After many years of diverse administrative assignments in traditional school districts, I was seeking and found a position which allows me to support enrichment learning opportunities for students in a nurturing, innovative and rigorous school environment.
As I begin my fourth year as Executive Director I have come to appreciate just how innovative and unique Luckiamute Valley Charter Schools are. Bridgeport Elementary and Pedee Middle Schools both embody the stories and rich history of generations of families who shaped the Luckiamute Valley community. They built both schools with their own hands and in doing so, forged a lasting legacy that continues to this day. Some of the descendants of that community are currently thriving in our schools thus ensuring that the positive and dynamic learning community forged by those pioneers continues, while welcoming many new families who bring new energy and ideas with them.
A majority of our school board members attended one of our schools as children and are part of the LVCS generational history. All board members reside in the lush, green hills and valleys surrounding Pedee and Bridgeport. They demonstrate their love and support for the schools and this community in many ways beyond attending monthly board meetings.
One of the practices that impressed me when I was researching LVSC, is the board’s commitment to small class size. Limiting the number of students in the classroom allows teachers to do a better job of building relationships, providing quality instruction and more targeted interventions for those students who need extra support. Providing daily PE helps teach students the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle and is aligned with recent research on the relationship between physical activity and learning. Vigorous, supervised physical activity allows students to return to the classroom, more focused and ready to learn. The enrichment opportunities offered in music, science and art excite and inspire them. Monthly field trips out into the community enhance learning by allowing students hands-on experience of the history, science and art that they read about in school.
Our teachers are enthusiastically dedicated to meeting each child where they are as learners and moving them forward. LVCS is also blessed with skilled assistants who provide support for teachers in the classroom and deliver intervention instruction in small reading and math groups. If a student gets off track, there is always a staff member there to provide a basket of support.
I want to partner with our parents to inspire the social, intellectual, physical and ethical growth of our children, while ensuring that they are ready to successfully meet academic and life challenges after they leave LVCS.
To those families who are already part of the LVCS family, thank you for your support and partnership. For those parents who are seeking a creative, innovative alternative to a traditional school environment for their children, I hope you consider joining us on this journey. To learn more about our schools and to see if LVCS is a good fit for your child, contact us to schedule an interview and tour.
I am proud to be part of an inclusive, safe and positive place for young minds and hearts to grow.
Christy Wilkins
LVCS Executive Director