GRAFTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS A School District and a

GRAFTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS A School District and a Community on the Rise A District Report for 2004 -2005

Grafton as a District and a Community § The town has experienced significant growth, but still a close community. § New houses, more families, and the impact on our schools Class of 2006 - has 111 students Class of 2016 - currently has 242 students § Committed to our mission statement: “To prepare all students to be life-long learners and responsible citizens. ”

GUIDING BELIEFS We believe. . . § education is the shared responsibility of students, school, home, and the community. § investing in the education of our children benefits the community. § all students love to learn and are capable of life-long learning. § a balanced education develops a student intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally, and creatively. § all students are entitled to instructional excellence. § students learn best in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. § students learn best when they are actively engaged in their own learning. § mutual respect, personal dignity, and social responsibility are essential. § education is key to responsible global citizenship.

AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE VISION STATEMENT Grafton Public Schools is an evolving and responsive community. We provide an interactive learning environment that ensures academic excellence and social responsibility. Our instructional programs foster personal integrity and the critical thinking necessary for global citizenship. We empower our students to be active participants who thrive in an ever-changing world. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES § To implement and communicate a consistent curriculum throughout the district, Pre-K through Grade 12. § To continually improve each student’s performance in school. § To use a systems approach to analyzing and using data. § To plan for the District’s shortterm space needs and future technological needs necessary to accommodate a growing school enrollment.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP Dr. Joseph Connors Superintendent Mr. James Pignataro Grafton High School Mrs. Maureen Cohen Mr. Richard Lind Grafton Middle School Ms. Sharyn Rainey Mrs. Brenda Painte Grafton Elem. Mrs. Doreen Parker Mrs. Michelle Tynan North Grafton Elem. Ms. Evelyn Jordan South Grafton Elem.

DISTRICT ENROLLMENT § § § 2, 518 students currently enrolled 172 full time teachers Grades Pre-K through Grade 5: class size of 22 students § Grades 6 through 12: class size of 25 students

DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA § § § Students Attending School in District Grade 9 -12 Drop-Out Rate Attendance Rate Average Number of Days Absent In-School Suspension Rate Out of School Suspension Rate Retention Rate English as a Second Language Limited English Proficiency Low Income Special Education District State 92. 9% 95. 8% 7. 4% 4. 4% 3. 0% 1. 0% 2. 7% 0. 5% 9. 0% 14. 9% 89. 8% 3. 7% 94. 1% 10. 8% 3. 6% 5. 9% 2. 6% 14. 0% 5. 1% 27. 7% 15. 9%

DISTRICT FINANCES Per Pupil Expenditures: GRAFTON Regular Education Special Education Bilingual Education Occupational Day Education All Day Programs STATE 1999 2003 $4, 587 $10, 682 $0 $0 $5, 285 $13, 889 $1, 624 $0 $5, 487 $10, 249 $7, 495 $9, 404 $6, 779 $13, 542 $8, 936 $11, 154 $5, 366 $6, 613 $6, 692 $8, 273

GUIDANCE AND COUNSOLING SERVICES § At Grafton High, there are currently three counselors who utilize a team approach in dealing with the development of the entire student. This team would also include health, support, and teaching staff. § There are currently two counselors at the Middle School who handle approximately 295 students each. § Other support services are provided by the Special Education staff members who provide support to their students. This also includes Behavioral Leaning Assistants who are trained in supporting the students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who attend school in Grafton.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT § The goal of the Professional Development Plan is to improve the high quality of instruction that already exists. § Plan began in August 2005 with implementation of new curriculum pieces. § Curriculum writing teams are beginning process of 5 year cycle of evaluating and revising curriculum. § As per the teachers’ contract, $15, 000. 00 has been set aside for tuition reimbursement for professional development. § Many seminars and programs have been developed by teachers and other professionals to address specific areas of concerns. § § Specific Goals By June 2006, all teachers in district would be considered Highly Qualified Teachers. Continue integration of technology Continue training and implementation of Differentiated Instruction Implementation of new math curriculum and programs at the GMS

DISTRICT PERFORMANCE ON THE MCAS § MCAS exams are given between Grade 3 and Grade 10 § Tests in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science/Technology § Grafton students still perform above the state averages in all areas and on all grade levels § Increase in the number of students considered Advanced/Proficient § As a district, item-analysis has started to identify areas for improvement in order to provide students with more effective instruction.

