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- I want to thank Heather MacDonald, Greg Keoseyan, Alexandra Hayoz-Laverdiere, Mike Murphy, Rick Hastings and Chris DiFranco (HS Teachers) for coming together with guidance counselors and administrators to solve a scheduling challenge at the High School. They worked together and came up with solutions that affected their own schedules. They had amazing ideas that added creative support for our 8th grade students in particular. Thank you for being part of the solution!
- A huge moment of appreciation for Ted Schruender! He created an after school support session for his fellow educators around technology! He noticed some people had questions and others had answers. He created the space for the MSHS staff to come together and work with each other and Steve McDonald to move technology use forward!! Thank You Ted!
- As a District we are working diligently to support our paraprofessionals and I want to acknowledge Devon Stuart for embracing this working and making her team of Instructional Paraprofessionals be fully included in the work they share.
- Our Special Education teachers continue to stretch and grow as we modernize the programming. Katie McGinn graciously and confidently offered to run the first teacher led annual review meeting! Thank you Katie!!
UPDATES:
I am excited to share that this year, the district is planning on increasing our celebrations for current student, staff and alumni’s successes. Last year, I received multiple Shout Outs via email from community members and would like to make sharing of positive moments easier. Here is the link to the Shout Out Form. We will make it accessible on our website as well.
This week I want to discuss the importance of student’s regular attendance at school. Last year we had very high numbers in student absenteeism and tardiness. We all know that, at times, some absences are unavoidable, but regular attendance is one of the most important factors in ensuring your children’s success in school. Why attendance matters:
- Academic Success – students who have consistent attendance do better in academic achievement.
- Building Habits – regular daily attendance helps students develop life long skills of responsibility, reliability, and time management .
- Social and Emotional Growth – when students are present they engage in classroom activities that strengthen confidence and teamwork, connect with peers and build friendships
- Future Readiness – Good attendance is a predictor of long-term success, including college readiness and career opportunities.
Below is a snapshot of the data we collected from last school year.
School | Days absent from School | Number of Students | # of Tardys |
Penn Brook | 0 days out | 26 students | 3,837 |
| 1-9 days out | 388 students | ||
| 10-17 days out | 203 students | ||
| 18 or more days out | 69 students | ||
Middle School | 0 days out | 9 students | 1,289 |
| 1-9 days out | 121 students | ||
| 10-17 days out | 45 students | ||
| 18 or more days out | 15 students | ||
High School | 0 days out | 15 students | 5,304 |
| 1-9 days out | 144 students | ||
| 10-17 days out | 60 students | ||
| 18 or more days out | 68 students |
This year, it is more important than ever that we move forward together. We – families, teachers and students all play a role in making sure each child is present and ready to learn each day. Together we can build a culture where attendance is valued, supported and celebrated.