Blog - August 2011

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Blog - August 2011

Through the Classroom Door: August 2011
Scott McKenzie's Blog Page
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A helping hand goes a long way ... and keeps the dog away
Posted 8/30/2011 at 8:37:44 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
The lazy days of summer are over and a new school year is in full swing.

With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can leave homework anxiety at the door when your kids come barreling through each day. Homework is an extension of the school day and is intended to reinforce classroom activities; it's not supposed to create frustration or tension between a parent and child.

First and foremost, establish a routine and set clear expectations. Avoid "homework creep" at the end of each night by encouraging your child to do their assignments at the same time each day: right after school, just before dinner or using study halls wisely.

When putting pencil to paper, the Southeast Branch of the Columbus Library lends quite a helping hand.

The Homework Help Center is a one-stop shop for assistance with all kinds of assignments. The staff and volunteers provide help to students from 4-7 p.m. every day after school (through Thursday) and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

A true community partner, the Homework Help Center at the local branch assists 15-30 students a day from kindergarten to grade 12! In fact, the Southeast location helped nearly 2,000 Groveport Madison students last year: Specifically, 1,984!

In a word: Amazing!

The Homework Help Centers are available at every branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, where last year 54,000 students were assisted systemwide. I am honestly humbled by the dedication and commitment they put forth in this endeavor.

The library boasts “real-live help” for free and the tools students need to succeed:
  • Friendly staff and volunteers to help
  • Computers and free printing
  • School supplies
  • Welcoming spaces to study and learn, and ...
  • Textbooks from Groveport Madison Schools.
The library is a true gem. The staff even promise to help if a trip to visit the Homework Help Center isn’t possible. You can search the library’s catalog, call a librarian with a question, email a librarian or chat with a library staff member who’s ready and waiting.

While I’ve known a dog or two in my tenure who’s truly run away with an assignment, the library will ensure your child’s homework is complete and packed up before Barclay even has a chance to sniff it out.
Adaptation is key to success
Posted 8/26/2011 at 11:17:51 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
A new school year just started, but there's already a lot of chatter about graduation.

The state issued it's Local Report Card (PDF version) for school districts this week and this year included two graduation rates. It's not a mistake... It's an effort to help explain an upcoming change in the way the graduation rate is calculated.

The impact could be big... or seem that way at least.

In Groveport Madison, it looks as if the rate drops significantly. Across the state, the rate could drop from 84 to 78. This is where a caution flag is thrown, though.

The calculation is entirely new so it is not an apples-to-apples comparison. The rate on page 7 of the Report Card can't be compared to the one on page 1.

The change actually comes at the national level as part of No Child Left Behind. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Education issued new regulations requiring states across the country to calculate graduates in the same manner for more accurate national comparisons.

We will now measure a student's success across four years, instead of counting the graduate in the year they complete high school. Districts will be required to track students who leave a school system and enroll in another; though once they are enrolled the new district it assumes the student in its calculation. If that student does not enroll in a new district and does not graduate within four years, the student would be considered a non-graduate in the district it left.

It's not certain at this point what the state's benchmark -- or requirement we will have to obtain to meet the state's target -- will be next year. The folks at ODE are still working with the new figures.

It's important for us as educators to analyze data over time to ensure we are putting forth our best efforts to be sure our student's are adequately prepared. In this case, we want them to be equipped with the right tools to graduate and measured against their peers across the country with the same yard stick. Studying graduation rates and examining when and where a student leaves school helps paint a picture of what a system can do to prevent drop outs.

In Groveport Madison, we've had a lot of success with this very kind of program. The Cruiser Academy, now in its second year, is currently serving students who have difficulty in traditional high school settings and have or are at risk for dropping out. In Year 1, the staff saw 47 of these students through to graduation this past spring and has helped 7 more meet graduation requirements this summer.

Cruiser Academy serves students from 16-21 and will continue to offer support to anyone shy of credits necessary to graduate. With the new graduation calculations going into effect, the staff at Groveport Madison High School will work even more closely with the Cruiser Academy to identify and assist students who are struggling with their requirements.

It's hard to adapt to change, especially when new measurements feel -- or look -- like a set back. Yet adaptability is the key to a strong foundation and we've shown in Groveport Madison we meet challenge head on.

It's that determination that pushes us to be sure we are implementing best practices in our buildings and classrooms so our children are receiving the top-notch education they deserve. It's the dedication that allows us to celebrate the district's first-ever “Excellent” designation on that same report card issued by the state this week.
The right start sets the stage for more
Posted 8/19/2011 at 9:28:46 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
There’s much to be said about getting off to a great start, and right now, Groveport Madison finds itself in top form.

In fact, I can say it’s likely the best we’ve ever had and Day 1 is yet to come.

For the first time ever, the district has earned an “Excellent” rating on the state’s Local Report Card. Such fantastic news clearly sets our district on a continued path of success when school starts Monday.

We find ourselves in this top spot because of the extremely hard work of our staff and students. They collectively pushed against some tough odds to land the Excellent designation! Support from our community also bolstered our efforts and we thank you for that!

There’s a lot to be proud of:
  • The district earned its highest ever Performance Index Score of 91.7
  • We scored an "Above" in the state’s Value Added measure (which analyzes progress over the course of a year as opposed to a test that is a “snapshot” in time), and ...
  • Groveport Madison captured 13 indicators out of 26, the best percentage ever!  

Combined, the strong performance in these benchmarks earns the district’s "Excellent" rating.

Our instructional staff has shown significant commitment to improve teaching practices so that our students can make the best academic strides possible. They’ve pushed boundaries to show such strong growth in our children.

I am humbled by the dedication I’ve seen in their classrooms and buildings. I’ve seen them move mountains.

It goes without saying, there is not much we aren’t able accomplish if we work together. This year’s strong start certainly sets the stage for continued success during the 2011-12 school year.
Reply Posts
Congrats
Posted 8/20/2011 at 10:52:32 AM by [anonymous visitor]
I hope that you contacted Susan Briggs and thanked her for her part in this accomplishment!
Superintendent Scott McKenzie
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About this Blog
We’ve created this forum to start conversations with you, to encourage critical thinking and to nurture the support you give to Groveport Madison Schools.

Research underscores the positive correlation between student achievement and a community that’s involved and well-informed. It’s to that end, I am eager to open a dialogue with you here.

I will share thoughts and ideas about educational trends, children and families, and, of course, news and activities in the district. We want to ensure we are communicating as effectively and timely as possible so will discuss topics that will make a difference to you, our community.
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