2009
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager in planning completion of the school
• Regular district hiring season begins, during which the remainder of Springville teachers are hired
• Planning Team continues their work, including ordering materials and making recommendations for school schedules, supervision, and school-wide social-behavioral skills support
• Transition activities occur for future Springville students
• School custodian is hired
• Parents continue to develop a parent-teacher organization and parent-supported activities; first PTO meeting is held and meetings continue monthly
• Kindergarten Orientation is held at another school location

May 2009
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager in planning completion of the school
• Planning Team continues their work, including assisting with hiring of remaining staff, designing parent-student handbook, and reviewing student information
• Transition activities continue for future Springville students
• Classified staff (educational assistants, assistant secretary, and evening custodian) are hired, through the summer
• Parents continue to develop a parent-teacher organization and parent-supported activities

June 2009
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager in planning completion of the school
• Springville staff works together for two days after school is out, regarding school details and professional development
• Parents continue to develop a parent-teacher organization and parent-supported activities
• First Local School Committee (LSC) meeting is held

July 2009
• Principal continues to meet with architect and project manager in planning completion of the school
• PTO meetings occur as needed

August 2009
• Building and grounds are completed!
• Staff and volunteers move into the school and organize
• Springville staff start work a week early for professional development in the teaching/learning model and to prepare for school opening
• Volunteers assist staff and the principal with school opening
• PTO and LSC meetings are held
• Leadership Camp is held for interested 5th graders who want to help with the Grand Opening, be school ambassadors, etc.
• Grand Opening occurs for students, parents and community members the week before school starts
• School tours for families are provided

September 2009
• School starts for students!
• Curriculum Night for parents is held

October 2009
• Parent conferences occur
• Dedication Ceremony is held
• First Site Council meeting is held

Document prepared October 2008