February 28, 2022
Dear Families:
Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2021/00050020.
The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.
Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.
You will notice on our report card that we have a high percentage of students in grades 3 and 4 who are meeting or exceeding expectations on the ELA MCAS with only 5% of students not meeting expectations. Prior to COVID, a high percentage of students met or exceeded expectations on the Math MCAS with only 5% of students not meeting expectations. The data does show that the COVID pandemic had an impact on student performance. To improve student performance in our school, we use the RtI model to identify gaps in learning and provide research based interventions to support students. Additionally, students that are at or exceeding grade level expectations have opportunities for enrichment. We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Finally, if your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:
· Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,
· Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,
· The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and
· Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
If you have questions about our school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact me at avillamaino@agawamed.org. To see our district’s report card or to search for other schools’ report cards, visit reportcards.doe.mass.edu.
Sincerely,
Andy Villamaino
Principal