School is now underway and we have enjoyed a successful beginning to the 2011-12 school year. Positive things are happening in our schools as evidenced by the impressive accomplishments of our talented students.

Last year, six of our schools received state-wide recognition for academic excellence, and the graduating class of 2011 earned over $7 million in scholarship funds. In addition to their academic accomplishments, our students continue to excel in extracurricular activities, the arts, and community service.

Students are taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them and are receiving a well-rounded educational experience in our Snoqualmie Valley schools.

In recent years, we have devoted a great deal of time, energy, and thinking to school improvement through a focused, system-wide approach to planning in each of our schools. The growth and accomplishments of our students show that these efforts are making a difference as the Snoqualmie Valley schools are among the highest performing in the state of Washington.

While these successes are cause for celebration, we continue to look for ways to make our schools even better. During the past month, our principals and their building teams have been carefully analyzing state assessment results, as this data will be utilized to inform their school improvement efforts for the coming year. As in the past, each of our schools will be developing school improvement plans which establish priorities, focus, and direction in order to improve student learning.

The fundamental purpose of our schools is to ensure high levels of learning for every student. All that we do in terms of decision making and action will support and drive us toward this premise. I believe we are positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that will present themselves during the coming year in order to take our schools to even higher levels of effectiveness. Most importantly, the students will be the beneficiaries of that increased effectiveness.

Thank you for your continued support of the Snoqualmie Valley schools. We’re looking forward to a great school year!

Joel Aune

Superintendent, Snoqualmie Valley School District

• Learn more about Snoqualmie Valley School District at www.svsd410.org.