To Middle School Staff and Administration, Parents and Community Members

WOW! THANKS! OUTSTANDING!  These are just some of the first impressions and thoughts that came to mind while reviewing the NECAP results.

On a more professional level - the NECAP improvement and achievement results for grades 6, 7, and 8 in Reading showed an overall increase of 23% and Math 11%.  That being said, the most impressive information is in the details.  Beyond the “year to year” results, I was impressed with the “over-time” results.  However, the substantial number of students achieving “proficiency with distinction” (140) in Reading and the “Constructed Response Proficiency” of 89% really was “over the top”!!

The school’s math results were also impressive with a 70% overall average proficiency for all three grades. The complete results can be found……….

In summary, the results were statistically substantial and pervasive; a reflection of a comprehensive approach to changes in curriculum and instruction across content areas. 

These improvements and changes came about from the entire staff and administration’s willingness to consistently look at NECAP results, as well as the building / content level assessments they developed and analyzed.  The fact is that they go beyond analysis into “action” in response to what they learn.  Seems simple enough - but few know the work involved.  It takes a willingness and acceptance to do what I call “the work” and actually make changes within the four walls of the classroom - where it really counts.

It is amazing what can be accomplished as a school community of professionals willing to focus on what we are doing well and what we can do better to help students learn and achieve.

We can provide resources when we are financially able - text series, professional development, etc., - but in the end it is meaningless without the building level commitment and leadership to, what I continue to label as, “lifelong learning;” an expectation that we will continue to grow and learn as professionals in an effort to improve student achievement and learning.

I also understand that the NECAP is not what we call a “high stakes” test for students.  It seems more “high stakes” for us! That being said, I understand the work that the school professional “community” put in to helping our students “get ready” and to take it seriously as a reflection of their personal learning, and to take pride in their results.  Hopefully, the students will celebrate the school’s and their personal successes together.

On behalf of our entire school community – I thank the entire Middle School staff and administration and students for their hard work and their commitment to improve student learning and achievement.

Lastly, I am sure you join me in recognizing John Lahar, Principal, and Clare Arnold, Assistant Principal, for their educational leadership.  Their commitment to work with the entire staff coupled with their dedication and persistence and focus on doing what’s best for students has been exemplary.  Since they have “opened” the middle school, they have both worked together, and with the entire staff, to build a sense of community and purpose.  You know  it is not easy work to look deeply at “data,” reflect on what we are doing that seems to be working, and look even more critically at what does not seem to be working, then take collective action –real steps - towards improving it.

Thanks again to all of them for their focus on doing what’s best for kids, their hard work, persistence, and dedication.

Sincerely, Stephen F. Lindberg, Superintendent of Schools