By now it is common knowledge that we did not make Safe Harbor this year.  It is very disappointing to us as a staff, however, we want to give you our assurance that it will be our first point of discussion upon the return of teachers on August 30^th.  While I am disappointed that we did not make Safe Harbor I continue to firmly believe that our students are capable of many things including passing the state test which is the tool used for gauging adequate yearly progress. 

I would like to share with you a comparison of results from the previous year to this year.  Please see below:

CMT Results for 10 vs. 09 Results

As you can see, the table indicates that our most significant dips were in 4^th and 5^th grades in the area of reading.  All other areas stayed the same, improved or took a minor dip but overall are very strong. 

On our first day back we will reflect on strategies that were or were not effective.  We will discuss the impact of a new reading model that was introduced last year to see how it can be adjusted to meet the reading needs of our students.  We will also look at the function of our instructional data teams that meet every six days to review student progress.  It is a system we use to help us provide early intervention to students who are not keeping pace with their peers.  Another area that must be addressed is how to empower and encourage parents to be involved with the school for further support of students.

All Norwalk Public Schools will be working on their School Growth Plans for this upcoming school year.  Once approved by the Board of Education they will be shared with the public either at the school sites or on the school and district websites.  This plan outlines actions that will be taken to improve student achievement.  Silvermine will have an evening parent meeting to share the plan with the school community and to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the school’s instructional program.

I understand the sense of urgency on the part of the parents and the inclination to bolt when provided the opportunity to select another school.  The newspaper articles regarding test results can incite panic or concern without full discussion from school personnel.  I ask that when you receive your school choice letter from the district the week of August 23, that you keep in mind some of the information that has been shared in this correspondence. 

I ask that parents not see this decline in our reading scores as a reason for panic.  Silvermine has an outstanding staff.  The teachers and all support staff share the same vision for our children as do their parents.  We want all children to succeed and to be prepared for college.  This is our mission and we will do whatever it takes to provide a quality education to all boys and girls who enter our doors.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Ivette Ellis

Principal