2007-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Student achievement gains on the MCAS were significant,and in some areas, gains were outstanding. Report of the For example, the percent of grade four students scor- Kenneth C. Coombs School ing Proficient and Advanced increased from 29% in 2006 to 58% in 2007. Grade 8 math improved by 11 e percentage points from 2006 to 2007. More students The goal of the Coombs School is defined by our s took Advanced Placement exams and more students mission statement. "The Kenneth C. Coombs School earned qualifying scores. Ten students at Mashpee will provide a strong learning environment and a sup- High School earned the designation of AP Scholar by portive community. The Coombs School will focus on the College Board in recognition of their exceptional building confidence, motivation, problem-solving achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement skills, responsibility, good work habits, respect and ProgramO(AP®) Exams. appreciation of diversity." This educational institution is "A Great Place to Grow in Creating Tomorrow's In addition to the hard work of students and the Dreams" which is the motto embraced by all at the support of parents, these impressive gains may be school. attributed to several factors: The 2006-2007 school year began with an enroll- First, the staff's commitment to improve student ment of 486 students. e learning is exceptional. Educators carefully analyze it student needs and participate in professional develop- The highlight of the year was working toward is ment with energy. dual certification with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC-from Second, we were able to support high-quality Washington, DC) for preschool and kindergarten. All professional development for our staff. Opportunities staff at these grade levels worked diligently in the fol- for in-class coaching and modeling were provided to lowing domains: curriculum, teaching, teachers, assist teachers to improve their practice. District- health, community relationships,relationships, assess- sponsored graduate courses in mathematics, assess- ment of child progress, leadership and management, ment, and English language arts allowed Mashpee families, and the physical environment. The purpose teachers to study together. of the accreditation system is to improve the quality of care and education provided for young children. Only Third, time for educator collaboration was built those programs are accredited that demonstrate sub- into the school day. Three full-day professional devel- stantial compliance with NAEYC's standards and cri- is opment days gave us time to focus on district and teria for high quality early childhood programs. In s school priorities. KC Coombs and Quashnet teachers June 2007, KCC was fortunate to receive validation s also had six half days to work with colleagues in pro- visits to confirm completion and examination of it fessional learning communities. administrative and classroom portfolios during this two-year process. In August 2007, a preschool Fourth, the Mashpee Public Schools have extra- NAEYC certificate of accreditation and a kindergarten is ordinarily talented administrators: the principals, NAEYC certificate of accreditation were received. It 7 assistant principals and housemasters, and directors of should be noted that KCC was one of only 290 pro- 1 curriculum and special education work together as a grams nationally to achieve this honor this past year in 11 team to implement the goals of the Strategic Plan, the wake of Washington's revamping of the NAEYC 1 always with student learning as well as an appreciation process which has become very involved and strin- n of the role of adult learners in mind. gent. The district welcomed Robert Calzini as interim Another major highlight was the development of C housemaster, Ellen Bankston as director of curricu- the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports Program d lum,instruction,and assessment, and Carla Thomas as (PBIS). School staff met bi-monthly to develop the C assistant administrator of special education. program's matrix and lessons for student instruction. r. The school developed a bear mascot representing the fundamental rules for the school. These are called 's Cocoa's Fab Four and are evident throughout the d building. The rules are Safety,Respect,Responsibility e and being Ready to Learn. Children are provided direct instruction on what each of these qualities looks like in various locations — classroom, cafeteria, hall- 135 I