Principal's Corner

 

April 9, 2010

Hello everyone,

The students at the Academy achieved Expected and High Growth in 2008-09 as measured by the North Carolina End of Grade tests. Approximately 65% of the students in grades 3-8 experienced at least one year of academic growth as determined by those state achievement tests. That growth was a substantial improvement in student performance when compared to the performance of students during the past several years. Also, as measured by the End of Grade tests, student proficiency increased by approximately 80% as compared to the results of 2007-08; that means that the number of 3s and 4s on the tests almost doubled as compared to the past year. As stipulated by the North Carolina accountability standards, a student must score a 3 or 4 to be academically proficient at grade level. Thus, we substantially reduced the number of students scoring 1 or 2 on the tests.   We also learned that the students at the Academy made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as required by the federal legislation, No Child Left Behind.   It was the first time in 6 years that the students at the Academy made AYP.  

When the 2009-10 school year began, we took time to celebrate the accomplishments of the past school year, and prepare to reach for higher academic levels during this school year.   To support that reach, we purchased new mathematics textbooks for grades K - 8, installed new computers in the computer labs and crafted intensive instructional schedules that provided for optimal learning time on task for teachers and students.  

With students and teachers returning from Spring Break, we are preparing to administer the NWEA (Northwest Education Assessment) benchmark tests to students in grades 2 - 8.   Student performance on these tests will provide indicators as to the potential performance of our students on the End of Grade tests which begin on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.   As last year, teachers will use the results of the April NWEA tests to adjust instructional practices in response to the weaknesses students demonstrate on those tests.   Also, when the K - 2 students return on April 12, 2010, they will find that the new computers have been installed in their computer lab.

There are several other major activities on the schedule for the next several weeks.   The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has undertaken its second major fundraiser for this school year.   The PTO will be selling pizza kits for home use.   I thank the PTO for its efforts to support the students, teachers and staff.   Also, girls and boys track seasons begin, and our Honor Choir will perform in a state wide program at Sallie B. Howard School, in Wilson, North Carolina on Saturday, April 17, 2010.   One other instructional note; we are examining samples of new K - 8 English and Reading books for purchase for the 2011-11 school year.   Another major activity underway for next school year is the student enrollment process.   Please consider Healthy Start Academy as you consider educational opportunities for 2010-11.

Please contact me if I can be of assistance in any fashion.

 

Thank you for visiting our web site,

Jim McCormick (Principal/Superintendent)