Principal Report to School Board
November 10, 2010
Sherry L. Levesque
Recognition:
Don Whitney and Tim Knedler volunteered their services at Camp Middle Moose this past August. They brought their experiences in the Maine woods to life on nature walks, during fly tying lessons, and many other camp activities. Students enjoyed having them join our camp program. Staff members appreciated their help and support. Their presence was invaluable. This was Don’s 3rd year.
Our SIT meeting took place on October 14th. Students, Izzy DeTroy and Jennifer Sutherland joined parents, Carole DeTroy, Rebecca Matusovich, Sharon Vandermay, and Beth Sutherland in our annual review of Middle School progress and development of new goals for our School Improvement Plan. Mr. Robbins and I were very pleased to have students join the group this year and for the input provided by the parents and students.
The beginning of every school year is always a challenge with all of the paperwork that comes in and the organization of forms. Once again, Lona Farrell and Linda Cash came forward to meet this yearly challenge. They quickly sort materials and account for missing forms so that our secretaries can begin yearly data entry and updates. We are very thankful for their help.
On November 10th Middle School students, staff, and a parent joined administrators in presenting the District’s work in transitioning to a perfomance-based model to the State School Board. Students, Eliza Larrivee, Nick Chandler, and Chris Thomas shared their thoughts on the benefits of being in a performance-based classroom. Teachers, Amanda Hennessey and Lisa Knedler shared their perspectives along with a parent, Rebecca Matusovich. All spoke very positively of their experiences and provided specific details to back up their thoughts. They represented our school and District very well.
Topics of Interest/Successes
The Middle School continues to make steady progress towards the implementation of a performance-based model. This year we have several teams piloting performance-based models in their classrooms. We have a 5th-7th grade vertical team, a 7th grade team and an 8th grade team implementing a performance-based model at the grade level, and a 5th grade team beginning implementation. It is important to have these models available for others to observe. We are making plans to add new pilot teams in the 2011-2012 school year.
The school garden was a tremendous success. Vegetables were harvested throughout the months of September and October and distributed to the Middle and High School cafeterias. Fresh tomatoes and green peppers from the garden were regular additions on the salad bars. Peter Reaman and Jason Herod worked hard to gather the resources and put the work into getting the garden started. It was a fabulous experience for the students last year and this year. Recently, a load of manure was donated to use as the garden is put to rest for the winter.
The months of September and October were filled with assessments for students in all grade levels. Students completed math and reading NWEA assessments, AIMSweb screenings in math and reading, and NECAP assessments in math and reading. Students in grades 5 and 8 also completed writing assessments as part of their NECAP testing. All assessments were completed by October 22nd.
The 1st quarter ended on October 29th. Student/parent/teacher conferences were held during the week of November 8th. We are pleased that these conferences are very well attended and that students continue to gain skills in leading these important discussions about their progress and learning.
We are trying something new this year to help staff support each other. Whenever a new strategy or instructional technique is introduced to us from our work with RISC, our teacher leaders or pilot teachers post times that they are using the strategy/technique and others are welcomed to stop by and observe. Teachers are also encouraged to have one of the teacher leaders come to their class and model instructional strategies. This support has been used as classes have developed shared visions, codes of conduct, and unpacking standards.
Challenges:
The new science program has presented some challenges with technology. During NWEA testing it was difficult to use the technology related to the program due the strain on our internet capacity. Since testing has been completed and the bandwidth at the Middle School has been increased, there seem to be fewer interruptions. However, there are several aspects of the program that still need to be ironed out.
The number of new registrations this fall has presented a challenge in several ways. We seem to have a large number of incoming students. Many of the students have required support services. It has been a challenge to sort out the needs of students and determine placement. A meeting with Middle School guidance counselors, Michelle Guerard, and Erin Chase was very helpful to all of us. After the meeting, Michelle Guerard developed a flow chart to be used in future placement decisions.
Short-Term Goals:
-review all remaining lines within the 10-11 Middle School budget and plan spending for the remainder of the year
-meet with teachers to gather input for next year
-continue to develop teacher leadership opportunities
-begin preliminary 2011-2012 budget preparations
Emerging Long-Term Goals:
-complete plans for teams and prepare for placement in 2011-2012
-review existing academic support systems and determine future viability and/or adjustments
-continue work on preparation for and implementation of a performance-based model at the Middle School
