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

GRAFTON PUBLIC SCHOOLSGRAFTON PUBLIC SCHOOLSA School District and a Community on A School District and a Community on

the Risethe Rise

A District Report for 2004-2005A District Report for 2004-2005

Grafton as a District and a Grafton as a District and a CommunityCommunity

The town has experienced significant The town has experienced significant growth, but still a close community.growth, but still a close community.

New houses, more families, and the New houses, more families, and the impact on our schoolsimpact on our schools

Class of 2006- has 111 studentsClass of 2006- has 111 studentsClass of 2016- currently has 242 studentsClass of 2016- currently has 242 students

Committed to our mission statement:Committed to our mission statement:““To prepare all students to be life-long learners and To prepare all students to be life-long learners and

responsible citizens.”responsible citizens.”

GUIDING BELIEFSGUIDING BELIEFS

We believe. . . We believe. . . education is the shared responsibility of students, school, home, education is the shared responsibility of students, school, home,

and the community.and the community. investing in the education of our children benefits the community.investing in the education of our children benefits the community. all students love to learn and are capable of life-long learning.all students love to learn and are capable of life-long learning. a balanced education develops a student intellectually, socially, a balanced education develops a student intellectually, socially,

physically, emotionally, and creatively.physically, emotionally, and creatively. all students are entitled to instructional excellence.all students are entitled to instructional excellence. students learn best in a safe, healthy, and supportive students learn best in a safe, healthy, and supportive

environment.environment. students learn best when they are actively engaged in their own students learn best when they are actively engaged in their own

learning.learning. mutual respect, personal dignity, and social responsibility are mutual respect, personal dignity, and social responsibility are

essential.essential. education is key to responsible global citizenship.education is key to responsible global citizenship.

AS WE LOOK TO THE AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTUREFUTURE

VISION STATEMENTVISION STATEMENTGrafton Public Schools is an Grafton Public Schools is an

evolving and responsive evolving and responsive community. We provide an community. We provide an interactive learning environment interactive learning environment that ensures academic that ensures academic excellence and social excellence and social responsibility. Our instructional responsibility. Our instructional programs foster personal integrity programs foster personal integrity and the critical thinking and the critical thinking necessary for global citizenship. necessary for global citizenship. We empower our students to be We empower our students to be active participants who thrive in active participants who thrive in an ever-changing world. an ever-changing world.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVESGOALS AND OBJECTIVES To implement and communicate To implement and communicate

a consistent curriculum a consistent curriculum throughout the district, Pre-K throughout the district, Pre-K through Grade 12.through Grade 12.

To continually improve each To continually improve each student’s performance in school.student’s performance in school.

To use a systems approach to To use a systems approach to analyzing and using data.analyzing and using data.

To plan for the District’s short-To plan for the District’s short-term space needs and future term space needs and future technological needs necessary to technological needs necessary to accommodate a growing school accommodate a growing school enrollment. enrollment.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIPDISTRICT LEADERSHIP

Dr. Joseph ConnorsSuperintendent

Mr. James PignataroGrafton High School Mr. Richard Lind

Grafton Middle School

Mrs. Brenda PainteGrafton Elem.

Mrs. Michelle TynanNorth Grafton Elem.

Ms. Evelyn JordanSouth Grafton Elem.

Mrs. Maureen Cohen Ms. Sharyn Rainey Mrs. Doreen Parker

DISTRICT ENROLLMENTDISTRICT ENROLLMENT

2,518 students currently enrolled 2,518 students currently enrolled 172 full time teachers172 full time teachers Grades Pre-K through Grade 5Grades Pre-K through Grade 5: class : class

size of 22 studentssize of 22 students Grades 6 through 12Grades 6 through 12: class size of 25 : class size of 25

studentsstudents

DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHIC DATADISTRICT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

DistrictDistrict StateState Students Attending School in DistrictStudents Attending School in District 92.9%92.9% 89.8%89.8% Grade 9-12 Drop-Out RateGrade 9-12 Drop-Out Rate 2.9% 2.9% 3.7%3.7% Attendance Rate Attendance Rate 95.8% 95.8% 94.1%94.1% Average Number of Days Absent Average Number of Days Absent 7.4% 7.4% 10.8%10.8% In-School Suspension Rate In-School Suspension Rate 4.4% 4.4% 3.6%3.6% Out of School Suspension Rate Out of School Suspension Rate 3.0% 3.0% 5.9%5.9% Retention Rate Retention Rate 1.0% 1.0% 2.6%2.6% English as a Second Language English as a Second Language 2.7% 2.7% 14.0%14.0% Limited English Proficiency Limited English Proficiency 0.5% 0.5% 5.1%5.1% Low Income Low Income 9.0% 9.0% 27.7%27.7% Special Education Special Education 14.9%14.9% 15.9%15.9%

DISTRICT FINANCESDISTRICT FINANCES

Per Pupil Expenditures:Per Pupil Expenditures:GRAFTONGRAFTON STATESTATE

19991999 20032003 19991999 20032003Regular EducationRegular Education $4,587$4,587 $5,285$5,285 $5,487$5,487 $6,779$6,779

