From the Desk of Patrick M. Burns, Principal
Letter to Parents
Fall 2009
As our school year begins we are excited about the many opportunities that lay ahead. We look forward to building upon the progress we have made together as a learning community. Our efforts have resulted in increased test scores, improved learning conditions, community partnerships, and two “growing” gardens. On Wednesday September 8, 2009 we received notice from the NYS Department of Education that we are now recognized as a “School in Good Standing” under NYS and Federal “No Child Left Behind” guidelines! If not for our continued collaboration as a community such an accomplishment would never have been possible.
Now with a new year we have increased expectations for success.
Our goals for the school year 2009-2010:
1) Continue building on the collaborative foundations we implemented last year thereby improving communication among parents, students, and teachers.
2) Collecting and analyzing student data to set learning targets for all students in all subjects.
3) Assist students and their parents with the necessary resources to use the feedback teachers are providing them to gain further success.
4) Reflect on the progress of each student and revise our strategies when necessary.
5) Provide a safe, clean, learning environment
6) Further develop the talents of our students by collaborating with community organizations.
7) Develop community members that respect and understand their individual responsibility to the growth and success of our community.
8) Continue to utilize the most recent technology to provide our students with every advantage.
Our expectations for success remain increasingly high. We will focus on addressing your concerns outlined in our 2008-2009 Learning Environment Survey. We will specifically address your request to improve the vital line of communication between our school and your household. One strategy we are implementing is the posting of all homework assignments on our school website www.28q217.nycdoe.org.
In our effort to focus on the progress of our students we are implementing a school-wide grading policy. Students will be graded on the satisfactory completion of homework assignments, class participation, teacher assigned projects, evidence of satisfactory class work, and their performance on subject exams. School-wide exams will be administered every 6-8 weeks to determine the progress of our school, as well as the progress of individual students.
Our teachers have reviewed various sources of data on each of our students and they are setting individual learning goals for all. Parents now have access to their child’s attendance and academic data through the ARIS Parent link. As our year moves forward our teachers will work with you, your child, and your child’s support team (teachers, guidance counselor, dean, and assistant principal) to reflect on your child’s progress and make the necessary adjustments. Teachers will utilize Smart Boards, projectors, and the internet to engage your child and to develop the necessary skills vital to your child’s future professional success.
We are determined to meet the goals we have set for both our school and each individual student.
Thank you for your cooperation and your continued support.
Respectfully,
Patrick M. Burns
Principal