CHICHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

Recommendations for School Board Goals

2006-2007

 

 

1.     To create a comprehensive literacy program which meets the needs of all learning levels and measurably advances student achievement. 

 

Several literacy programs are being used at CCS:  6+1 Traits of Writing, 4 Blocks, levelized readers, Everyday Spelling, and Reading Recovery. The 2006 NECAP results showed that students in grades 3-8 were proficient in reading, but that writing was lagging behind.  The ELA curriculum committee and SAU triad committee have been working on creating a document that clearly delineates concepts that need to be taught and mastered at the different grade levels. Many hours of professional development have been devoted to developing literacy as it relates to all areas.  During the 2006-2007 school year, the staff will formulate a plan that outlines a comprehensive literacy program for all students.  Student growth will be measured by both standardized and classroom assessments with reports made to the Board on progress.

 

2.     To implement practices and procedures that will result in higher participation in the CCS lunch program.

 

During the 2005-2006 school year, CCS began to investigate ways to increase student participation in the lunch program.  Using the direction of the Local Wellness Policy, steps will be put in place to, not only raise participation rates, but educate students on how to make healthy eating choices. A report on the progress of implementation will be made to the School Board throughout the year. 

 

3.     To establish, with community involvement, a plan for the implementation of practices that will promote healthy eating and physical activities that support student achievement.

 

A committee of CCS staff and community members was established during the 2005-2006 school year to evaluate measures that were being used to promote a healthy school environment.  From that committee came some recommendations as to how we could implement change that would teach, encourage, and support healthy living.  It is the intent of the School Board to support activities and programs that will advance wellness.  Members of the wellness committee will update the Board throughout the year on the progress being made.

 

 

4.      To gather information on elementary school grading systems to determine how or if changes to the current CCS model should be implemented.

 

The Chichester Central School grading system reports earned achievement from A+ to F using a 100 scale.  The current honor roll system has two levels; high honors (all A’s (93-100) in core, A or B (85-100) in specialists), and honor roll (all A’s or B’s in core and specialists).  The School Board will gather information from elementary schools in New Hampshire to examine the measuring tool that is used for letter grade/number equivalency and honor roll status.

 

5.      To study future facilities needs and options for Chichester’s students in grades kindergarten to twelve.

 

Currently, Chichester Central School and Pembroke Academy (under the AREA contract) provide appropriate facilities and adequate space for the District’s k-12 student population.  It appears, however, that demographic and enrollment changes projected during the next ten years for both Chichester and its neighboring communities may necessitate further action to maintain adequate and appropriate educational facilities.  The Chichester School Board will continue to evaluate Chichester Central School and participate in space needs discussions with other SAU #53 districts.

 

6.      To work with community members to explore future plans for the development and use of school district property.

 

During the 2005/06 school year, the District saw an upgrade to its surrounding and adjacent property.  The first phase of the outdoor classroom was completed with a dedication ceremony planned for the Fall, 2006.  Fencing and a backstop were erected around the ball field.  A drainage area along the back of the building was upgraded.  The School Board, working with community members, will identify the need and feasibility of new and expanded ball fields, parking, and other uses for the property.

 

7.      To monitor school district compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind Act

 

The School Board will continue to monitor the impact of the requirements of NCLB as it relates to budgeting, staffing, and regulations.  The results of the October, 2006 NECAP testing will give direction to curriculum committees as they analyze the pattern of student performance.