update 10/23

We have immediately begun not only to address the MCAS accountability issue—but also to take the opportunity to reassess and revitalize our entire school community in a positive and comprehensive way.  Using our School Council as the foundational structure, we will be establishing a School Improvement Task Force that will include staff, parents, community members, and students.  As part of this effort, we will be soliciting input from all school stakeholders on all key areas of the school, and we will also be establishing an official Eaton School Council Facebook site, Blog, and Twitter account to keep all stakeholders informed, to receive questions or concerns, and to provide a forum for discussion and increased communication as we move forward.  As this group steers the overall direction and strategies in the weeks and months ahead, we are also moving forward with some immediate action steps, including meeting with the Northeast DEASC team for additional resources to support the change process, implementing our Math and Writing programs to fidelity, bringing in a Math coach to continue working with the staff, adding additional classroom supports during the school day, offering no-cost before/after school tutoring opportunities for students who may be struggling, and expanding our multi-tiered system of supports in all grades.  As we work to address some of the academic or curriculum areas that the recent MCAS data brought to our attention, we are also eager to take this as an opportunity to review all areas that either directly or indirectly can impact the overall success of a school.  We have an excellent faculty, wonderful students, and a committed community—and our goal is to renew our vision in a way that makes everyone proud. 

On Monday October 20th I presented to the School Committee about how the MTSS (Massachusetts Tiered Systems of Support) will help support the students of Joshua Eaton with their social /emotional and academic success. The MTSS process will also help to identify students that may require interventions to better understand concepts and skills. Some of the interventions that are implemented will be: reading support from the reading specialist, additional time in school to use Lexia to develop stronger phonics skills, use of the title I tutors to focus on math and writing skills, frequent body breaks for students, additional practice with the teacher and/or para educator to reinforce skills, and the use of on-line sites to provide additional practice time on skills (both reading and math).  The PowerPoint can be found on edline.

Some Joshua Eaton parents also attended School Committee meeting and took the opportunity during public input to share their concerns in regards to the level 3 status. Helpful ideas and suggestions were made.

 On October 21st Dr. Doherty, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Wilson and I met with the DESAC to identify steps to implement phase 2 of the action plan. With their support we are developing a survey for parents. Mr. Martin and I will finalize the survey.

 A Joshua Eaton Facebook page has been created. You can like us on Facebook by searching Joshua Eaton School Council. Information from the blog will be posted there. Also we have our Tweeter account @joshuaeatonschl We are hopeful that these forms of communication will help families be informed of our steps in moving forward.