Dear Parents,
We are invested in the success of every single child that walks through our doors. We don’t hope that our children do well; we are dedicated to ensuring that they succeed. We can be likened to a surgical team, working together to diagnose and support patients in achieving glowing health. Our system-wide focus on specific school improvement goals, our professional learning community work in supporting learning goals for each child, and our consistency/persistence in applying researched-based best practices have been key in continued improved achievement over a three year period. Our professional learning community examines student work, student learning goals, intentional steps to achieving learning goals, and then assumes a “swat-team approach” to providing time/support so children learn. Never before has there been such a laser-like focus system-wide on the success of every child.
But these are just words; where’s the proof? While we use multiple measures to get a thorough picture of each child’s progress toward his/her learning goal, for purposes of this building-wide view we will look at last spring’s district and state assessments to discuss our growth findings after completing year one of our three year school improvement plan. It is noteworthy that we improved in every category at every grade level assessed (2nd through 5th) with the exception of one (that category, 5th grade math, saw a dip of 2%). That accomplishment was matched only by a charter school. Also noteworthy is that in 7 of the 10 categories assessed on CSAP, Ames students either tied with another LPS public elementary school or held the solo top gains honors for largest percentile jump in improvement. A full reporting of the data will be published in our School Improvement Plan that will be submitted to the state department.
We are proud of our school, our children, and every adult that is part of this system-wide focus on student learning goals. We recognize this to be a group effort/responsibility that has spanned the grade levels, departments, and community of caring adults. Three years ago we developed our vision for Ames, and what it would take to make it a reality. To be part of an educational team that has realized measurable growth gains over the last three years has been an incredible gift. We realize your presence in our community is a choice, and assure you we will not only meet—but fully intend to exceed—your expectations. Our village is working to support each child in meeting his/her educational goals; our mutual home/school support of academic excellence will continue to propel us forward.
Sincerely,
Nancy Klinedinst, Principal