Special EducationSpecial Education $10,682$10,682 $13,889$13,889 $10,249$10,249 $13,542$13,542

Bilingual EducationBilingual Education $0$0 $1,624$1,624 $7,495$7,495 $8,936$8,936

Occupational Occupational $0$0 $0$0 $9,404$9,404 $11,154$11,154

Day EducationDay Education

All Day ProgramsAll Day Programs $5,366$5,366 $6,613$6,613 $6,692$6,692 $8,273$8,273

GUIDANCE AND GUIDANCE AND COUNSOLING SERVICESCOUNSOLING SERVICES At Grafton High, there are currently three counselors At Grafton High, there are currently three counselors

who utilize a team approach in dealing with the who utilize a team approach in dealing with the development of the entire student. This team would development of the entire student. This team would also include health, support, and teaching staff.also include health, support, and teaching staff.

There are currently two counselors at the Middle There are currently two counselors at the Middle School who handle approximately 295 students each. School who handle approximately 295 students each.

Other support services are provided by the Special Other support services are provided by the Special Education staff members who provide support to their Education staff members who provide support to their students. This also includes Behavioral Leaning students. This also includes Behavioral Leaning Assistants who are trained in supporting the students Assistants who are trained in supporting the students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who attend school in with Autism Spectrum Disorder who attend school in Grafton. Grafton.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENTCURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

The goal of the Professional The goal of the Professional Development Plan is to improve Development Plan is to improve the high quality of instruction that the high quality of instruction that already exists.already exists.

Plan began in August 2005 with Plan began in August 2005 with implementation of new curriculum implementation of new curriculum pieces.pieces.

Curriculum writing teams are Curriculum writing teams are beginning process of 5 year cycle beginning process of 5 year cycle of evaluating and revising of evaluating and revising curriculum.curriculum.

As per the teachers’ contract, As per the teachers’ contract, $15,000.00 has been set aside for $15,000.00 has been set aside for tuition reimbursement for tuition reimbursement for professional development. professional development.

Many seminars and programs Many seminars and programs have been developed by teachers have been developed by teachers and other professionals to address and other professionals to address specific areas of concerns.specific areas of concerns.

Specific GoalsSpecific Goals By June 2006, all teachers in By June 2006, all teachers in

district would be considered district would be considered Highly Qualified Teachers.Highly Qualified Teachers.

Continue integration of Continue integration of technologytechnology

Continue training and Continue training and implementation of implementation of Differentiated Instruction Differentiated Instruction

Implementation of new math Implementation of new math curriculum and programs at curriculum and programs at the GMSthe GMS

DISTRICT PERFORMANCE DISTRICT PERFORMANCE ON THE MCASON THE MCAS

MCAS exams are given between Grade 3 and Grade MCAS exams are given between Grade 3 and Grade 1010

Tests in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Tests in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science/TechnologyScience/Technology

Grafton students still perform above the state averages Grafton students still perform above the state averages in all areas and on all grade levelsin all areas and on all grade levels

Increase in the number of students considered Increase in the number of students considered Advanced/Proficient Advanced/Proficient

As a district, item-analysis has started to identify areas As a district, item-analysis has started to identify areas for improvement in order to provide students with more for improvement in order to provide students with more effective instruction.effective instruction.

DISTRICT PERFORMANCE DISTRICT PERFORMANCE ON THE MCASON THE MCAS

GRAFTON MEMORIAL GRAFTON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL

Mission: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:Grafton High School students will: Read, write, speak and communicate Read, write, speak and communicate

effectively. effectively. Utilize critical thinking in the processing of Utilize critical thinking in the processing of

information. information. Demonstrate the ability to integrate and Demonstrate the ability to integrate and

apply knowledge to complete tasks apply knowledge to complete tasks effectively and to solve problems effectively and to solve problems creatively. creatively.

Utilize technology to enhance knowledge Utilize technology to enhance knowledge and skills. and skills.

Exhibit behaviors that promote personal Exhibit behaviors that promote personal physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

Practice responsible and appropriate Practice responsible and appropriate social behaviors. social behaviors.

Recognize and respect diversity and Recognize and respect diversity and understand the implications of local and understand the implications of local and global cooperation. global cooperation.

Understand how society functions, know Understand how society functions, know the rights and responsibilities of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and demonstrate these citizenship, and demonstrate these through school and community service. through school and community service.


577 total students, 299 577 total students, 299 females/278 malesfemales/278 males

35 teachers35 teachers Student-Teacher Ratio: Student-Teacher Ratio:

16.7 to 116.7 to 1

All teachers are licensed All teachers are licensed in their subject areas in their subject areas (89% in 2000-2001)(89% in 2000-2001)

All teachers are All teachers are classified as “Highly classified as “Highly Qualified”Qualified”

GHS has maintained its GHS has maintained its accreditation with New accreditation with New England Association of England Association of Schools and Colleges.Schools and Colleges.


2005 MCAS results: students continue to 2005 MCAS results: students continue to improve and score better than the state improve and score better than the state averageaverage

GHS did satisfy targets for Adequate GHS did satisfy targets for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).Yearly Progress (AYP).

