State Superintendent Paul Pastorek toured Zachary Community Schools for the first time Tuesday. Pastorek said he was impressed with much of what he saw including the technology, teaming and program opportunities provided to students.
Pastorek was greeted upon arrival by principals of the district’s 6 schools, community leaders and members of the Zachary Community School Board. He then joined a group of around 50 students in the Northwestern Middle School library; where he spoke briefly and listened to the students discuss future plans and aspirations.
“You’re in the best school, in the best district in the state,” Pastorek told the students.
After visiting with the students, Pastorek observed a group of sixth grade teachers during their teaming time. During the professional learning communities, the teachers meet daily to discuss curriculum, the needs of their shared students and collaborate on lesson plans.
Principal Debby Brian admitted it’s a scheduling challenge to have all of the teachers in a group free at the same to time get together but said it’s important for the success of the students and that while challenging for administrators, the district has provided her with the resources to make this schedule possible.
Pastorek then had a chance to see Northwestern Middle Teacher Michelle Powell in action with some of her students. Her captivating lesson, evidence of the great teaching and learning taking place in Zachary schools.
From Northwestern Middle, the tour moved to Northwestern Elementary where they observed the more than 900 Prek through 1st grade students housed there.
Pastorek said he was impressed with the technology he saw in place with even the district’s youngest students. Zachary Superintendent Warren Drake also highlighted the fact that the district offers foreign language, art and music to students beginning on the Prek level.
The final stop on the trip was Zachary High where Superintendent Pastorek met with a group of student leaders who joined him for lunch after he toured the agriscience program, welding and woodworking shop, athletic facilities and Hard Work Cafè. Pastorek answered student questions and enjoyed lunch in the Zachary High cafeteria before heading to his next appointment.
District officials said they were excited about Pastorek’s first visit to the state’s number one school district and happy to show him some of the great things going on in Zachary schools.
