b a c kn e x t h o m e BARTON SCHOOL STATE OF THE SCHOOL ADDRESS April 11, 2007

b a c kn e x t h o m e An Introduction to Clara Barton “Where the Wise Rise to Success”

b a c kn e x t h o m e Barton School “Where the Wise Rise to Success” n Standards-based, high expectations, inquiry based, and community- oriented n A positive environment preparing students to be knowledgeable, responsible, caring, and confident citizens in an ever changing world. n Dedicated to continuous improvement

b a c kn e x t h o m e Dr. Farrah S. Koonce, Principal n Basic Philosophy: All decisions are made in the best interest of students n 3 rd year as principal of Barton School n Ed.D. Educational Leadership, University of Pennsylvania n MA, Educational Leadership, Monmouth University n BA, Elementary Education and History, Monmouth University

b a c kn e x t h o m e Principal’s Note n Our challenge for the school year is to continue to build on our achievements. We can be proud of what we have achieved at Barton, but our achievements are not due to complacency and satisfaction with the status quo. Our programs are built on a strong community connection, continuous collaboration, and dedicated teacher professionals. We will be working hard to meet Cherry Hill Board of Education goals by focusing on improved student achievement, closing the achievement gaps where they exist, integration of an integrated curriculum, review of special education programs, and through a school facilities action plan.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Barton Faculty n All teachers are certified and deemed “Highly Qualified” n Numerous teachers with advanced degrees including technology and mathematics n Spirit of collaboration n Committed to Professional Development n Culture of excellence!

b a c kn e x t h o m e Barton Demographics

b a c kn e x t h o m e

b a c kn e x t h o m e Barton Organization n 2.5 Kindergarten classes n 6 Grade 1 classes n 5 Grade 2 classes n 5 Grade 3 classes n 4 Grade 4 classes n 4 Grade 5 classes n 0 Self-Contained Special Needs class n 3 Resource Rooms n Average Class Size is 20 students

b a c kn e x t h o m e 2007 – 2008 Proposed School Budget

b a c kn e x t h o m e Implications of the 2007 – 2008 Proposed Budget – Elementary n Increased class size in grade 5 (from 24 to 25) n 3 elementary positions cut (across the district) n 1 educational assistant cut (across the district)

b a c kn e x t h o m e Barton Organization (Budgeted) n 2.5 Kindergarten classes n 6 Grade 1 classes n 5 Grade 2 classes n 5 Grade 3 classes n 5 Grade 4 classes n 4 Grade 5 classes n 0 Self-Contained Special Needs class n 3 Resource Rooms n Average Class Size is 20 students

b a c kn e x t h o m e Board Goals

b a c kn e x t h o m e Goal 1: Continue to improve student achievement at all grade levels and close achievement gaps where they exist.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Continuous Improvement We collect and analyze data in order to provide our students with the differentiated instruction and support they need to meet and exceed the standards. Data helps us to identify at-promise students and their specific learning needs. We have used the data to develop before, during, and after school programs to accelerate student learning. Teachers maintain the Student Database which allows us to systematically gather and analyze data. Additionally, teachers have developed Collaborative Plans to focus their attention to specific academic areas.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Student Achievement Data Current Grade 6 students (based on 2005 NJASK 5 data ) Language Arts Math Advanced Proficient17 38 Proficient7044 Partially Proficient813 92% of students were advanced proficient or proficient in LA. 87% of students were advanced proficient or proficient in Math. 7 students received a perfect score of 300 on the math.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Student Achievement Data Current Grade 5 students (based on 2005 NJASK 3 data ) L A Math SC Advanced Proficient Proficient Partially Proficient No Score % of students were advanced proficient or proficient in LA. 87.9% of students were advanced proficient or proficient in Math. 87.8% of students were advanced proficient or proficient in Science.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Student Achievement Data Current Grade 4 students (based on 2005 NJASK 3 data ) L A Math Advanced Proficient Proficient Partially Proficient % of students were advanced proficient or proficient in LA. 94.0% of students were advanced proficient or proficient in Math.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Continuous Improvement n Using data to drive instruction (trends, etc..) n Specific Instructional Strategies (Better Answers, etc…) n Implementation of new writing program n Intervention Programs –Before and After School Program –Summer School –ESST Support, Math Coach, Instructional Support Specialist –Educational Assistant for Academic Support –Researched based interventions

b a c kn e x t h o m e Continuous Improvement through Professional Development –Writing Initiative: Lucy Calkins –2 nd full year of Math Investigations Implementation –New Teacher Workshops: various disciplines –In –house workshops including Reading with Meaning –Sample lessons and co-teaching with ISS and Math Coach

b a c kn e x t h o m e Goal 2: Begin implementation of an integrated curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development framework that will assure continuous student progress within an aligned Pre K – 12 educational program.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Goal 3: Develop an action plan to improve school facilities with a focus on learning, safety, infrastructure, and maintenance.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Goal 4: Review special education programs to ensure that every child’s needs are met in accordance with the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) and in compliance with State mandated program requirements.

b a c kn e x t h o m e Things to Celebrate at Barton n Infusion of technology across the curriculum at all grade levels n 2 teachers recognized as Geraldine Dodge Foundation recipients n 3 Odyssey of the Mind teams have moved on to State Finals – a student recognized for individual accomplishments n Continuation of Character Education Initiatives n Gains in student achievement based on NJASK data n Over 600,00 pages for the Reading Program n Continuation of the K Readiness Packets

b a c kn e x t h o m e THE END