August 25, 2008
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The Department of Education notified the district today that the Thomson School has been identified for “improvement” in English language arts for the aggregate under the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This means that Thomson School’s NCLB accountability status is “Improvement Year 1”.
The designation of improvement impacts the Thomson School community in the following ways. First, the school is eligible for additional support from the school district and the state as we work together to improve teaching and learning. Second, as stated in my August 13 letter to parents, because the Thomson School receives federal Title 1 funds, Thomson students may choose to attend another public school in the district that is not identified for improvement.
The designation alone does not indicate a failing school, it does highlight areas where more work is needed by principals, teachers, and parents to ensure that all students are successful. We are doing many things to improve teaching and learning in the school, including:
1. We hired a new principal, Mr. Gregg Gilligan, who is committed to supporting all teachers and students and to increasing parental involvement.
2. We are fully implementing a phonics/word study program (Fundations) in grades K-2 and a writing program (Write Traits) in grades K-5. We believe both programs, based on scientific research and aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, address the causes of poor student performance.
3. We have hired an additional school social worker/guidance counselor who specializes in behavioral interventions.
4. We initiated a pilot summer school to provide additional time and support for students, especially those who may be struggling.
5. We are implementing a computer-assisted math intervention program (I-Succeed) for grades 3-5.
6. We are increasing in-school and after-school tutorial opportunities for those students in need of additional intervention.
Involving families as full partners in the education of their children is a cornerstone of NCLB. When families support learning, children are more successful in school, and school success helps children become successful adults. We encourage you to join us in partnership to improve the Thomson School. Some of the ways you can become involved are:
• Attending parent-teacher meetings and other special meetings;
• Serving as a volunteer in our school; and
• Encouraging other parents to become involved.
Principal Gregg Gilligan, Assistant Superintendent Hutchinson and I will be holding an informational meeting for parents regarding AYP on Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Thomson School.
Sincerely,
V. James Marini
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