Easton Area Middle School and Shawnee Middle School

Easton Area Middle School and Shawnee Middle School AFG/Strategic Planning K-12 Implementation Team Update Report 2007 -2008

Math Action Planning Team Math Objective: #1 By the 2009 -2010 academic year, all Easton Area School District students will demonstrate increased mathematics knowledge and skills.

Math Action Planning Team SMS/EAMS Commendations v v v v v Increased staff Continuation of 4 -sight testing Data analysis to ensure appropriate remediation Continued use of “Study Island” program Remediation programs during and after-school hours Technology offers alternative instructional strategies to present standards in another venue Continued use of “Math 24” Saxon math program used in Learning Support classes PSSA scores increased from previous year Grade-level content incorporated into Learning Support classes

Math Action Planning Team SMS Commendations v v Nutritional snacks during PSSA testing Adopt-an-anchor Acquisition of data projectors, monitors and software Teacher/team decision to prioritize demands upon student’s academic schedule EAMS Commendations v Training for Math Investigations and “FASTTMATH” - grade 5

Math Action Planning Team SMS Recommendation v v v Perfect attendance rewards during PSSA testing ESL teachers to incorporate consumer math & problem solving ideas into curriculum Request status of “Math Specialist” for building EAMS Recommendation v v v Reduce class size Increase staff Nutritional snacks during PSSA testing

Literacy Action Planning Team Literacy Objective: #2 By the 2009 -2010 academic year, all Easton Area School District students will demonstrate increased reading knowledge and skills.

Literacy Action Planning Team SMS/EAMS Commendations v v v v Continuation of 4 -sight testing Use of 4 -sight and Aims. Web data PSSA reading/writing rubrics are available to all subject area teachers to help increase PSSA scores Remediation programs during and after-school hours Increased staff (EAMS - literacy specialist/SMS - READ 180 teachers & two study skill teachers) Differentiated instruction training Friday update/teacher-team websites to help increase parent/community communication

Literacy Action Planning Team SMS Commendations v v Expansion of READ 180 program & Study Skills Nutritional snacks during PSSA testing Formal outline for research paper is part of the curriculum Supplemental vocabulary program used for grades 7 and 8 (not supported by grant money) EAMS Commendations v v v Continued use of increased reading time Continued implementation of Scott-Foresman Reading Program Curriculum embedded assessments Increase in staff being trained to correctly assess 4 -sight tests Staff is trained in Reading Apprenticeship strategies and data analysis Acquisition and implementation of leveled reader library which is available to teachers in every content area

Literacy Action Planning Team SMS Recommendation v v Literacy committee is waiting for the Associate Director of Literacy to recommend programs that would be beneficial to staff development Additional monies for teachers to be trained on the skill of “Teaching Grammar in the Context of Writing” EAMS Recommendation v Hiring of additional staff to address student needs

Citizenship Action Planning Team Citizenship Objective: #3 By the 2009 -2010 academic year, all students of the Easton Area School District will be better citizens of their school & community by demonstrating to a higher degree the core ethical values of caring, honesty, fairness, responsibility, trust, respect, and citizenship.

Citizenship Action Planning Team SMS/EAMS Commendations v v v v Increased availability of documents translated into Spanish paraprofessional translator was hired Implementation of breakfast program (as part of the health & wellness initiative in the district) Increased use of community resources and district personnel for counseling/student services PSSA tutoring for at-risk students Saturday detentions Increased staff Maintain accurate data on established baseline levels regarding suspensions Implementation of district-wide discipline referral page

Citizenship Action Planning Team SMS Commendations v v Creation of teacher-team web pages for entire staff Continuation of Student of the Month program Counseling groups based on student needs Fewer behavioral problems due to expanded halls and changes in locker configurations EAMS Commendations v v v v Anti-bullying program Organized hallways and stairwells Continue implementation of effective incentives for attendance on PSSA testing days Full-time Behavior Modification Room (BMR) monitor “Rover Ready Stomping Grounds” -- method of ensuring agenda books are used properly “A Place 4 Us” - after-school program incorporating study skills, organizational club, and tutor/mentoring Continued staff development in areas of school/parent communication, safe school environments, and diversity (Milton Hershey) Positive incentive behavior modification programs - Great Expectations

Citizenship Action Planning Team SMS/EAMS Recommendations v v Re-evaluate out-of-school suspensions (alternative education site) Maintain academic and behavioral performance of students through high school graduation: open access to Power. School for building principals SMS Recommendations v v v Develop an on-going plan of in-service to train staff in areas of school/parent communication, safe school environments, and diversity (waiting on status from sub-committee) Student publications (position to be determined) Develop a school-wide behavior program to give a priority to citizenship related activities School store location is currently occupied by food service provider Unaware of any action on proposed district diversity program

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #1 Philosophy, Mission, Beliefs, and/or Objectives SMS/EAMS Commendations v v v AFG posters/mission statements are posted in all classrooms, upon entering the building, and discussed at faculty meetings to instill a clear understanding of the PMBO statement is available in Spanish and English Mission statement in kid-friendly terms EAMS Recommendation v v v Embed district mission statement into all communications to parents. EAMS Guidelines booklet should be reworked so as to be less dense and overwhelming to parents. EASD needs to continue to allow ample room in the curricula for Social Studies, Science, Music and Arts, and for character education curricula.

