1. WHERE HAVE WE BEEN? WHERE WOULD WE LIKE TO GO? North Shore Hebrew Academy General Studies Goals for the 2015– 2016 School Year

2. How did we do last year? NY State Test scores – grades 3,4,5, 6, 7 Achievements of 2014-2015

3. 2014 – 2015 Achievements Implementation of new Common Core reading program (Wonders) and new Common Core Math program (Go! Math) in grades 1-5 Improved reading growth as measured by running records and 2014-2015 state tests On 8 out of 10 Common Core State exams students did better than the year before We did better or the same as JFK and North Middle on 7 out of 10 exams New writing program emphasizing writing with detail Every middle school students had full group, small group, and one-on-one writing instruction Interdisciplinary assembly program and family history project for third grade Implementation of new computer instruction software Additional math and science enrichment in lower grades and math remediation Math/science enrichment in kindergarten Increased academic support for children that included more experienced teachers Assemblies and trips for all grades, special assemblies, speakers for holidays, commemorations, etc. Student Govt. spirit events (e.g. pajama day), Spirit Week, student internships Upgrade Phys. Ed program Revised ASA program

4. Achievements (continued) Expansion of Smart Boards to grade 1 and 2, document cameras Upgrading of computers – instructional technology plan developed, and new director of educational technology hired New improved and simplified school management system – Parent Locker very positively received Literary Magazine, school newspaper, memory book, yearbook, writing competition Increased reading support at Cherry Lane Grant from district for Literacy Coach Exciting competitions including Word of the Day, Spelling Bees,word searches, rebuses, calcutrivia, art, etc. Improved behavior of students, especially on buses Anti-bullying groups and Same but Different program Effective Child Study Teams and support services Success in accelerated programs for exceptional math students – 3 geometry students More personalized 6 th grade orientation program Improved parent communication, regular newsletters Increased instructional links and activities on web site Championship Debate Team.. Again! School painted, new roof, new bathrooms, refurbished auditorium, new awning, new classroom, etc.

5. Where Do We Want To Go? 2015-2016 GOALS

6. Goal 1: To Improve Academic Achievement at All Levels  To continue to improve our student performance on the Common Core NY State exams without excessive test prep  To improve all student reading levels (by at least 3 letters) from September to June in grades 1 - 5  To once again have 85% of all students grades 5 and 8 achieve mastery level on the computer competency checklist

7. Goal 1 (continued) To offer writing labs in grades 6, 7, and 8 To emphasize and encourage independent reading at all levels To improve student knowledge of current events, especially related to our theme of tolerance To continue support for science fair students To individualize programs for exceptional math students To expand after-school programs at Old Mill

8. Goal 2: To Continue to Develop Instructional Initiatives Across the Grades and Curriculum To develop pilot programs in 5 th and 6 th grade English and Soc. Studies using iPads To develop a metric to measure student writing abilities/levels Relook at our “boot camp” program in 6 th and 7 th grade English classes Prioritize individualized writing conferences for middle school students To increase word processing skills of student writers

9. GOAL 2 (continued) Continue Independent Reading Fridays and book groups with all middle school English classes Train faculty to use ESL techniques for students who speak other languages at home To revise Reading Wonders program in grades 1 – 5 based on last year’s experience Increase science instruction through our tech specials (STEM) Expand remediation and enrichment opportunities in math and reading

10. Goal 2 (Continued) Refine our policies related to awards at Old Mill To improve how students communicate mathematical solutions to problems To increase use of mathematical manipulatives

11. Goal 3: To More Fully Integrate Technology as a Tool for Learning and Management of Information Expand our STEM instruction to include coding, teaching science via technology, and introduce chrome books in 5 th and 6 th grade Improve functionality of NSHA’s website Improve abilities of students as word processors Develop the role of our new Director of Educational Technology

12. Upgrade our Smart Boards Increase and improve lesson planning using Smart Software Implement new curriculum materials and software in our K-8 programs Introduce new Piano lab program for 6 th and 7 th grade To work closely with our Tech committee to develop initiatives

13. GOAL 4: To support the staff development interests and needs of the faculty and staff Support and mentor teachers and staff new to the Academy Continue the role of our Literacy Coach Make best use of instructional time by reducing interruptions To bring in experts to address faculty staff development needs and interests, especially in implementing the common core curriculum

14. Goal 4 (continued) To increase faculty visitations to outstanding school programs and encourage participation in conferences and coursework To focus on how lesson plans evolve and are an invaluable tool for teachers To support our new librarian, learning center staff, Food Director, Tech Director, School psychologist, new assistant teachers, and enrichment teachers

15. Goal 4 (continued) To focus budget priorities on improving instruction, acquiring common core materials, and developing innovative programs, especially in tech, library, and ELA To focus on how we speak to each other about children and to review privacy issues related to students, their behavior and records To continue to set and achieve goals with each member of the faculty To increase teacher tech skills and increase publicity of class activities and achievements on Parent Locker To support our new Early Childhood initiatives

16. Goal 5: To promote the support of all students, especially those who are having academic difficulties or have special talents To continue to minimize pull-out of students with special needs Make best use of the Child Study Teams, social groups and Advisory groups at Cherry Lane and Old Mill To continue to improve the nutrition of students and improve the quality of school lunches and food choices for parties and celebrations To implement our yearly theme related to tolerance and positive intergroup relationships

17. GOAL 5 (continued ) To continue programs that address safety and good behavior on school buses and on the playground Continue to expand anti-bullying programs, especially related to social media and technology

18. Goal 5 (Continued) Improve supervision at recess and develop “time out” penalties that are effective To support teachers to develop strategies to manage poorly behaved students Improve all security procedures and implement all safety drills

19. GOAL 6: To improve school- home and intra-school communications Increase parent participation in the progress of their children, especially in the Learning Center Continue our reach-out efforts to prospective parents Work with PTA to provide workshops to help parents To regularly and consistently keep parents posted about their children – no surprises To increase positive publicity

20. Goal 7: To develop and manage a responsible and successful school budget 1. To work with Board to provide resources to run a high quality instructional program 2. To manage all budget codes so that we end year in the black 3. To handle budget exigencies related to personnel, buildings and grounds, capital improvements, technology, and program development 4. To support and supervise the Director of Finance, and work closely with the Executive Director, Head of School, and Board on budgetary matter

21. Goal 7 (continued) 5. To attract and retain quality teachers 6. To manage many changes in Health benefits due to ACA 7. To continue to maintain strong relationships and acquire financial support from the school district

22. How do we get there? Set goals Collaborate Take chances Help each other out Praise good work Identify and fix what’s not working Have high expectations Enjoy the kids

23. HAVE A GREAT YEAR!