Superintendent’s Report
November 1, 2010 School Board Report
Our Children’s First Annual Report which we are required to post in the local paper and webpage no later than November 1 is on our website and in the October 28th edition of North Mississippi Herald. I attached copies of last years and this year’s report for your information.
Month 1 Data has been verified in MSIS. Davidson Elementary ADA is 96.26%, Water Valley High School ADA is 94.44, which makes our District ADA 95.45. We are 1.05% below our district goal of 96.5% at this time. Davidson Elementary is very close. 2nd month data will be out soon.
Academic Achievement is being addressed by universally screening at both schools to pinpoint where our students are in relation to where they need to be this school year. Davidson Elementary has 75 students at risk of failing one or more subjects based on report card grades; Water Valley High has 210 students at risk of failing one or more subjects.
My positive note is Davidson has 577 (81%) students out of 713 that have NO discipline referrals for the first month; Water Valley High School has 308(53%) of 582 students that have NO discipline referrals for the first month.
Faculty received a memo inviting them to consider direct deposit beginning in January. The payroll department is working with Mechanics Bank to get the kinks worked out. I am very excited about this as it will be implemented for all employees next school year.
Progress Reports go out November 11th. Our next scheduled holiday is November 22-26, Thanksgiving. We will dock teachers for the second furlough day this month.
I attended MAS A Fall Conference in Jackson October 17-19. During the first session on Sunday afternoon, Dr. Lynn House and Trecina Green, MDE, presented Common Core State Standards and Assessment. These new standards and assessment will:
• Fewer, clearer and higher standards
• Provides consistency across states
• Allows for equal access
• Prepares students to compete globally
• Allows for more focused professional development
• Allows for the development of a common assessment
• Provides the opportunity to compare and evaluate policies that affect student achievement across states
• Aligned with college and work expectations
• Rigorous content requiring higher-order thinking and application of knowledge
• Internationally benchmarked
• Evidence-and/or research-based
• Implementation 2014-2015
Monday, the two star school districts and South Delta School District Superintendent spoke about their school district and what they have done to impact growth. South Delta has lots of ‘technology’ and funding for programs/things. They work very hard and stay focused on Mission, Vision and Goals. Arthur McMillan, Superintendent of Enterprise School District has very little resources. This school district evaluates where they are annually and plan for the next year. He said: The three most important words to a painter, pilot, or chef are preparation, preparation, preparation. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Alan Lakeim. Beginning of year -Student explicit Lesson Plans, Checklist (Objective progression). Cathy Broadway, Pass Christian High School Principal said it takes hard work every day. I gave Mr. Drewrey and Dr. Kitchens her suggestion for addressing attendance and tardiness. She quoted Toffler: The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn. Alvin Toffler
Tuesday Morning, several departments discussed update and change. Mr. Paul Sumrall, Special Assistant to the Superintendent spoke of legislation.
State Superintendent, Dr. Burnham, spoke about Leadership in Today’s Schools. He said “The true mark of leadership is: Knowing the way, Going the way, Showing the way.” The new teacher and administrator evaluation instrument will be similar to what North Carolina has in place. I looked at the process and find it to be aligned with our new accreditation model.
Great Conference-up to date information! Thank you for rescheduling our regular board meeting to allow me to attend.
I also had the distinct pleasure of speaking and having dinner with our Lions Club on October 26th. They asked questions that exemplifies their interest in education and support of our school district.
Last item, Dr. Kitchens has informed me that we have an antique grand piano in a wooden storage container on the stage in the gym. This piano was obtained in the ’50’s at the request of a music teacher. It was not donated, it was one of the things the community just did for our schools as they are continuing to do now. It has not been used since Dr. Kitchens has been with us. The music teacher has requested that it be moved to her classroom but this is not a reasonable request for many reasons. We do not have the resources to move it in the first place, then the piano may need to be repaired/tuned, etc. and we do have the financial resources to do this at this time. Also, putting this very large object in a classroom will require moving it every time the room is cleaned, etc. We are also on the verge of renovations to the roof so now is a good time to consider our options. Suggestions include but are not limited to offering the antique piano to the city art gallery or Civic Auditorium or another city/community organization that may have space and use for an antique piano.
