Pinewood Elementary/Madison Park Meeting (August 4th, 2011)
General Facts-
• 28 classrooms
• 5 Kindergarten classes (15-17 kids per class)
• ~560 students, with capacity of 800
• School day- 7:45-2:45pm
Growth-
• Reading scores have grown from 43% proficiency to 77%
• Double digit improvement in science scores
• Scores are trending up (high growth)
Title 1 Facts-
• Allows for lower teacher to student ratio
• Extra federal funds for Smart Boards, other school purchases
• Measured by sub-groups (23 targets)
Programs-
• “Guided Reading Program”- different levels for reading within grades
• “Gifted and Talented Program”- as needs grow, more services dedicated to this program
• “Talent Development”- TD; small and flexible groups
• “Exceptional Children”- EC; physical disabilities, etc.
• Pre-K- two classes available in 2011 (18 kids/room)- must qualify for acceptance (academic needs, etc.)
• Same curriculum across CMS and measures are available for national comparison by student
• After School Program- until 6pm; ~$50/week
• Partnerships with local churches
Other Facts-
• Mixed classes (kids needing assistance, advanced learners)
• Advanced learning breakout sessions during day
• Transient population- happens with life events (moving, etc.), but in general, kids who are at Pinewood, want to stay at Pinewood; not an issue
• Staff Retention- high; one staff member left this year for another opportunity (few others left to be stay-at-home moms)
• Neighborhood schools- starts with Kindergarten; develop momentum
• Pre-K checklist available- what child should know going into Kindergarten
• 2.5 FTEs dedicated to English as Second Language students
• Language barrier not an issue with students; Spanish speaking students are mainly bi-lingual (English) and speak primarily in English
• Principal Sexton- high confidence in school as her kids attended Pinewood for several years
Next Steps-
• PTA Meeting, 8/16 6pm
• Participate in the “Community Cruise”- tours of classrooms (late Sept. or early Oct.)
• Volunteer at Pinewood- see the school
