From the Principal
Measuring Academic Progress (MAP) Testing
With the district goal of increasing student achievement, a first year pilot of the MAP (Measuring Academic Progress) program is underway. Students will be assessed three times each school year using the computer based assessments in Reading, Language, and Mathematics to provide information on their progress toward standards. The results of the testing are available to their classroom teachers within 24 hours and will be used to adjust instruction.
Insisting on Success
What happens in our school when, despite our best efforts in the classroom, a student does not learn? We are insisting on success by coordinating an Intervention Program where students who need additional support to improve grades are required to work with teachers after school. Teachers will work with students who have earned Ds or Fs first quarter (end of first quarter is Nov. 6); students who are required to attend will be receiving letters requiring them to attend.
School Climate and Connectedness Survey
This is the third year that our school has participated in the School Climate and Connectedness Survey. School climate refers to factors that contribute to the tone in, and attitudes toward, a school. Positive school climate is associated with well-managed classrooms and common areas, high and clearly stated expectations concerning individual responsibility, feeling safe at school, and teachers and staff that consistently acknowledge all students and fairly address their behavior. Our school's student scores improved significantly in the following areas: High Expectations, School Safety, Respectful Climate, and Peer Climate subscales. Across the district, there was also a statistically significant reduction in student reports of delinquent behaviors and drug and alcohol use among peers at school. Staff gave significantly improved ratings across all subscales except Student Involvement.
We have been working very hard to provide our students with a safe, structured, supportive, and engaging experience here at our school. We will continue to use the results of the survey to improve our school. It's great to see our efforts making a difference!
Sincerely,
Barb Mecum
Principal
