In the five years since being named as Carbon School District Superintendent, Steve Carlsen has seen his fair share of changes, challenges and joys.
Having recently been named as Utah’s Superintendent of The Year last September, the title has not come easily to the educator. He has seen the district through grade realignments, an increase in student technology as well as through a period of tears and questions no superintendent should have to answer after the shocking death of one of the district’s students in 2014.
However, as he prepares for yet another year to be added to the books, Carlsen remains hopeful and optimistic about what the future of Carbon School District may hold.
One such reason for Carlsen to remain hopeful is found in a change that will occur in the middle schools. Previously having been schools that feature a seven-period day with each class lasting approximately 46 minutes long, this year will feature a five-period day, with periods lasting over an hour and offering students more choices as the five periods are rotated every other day.
The idea sprung from a desire to strengthen core subjects of math, language arts and sciences. To help students as much as possible in those areas, the students’ schedules will still feature classes in said three areas every day.
Carlsen also expounded on an upcoming grade collaboration among teaching staff. The collaboration will hopefully help educators work together to be as effective as possible. Such collaborations may also feature workshops provided by faculty as well as an evaluation to help measure understanding of a given concept.
With 30 new teachers on board for the 2016-2017 school year, another hurdle in front of the district will be to train and help new teachers understand what is needed for the upcoming year.
Having worked long in the education sphere, Carlsen also was able to offer several tips he feels would prove useful in starting the school year off on the right foot and keeping the hold throughout the year.
“I’m a huge believer in the evening meal,” he said in regards to setting a standard of eating dinner together as a family, a tradition that has received praise for its help in facilitating stronger filial relationships as well as preventing early-age substance abuse.
Carlsen similarly praised a daily schedule, with a set bedtime each night as well as times allotted for homework and downtime with a break from technology.
Finally, the superintendent stressed the key role of communication from both sides of educational endeavors. Carlsen remains hopeful that parents and guardians will communicate with educators if a problem arises and likewise that teachers will be open to talking with parents and guardians.