DISTRICT PERFORMANCE ON THE MCAS

GRAFTON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Mission: The mission of Grafton High School is to prepare our students intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially for their role as responsible citizens in an ever-changing world. Grafton High School students will: § Read, write, speak and communicate effectively. § Utilize critical thinking in the processing of information. § Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply knowledge to complete tasks effectively and to solve problems creatively. § Utilize technology to enhance knowledge and skills. § Exhibit behaviors that promote personal physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. § Practice responsible and appropriate social behaviors. § Recognize and respect diversity and understand the implications of local and global cooperation. § Understand how society functions, know the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and demonstrate these through school and community service.

GRAFTON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL § 577 total students, 299 females/278 males § 35 teachers § Student-Teacher Ratio: 16. 7 to 1 § All teachers are licensed in their subject areas (89% in 2000 -2001) § All teachers are classified as “Highly Qualified” § GHS has maintained its accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

GRAFTON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL § 2005 MCAS results: students continue to improve and score better than the state average § GHS did satisfy targets for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). § Still room for improvement, but these test scores are the result of the hard work of staff and students.

GHS 2005 MCAS RESULTS

GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Grafton Middle School is committed to: § Motivating and challenging adolescents through high academic standards supported by a strong core curriculum and a full range of exploratory courses, § Engaging students who have a variety of learning styles, § Fostering the developmental needs and self esteem of the middle school child, § Promoting respect and responsibility toward self, peers, staff, school, and community, § Preparing students for high school and beyond.

GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL § 591 total students, 275 females/316 males § 47 teachers § Student-Teacher Ratio: 12. 7 to 1 § 93% of teachers are licensed in their subject areas (84% in 2000 -2001). § 95% of teachers are classified as “Highly Qualified” (92% in 2000 -2001).

GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL § 2005 MCAS results: students remain above the state averages, but scores remained stable or only slightly improved § GMS did satisfy targets for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in ELA. § GMS did satisfy targets for AYP in Math in 2005, but still labeled as underperforming in Special Education subgroup. § GMS has developed specific professional development goals to address these concerns in Math.

GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRAFTON ELEMENATARY SCHOOL Mission Statement: Grafton Elementary School is a collaborative community of learners. Here at GES, we promote academic success and help to develop responsible citizens in an inclusive environment. With adult support, students learn to be accountable in both academic and social situations. Our expectations empower children and staff to recognize, respect and celebrate individual talents and abilities. Technology is integral to our learning, sharing, and communicating. Learning together at GES is challenging, interactive, fun, and exciting!

GRAFTON ELEMENATARY SCHOOL § 694 total students, 323 females/371 males § 49 teachers § Student-Teacher Ratio: 14. 0 to 1 § 98% of teachers are licensed in their subject areas (95% in 2000 -2001) § 97% of teachers are classified as “Highly Qualified”

GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL § 2005 MCAS results: students continued to perform at a high level, overall trend shows increased test scores, and students are performing above state averages. § GES did satisfy all targets for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in ELA and Math. § GES has developed specific professional development goals to address these concerns in Math, including daily instructional time and aligning instructional techniques and vocabulary.

GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

NORTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mission Statement: North Grafton Elementary is a community of learners where academic, social and personal growth is valued and nurtured. Together we value: respect for self and others, a positive attitude towards learning, and a strong academic foundation. When our children leave North Grafton Elementary School, we want them to be respectful, productive and responsible students.

NORTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL § 298 total students, 160 females/138 males § 21 teachers § Student-Teacher Ratio: 14. 5 to 1 § All teachers are licensed in their subject areas (96% in 2000 -2001) § All teachers are classified as “Highly Qualified”

SOUTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mission Statement: We are an early childhood school and serve as the foundation for lifelong learning. Our mission is to facilitate the growth and guide the development of each child's self-esteem, sense of competence, and positive attitude toward learning. Above all, our knowledge of the development of young children provides the framework for our school's beliefs and practices, bringing our early childhood mission to life.

SOUTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL § 358 total students, 173 females/185 males § 22 teachers § Student-Teacher Ratio: 16. 7 to 1 § All teachers are licensed in their subject areas (96% in 2000 -2001) § All teachers are classified as “Highly Qualified”

MOVING FORWARD § Continue to provide students with skills to improve while being challenged. § Provide our staff with opportunities to development as professionals. § Increasing the use of technology throughout the district. § Begin to study whether our current school facilities are sufficient to handle an increasing population.