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #2: Governance and Leadership SMS/EAMS Commendation v v There is open communication between administrators via coordinator meetings Weekly administrator meetings SMS Commendation v v v Central administrators are visible and available, as needed EAMS Commendation Code of Conduct committee is currently creating a plan Improved communication for placement of incoming 5 th grade students via profile sheets SMS/EAMS Recommendation v Building administrators need to effectively communicate when the EAMS and SMS merge into one campus EAMS Recommendation v Continuity needed in 5 th and 6 th grade team configurations

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #3: Organizational Design and Staff SMS/EAMS Commendations v Communication improvements: Friday Update, coordinator meetings & “open door” policy SMS Commendations v v Assistant principal(s) available upon request Common planning time through team time & new department meeting schedule EAMS Commendations v Office staff descriptions are being updated on an ongoing basis as new staff are hired SMS/EAMS Recommendation v Increase relevant professional development EAMS Recommendation v v v All curriculum areas need to develop a district-wide committee to increase communication More computers, programs, internet access and technology training needed Need for additional guidance counselor(s)

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #4: Educational Programs SMS/EAMS Commendation v Curriculum maps are continually being updated SMS Commendation v v v v Increased opportunity for lower ability students to socially and academically interact with higher ability students READ 180 program expanded Curriculum guides/department calendars created for all subjects Sufficient technology for student needs Effective use of teaming model Recess added for all students EAMS Commendation SMS Recommendation Scheduling concern regarding READ 180 and CAMP classes EAMS Recommendation v v Written curriculum guides are necessary for all subject areas Social Studies teachers believe they should be placed on teams

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #5: Learning Media and Services SMS/EAMS Commendations v Paraprofessionals hired for satellite copy center(s) at schools SMS Commendations v v Additional copier Sufficient LCD projectors, DVDs and televisions EAMS Commendations v Improved use of technological skills for library resources SMS/EAMS Recommendations v Updated performance benchmarks for technology EAMS Recommendation v v v One computer cart per team Additional new copier(s) Maintenance of technology equipment needs to be performed in a timely fashion

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #6: Students Services SMS/EAMS Commendations v v Health, well-being, and non-academic needs are key considerations of faculty and students (breakfast program was initiated this year) Voluntary training for first aid, AED and CPR are offered district-wide SMS Commendation v Common planning time through team time & new department meeting schedule EAMS Commendation v Increased communication with cafeteria staff to ensure more efficient operations EAMS Recommendation v Better communication needed between the central office and guidance when placing students with special needs during the school year

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #7: Student Life and Activities v SMS Commendations Student of the Month v EAMS Commendation Opportunities to appreciate cultural diversity and instill pride are embedded in the curriculum v SMS Recommendation Explore alternative funding options - waiting for status on foundation from district

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #8: Facilities v v v v SMS/EAMS Commendations Safe environment - inviting, warm, and has a positive tone SMS Commendations All previous concerns have been rectified with new building Access cards provided for building access (& security) EAMS Commendation Access pad installed on the 13 th Street side of the building SMS Recommendation Larger/more whiteboard and tack board space EAMS Recommendation Additional safe parking at 12 th street campus Voice mail/i. Chat for all faculty members to expedite communication

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #9: Health & Safety SMS/EAMS Commendations v Strong security presence Well-maintained school plant Permanent emergency procedures are being followed v Breakfast program v v SMS Commendations v v v Use of i. Chat to avoid interruptions by PA system Additional school nurse position filled Multiple cameras throughout building for added security SMS/EAMS Recommendations v Nutritional meals/salad bar for faculty SMS Recommendations v v Dismissal procedures are a concern due to overcrowding issues near guidance suite Additional Sodexho staff needed EAMS Recommendations v v Investigate a less disruptive method of communication than the current PA system Seek alternative programs to replace DARE

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #10: Finance Team SMS/EAMS Commendations v v Availability of summer school programs serving at-risk students - Summer School program (SMS) - Summer Sizzle program (EAMS) PTA funding several programs On-line ordering process Grant writer hired to fulfill district’s needs EAMS Commendation v Accessed financial resources through community partnerships EAMS Recommendation v Individual needed to address public relation issues

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #11: Assessment of Student Learning SMS/EAMS Commendation v v Curriculum mapping has been a great benefit to provide consistency when preparing students for the assessments Common department rubrics and assessments are being addressed to ensure consistency across departments and grade levels EAMS Commendation v v Alternative education site in place for Grade 5 Pre- and post-tests have been implemented into the Reading program EAMS Recommendations v PSSA testing schedule needs to be reviewed and revised to ensure better scheduling for students

AFG Standards SMS/EAMS - Standard #12: Planning Team SMS/EAMS Commendations v v v Committed to school improvement (AFG involvement) New strategic plan is available for staff and public review (2007 -2013) Continued knowledge of staff to the district strategic plan Communication to community members & parents is accomplished via Friday Update, websites and newsletters Varied stakeholders are invited to participate in school-related committees Improved communication between special and regular education teachers via new department meeting schedule SMS Recommendations v v Continued exposure of staff to district strategic plans in order to increase awareness Subject area departments should take ownership of specific AFG standards or Action Teams Meeting schedule should be implemented between EAHS and EAMS building coordinators to improve communication and improve vertical alignment One coordinator for all ‘specials’ has been recommended by building principal