District Office

From the desk of Superintendent Marlow:

Dear Parent/Guardian:                                                                                             

In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, each state is required to assess all school districts to determine if each district has made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward meeting the academic testing standards and additional measures set by the state. AYP decisions are based on the results of state testing in English, Language Arts, Mathematics, and the district’s graduation rate.

Two years ago the state standard for graduation rate was changed from 55% to 80%. Due to this significant increase our district’s graduation rate fell slightly below the new state standard (2009-2010 – 78%; 2010-2011- 73%). When a district has not met AYP for two consecutive years in the same area, the district is placed in district improvement status. Last year (2010-2011) Northern Adirondack Central School District was placed in district improvement as newly identified because we did not meet the graduation rate for two consecutive years.

According to NCLB, districts in need of improvement are required to notify parents of district improvement status and their plan for improvement. In addition, 10% of our Title I grant money must be allocated to provide for professional development for teachers and administrators.

 Our district is committed to increasing the graduation rate. The following are highlights of the many initiatives that are currently in place to raise the graduation rate:

1. The district will be completing a K-12 audit of the district data to identify areas in need of technical assistance.
2. The district will incorporate strategies based on scientifically based research that will strengthen the graduation rate.
3. Ninth grade at risk students are eligible for 9^th grade graduation academy. These are students that are transitioning out of middle school that still need some support.
4. Regular grades level meetings 6-12. These meetings are used to review curriculum, student concerns, etc.
5. There is a K-12 mentoring program for new teachers, as well as, teachers mentoring students.
6. College for Every Student (CFES) is a leadership mentoring program that takes place during college visitation for students who will be the first in their families to attend college.
7. Effective teacher training is attended for all first and second year teachers to standardized classroom practices.
8.  Middle school students make college visits to help them see their future and stay in school.
9. There are school drug and alcohol counselors that help the students stay straight and in school.
10. A county mental health counselor is located on campus to help students deal with their problems so in turn the students will stay in school and graduate.
11. Our district has implemented a consultant teacher model to help students with disabilities to be successful in school so they will graduate with a diploma.
12. Professional development opportunities to research, visit and adapt effective drop out prevention programs.

As part of our continued effort to improve the quality of education in our district, we invite you to participate in the process by engaging in reading and math activities at home, ensure good student attendance, and the importance of graduating from high school. In addition, it is important to participate in parent involvement school activities such as the PTO or becoming a parent volunteer at school and talking with your child’s principal, teacher and or guidance counselor about other ways you can help in the classroom and at home. Finally, learn more about the NCLB requirements and become aware of strategies to improve student academic achievement. Information and resources are available at the following websites:

                        -www.emsc.nysed.gov – The New York State Education Department

                        -www.ed.gov and http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml – The US Department of Education

Our school is committed to providing all students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. We have a strong, dedicated staff committed to teaching the challenging academic and interpersonal skills that help students to become productive citizens.

Thank you for all that you do to support your child’s education. Please contact the Superintendent’s office for further information on any of these requirements and to find out how you can become involved in school improvement efforts.

 Together in education,

 Laura J. Marlow

 Superintendent of Schools