Still room for improvement, but these test Still room for improvement, but these test scores are the result of the hard work of scores are the result of the hard work of staff and students.staff and students.

GHS 2005 MCAS RESULTSGHS 2005 MCAS RESULTS

GRAFTON MIDDLE GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOLSCHOOL

Grafton Middle School is committed to:Grafton Middle School is committed to: Motivating and challenging adolescents through high academic Motivating and challenging adolescents through high academic

standards supported by a strong core curriculum and a full range standards supported by a strong core curriculum and a full range of exploratory courses, of exploratory courses,

Engaging students who have a variety of learning styles, Engaging students who have a variety of learning styles, Fostering the developmental needs and self esteem of the middle Fostering the developmental needs and self esteem of the middle

school child, school child, Promoting respect and responsibility toward self, peers, staff, Promoting respect and responsibility toward self, peers, staff,

school, and community, school, and community, Preparing students for high school and beyond. Preparing students for high school and beyond.


591 total students, 591 total students, 275 females/316 275 females/316 malesmales

47 teachers47 teachers Student-Teacher Student-Teacher

Ratio: 12.7 to 1Ratio: 12.7 to 1

93% of teachers are 93% of teachers are licensed in their licensed in their subject areas (84% subject areas (84% in 2000-2001).in 2000-2001).

95% of teachers are 95% of teachers are classified as “Highly classified as “Highly Qualified” (92% in Qualified” (92% in 2000-2001).2000-2001).


2005 MCAS results: students remain above the 2005 MCAS results: students remain above the state averages, but scores remained stable or state averages, but scores remained stable or only slightly improvedonly slightly improved

GMS did satisfy targets for Adequate Yearly GMS did satisfy targets for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in ELA.Progress (AYP) in ELA.

GMS did satisfy targets for AYP in Math in GMS did satisfy targets for AYP in Math in 2005, but still labeled as underperforming in 2005, but still labeled as underperforming in Special Education subgroup.Special Education subgroup.

GMS has developed specific professional GMS has developed specific professional development goals to address these concerns development goals to address these concerns in Math.in Math.



GRAFTON ELEMENATARY GRAFTON ELEMENATARY SCHOOLSCHOOL

Mission Statement:Mission Statement:Grafton Elementary School is a collaborative community of learners. Grafton Elementary School is a collaborative community of learners.

Here at GES, we promote academic success and help to develop Here at GES, we promote academic success and help to develop responsible citizens in an inclusive environment. With adult responsible citizens in an inclusive environment. With adult support, students learn to be accountable in both academic and support, students learn to be accountable in both academic and social situations. Our expectations empower children and staff to social situations. Our expectations empower children and staff to recognize, respect and celebrate individual talents and abilities. recognize, respect and celebrate individual talents and abilities. Technology is integral to our learning, sharing, and Technology is integral to our learning, sharing, and communicating. Learning together at GES is challenging, communicating. Learning together at GES is challenging, interactive, fun, and exciting! interactive, fun, and exciting!

GRAFTON ELEMENATARY GRAFTON ELEMENATARY SCHOOLSCHOOL



Ratio: 14.0 to 1 Ratio: 14.0 to 1

98% of teachers are 98% of teachers are licensed in their licensed in their subject areas (95% subject areas (95% in 2000-2001)in 2000-2001)

97% of teachers are 97% of teachers are classified as “Highly classified as “Highly Qualified”Qualified”

GRAFTON ELEMENTARY GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSCHOOL

2005 MCAS results: students continued to 2005 MCAS results: students continued to perform at a high level, overall trend shows perform at a high level, overall trend shows increased test scores, and students are increased test scores, and students are performing above state averages. performing above state averages.

GES did satisfy all targets for Adequate Yearly GES did satisfy all targets for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in ELA and Math.Progress (AYP) in ELA and Math.

GES has developed specific professional GES has developed specific professional development goals to address these concerns development goals to address these concerns in Math, including daily instructional time and in Math, including daily instructional time and aligning instructional techniques and aligning instructional techniques and vocabulary. vocabulary.

GRAFTON ELEMENTARY GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSCHOOL

NORTH GRAFTON NORTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mission Statement:Mission Statement:North Grafton Elementary is a community of learners North Grafton Elementary is a community of learners

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

NORTH GRAFTON NORTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLELEMENTARY SCHOOL




All teachers are All teachers are licensed in their licensed in their subject areas (96% subject areas (96% in 2000-2001)in 2000-2001)


SOUTH GRAFTON SOUTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mission Statement: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 SOUTH GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLELEMENTARY SCHOOL




All teachers are All teachers are licensed in their licensed in their subject areas (96% subject areas (96% in 2000-2001)in 2000-2001)


MOVING FORWARDMOVING FORWARD

Continue to provide students with skills to Continue to provide students with skills to improve while being challenged.improve while being challenged.

Provide our staff with opportunities to Provide our staff with opportunities to development as professionals.development as professionals.

Increasing the use of technology throughout Increasing the use of technology throughout the district.the district.

Begin to study whether our current school Begin to study whether our current school facilities are sufficient to handle an increasing facilities are sufficient to handle an increasing population.population.

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

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