Pelham - Windham News | October 7, 2011 - 7 Windham School District Improves in Math


by Barbara O’Brien This past year, Windham public


schools achieved “adequate yearly progress” in the area of mathematics, based on the results obtained through tests administered through NECAP (New England Common Assessments Program). NECAP is an assessment program formulated in response to the federal “No Child Left Behind” Program, initiated under the administration of former President George W. Bush. The achievement of “adequate


yearly progress” in math during the 2010-2011 school year is noteworthy, because the Windham School District did not achieve this goal the previous two school years (2008-2009 and 2009-2010), causing it to be labeled as a “District in Need of Improvement.” According to SAU 28 Assistant Superintendent Amanda Lecaroz, the “District in Need of Improvement” (DINI) designation was attached to Windham schools because a special education “sub-group” failed to achieve adequate progress for two consecutive years. “We are not a DINI in reading,” however, Lecaroz noted. In order to get rid of the “District in Need of Improvement” designation for mathematics, Windham will need to achieve adequate yearly progress throughout the district for two consecutive years. “We need to keep moving forward,” Lecaroz told school board members during a recent workshop. The next bout of NECAP testing takes place throughout the region this month. Those results will not be known until some time next


year, however. The situation might only worsen nationwide, however, as the criteria for the “The No Child Left Behind” program will become even stricter between now and 2014. By 2014, 100 percent of all students enrolled in a school district are expected to achieve the “adequacy” level. If that doesn’t occur, communities will either be designated as having a “SINI” (School in Need of Improvement) or as a “DINI” (District in Need of Improvement).


According to Lecaroz, 84 percent of communities throughout New Hampshire currently have at least one school that is in need of improvement (SINI). “Something has to be done” statewide, school board member Jeff Bostic said. “There’s only 16 percent left (that don’t have a school designated as being in need of improvement). “ It will probably reach 100 percent, if the (federal) law doesn’t change,” Lecaroz noted, adding that this designation does not mean that these schools are actually “sub-standard.” The “No Child Left Behind” program is currently being debated in the United States Congress, Lecaroz reported, with several amendments being considered. “We may be allowed to apply for waivers from the 2014 date,” she told school board members. As for what is being done to


improve the knowledge acquired by all Windham students in the area of mathematics, Lecaroz said that a new curriculum encompassing kindergarten through twelfth grade is in the final


stages of development. School “data teams” have also been created in each of the four schools in Windham. The teams goals are to identify lower performing students earlier and, therefore, be able to provide intervention to sooner.


“It’s easier


to catch up when you’re only a month behind, than an entire year,” Lecaroz stated. A pilot program is also


underway for kindergarten through third grade students at Windham’s Golden Brook Elementary School. The program provides computer- based instruction for students in need. Efforts are also being made to enhance professional development in the area of mathematics for staff members. “We are looking for resources that meet the needs of most students in the district, while, at the same time, assisting those who are not performing adequately, with alternatives,” Lecaroz explained. School board member Michelle


Farrell said she feels that Lecaroz has “put an incredible amount of work” into improving the mathematics program district- wide this past year, “not just for the struggling students, but for those that excel, as well.” Referring to the revised math curriculum,


Zach DeBay Beats his Own State Record submitted by Christine DeBay


Pelham 11 year old Zach DeBay


ran the Applefest 1/2 marathon in Hollis on October 1 trying to beat his own state record time he set in September. On a rain soaked course, Zach beat his old record by almost four minutes. His previous record time was 1:59:45, which he beat at a new record time for an 11 year old of 1:55:46. Zach ran the race in memory of his grandfather, Leo Frawley of Windham, who passed away last month. He was one of Zach’s biggest supporters.


Zach DeBay Farrell said, “It’s not just on paper. It’s


being implemented.” “ We have great administration teams in each school that are putting everything into place,”


Lecaroz responded. “What students learn between kindergarten and eighth grade determines their performance in high school,” she emphasized.


WE HELP PEOPLE SEE


At Vision Source- Acuity Eyecare we bring focus into your life. We offer the personal care of family eye doctors combined with the latest technology to provide comprehensive eye health care services:


• Eye Health Examination


• Treatment of Eye Injuries and disease • Testing for Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration and Diabetes • Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses • Sunglasses - Rx and Non-Rx


Acuity Eyecare & Optical Boutique www. Visionsource-Acuityeyecare.com •603.893.8628


Hours: T- F 8:30am - 5:30PM, Sat 8:00am - noon 223 Main Street, Salem NH 03079


• All Private Rooms • Nursing 24/7


• All Meals, Housekeeping, Laundry, Cable & Maintenance Services Included • Full Calendar of Activities • No Entrance or Applications Fees


“My residency here has provided me with security, comfort and proper health guidance from a staff that possesses a gracious and sincere rapport.” Martha Brough


For more information, please contact Sylvie Cotnoir, Director, at 883-2419 or scotnoir@fairviewhealthcare.com


www.fairviewhealthcare.com 603-882-5261


203 Lowell Road, Hudson NH 03051


Woof It Down, LLC “Food & Fashion for Dogs”


Treats • Toys Dog & Cat Food


Mon, Tues, Wed, Friday 10am - 6pm


Thursday 10am- 8pm Saturday 10am-4pm


33 Indian Rock Rd, Windham Village Green • 603-421-WOOF (9663) woofitdownonline.com


Ad 880-1516


Place an


To call 2) Can we use picture #SANY0809 instead of the one with both Barbaras on the couch?


Voted Best of NH 2010 for Doggie Supplies


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20