Volume 3, Issue 3
This
Issue
MS Groundbreaking
PSSA Results
Did You Know
Upcoming Events
Next Edition
Central
Columbia
School
MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING:
On Monday, October 3, several
members of the middle school project steering committee, the
administration, and the School Board attended a formal groundbreaking for
the middle school project. After many years of consideration and several
years of planning, the construction has finally begun. The construction
project is scheduled to take approximately two years to complete—with much
of this first phase (during the 2005-06 school year) consisting of the
construction of new space. There will be construction annoyances
(hopefully not significant disruptions) along the way. However, we will
persevere through this process in anticipation of a facility that can
support renewed efforts and growth in instruction, curriculum and
learning.
PSSA RESULTS:
Results for the 2004-2005 PSSA
were released recently. We are, once again, pleased with our overall
results. Using the PSSA to make educational decisions requires in depth
analysis, however, here are a few summary points from these results.
- Our overall passing rate (total number of students proficient or advanced on all the tests divided by the total number of tests taken) is 74%. This is an increase for the fourth consecutive year (2000-01: 65%-2001--02: 69%--2002-03: 71%--2003-04: 73%--2004-05: 74%) and is the highest level ever!
- The attached chart shows our overall proficiency percentage (# proficient plus # advanced divided by total tests) for each grade for both mathematics and reading. For comparison purposes I have also shown the state proficiency percentages in those same tests and our rank within the 17 schools of the CSIU region.
|
|
Math % |
Reading % |
PA |
PA |
CSIU Rank |
CSIU Rank |
|
Grade |
Proficiency |
Proficiency |
Math |
Reading |
Math |
Reading |
|
3 |
88 |
80 |
81 |
68 |
7 |
4 |
|
5 |
77.1 |
70.5 |
69 |
70.5 |
5 |
5 |
|
8 |
57.4 |
63.8 |
62.9 |
64 |
12 |
11 |
|
11 |
70 |
83.7 |
50.8 |
83.7 |
1 |
2 |
These overall results are extremely positive and are indicative of the
hard work put in by everyone in the areas of instruction, curriculum
development, and professional development. It is no secret that many of
you continue to work very hard to make sure our curriculum is up-to-date
and that our students get the very best in instruction. Consistently
high achievement that we have experienced in the PSSA and other measures
is a result of your efforts. Our students, parents, community, and I
thank you.
DID YOU KNOW?:
A 1993 study by the National
Center for Educational Statistics indicated that only 56% of 1992
college graduates held a job that required a four-year college degree.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Friday, October 14—Homecoming
- Monday, October 17—School Board Meeting—7:00 p.m., District Office Board Room
- Thursday, October 20—Strategic Plan Meeting—7:00 p.m., District Office Board Room