Spring-Ford

Spring-Ford

B OA R D N OT E S

Spring-Ford Area School District

857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468-2711

610-705-6000

July/August 2014

spring-

Spring-Ford Schools Receive Governor's Award for Excellence in Academics at Board Meeting;

Scores Put Spring-Ford Schools in Top 2.5 Percent of the State

Spring-Ford Area School District had a lot to be proud

Of the 499 school districts in the state of Pennsylvania,

about during the Aug. 18 School Board work session.

only 11 had higher scores than Spring-Ford.

Seven of the District's schools received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Academics for achieving 90 points or higher on the Pennsylvania School Performance Profile (SPP). This impressive accomplishment places Spring-Ford in the top 2.5 percent in the state based

The SPP is a new district accountability system, which replaced No Child Left Behind and AYP testing

in Pennsylvania. SPP is the first state system to consider student growth in its scoring.

on SPP data.

That score is derived using

The schools that received

the following indicators:

the award were Brooke Elementary, for a score of 92.4; Limerick Elementary, for a score of 93.3; Royersford Elementary, for a score of 90.4; 5/6 Grade Center, for a score of 93.3; 7th Grade Center, for a score of 98; 8th Grade Center, for a score of 96.4; and 9th Grade Center, for a score of 91.9. schools were each presented with from the state.

v Indicators of Academic

Achievement make up

40 percent of the score.

This includes the percent

of students proficient on

PSSA/Keystone Exams

Principals proudly display the Governor's Award for Academic Excellence received by seven of Spring-Ford's schools.

in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology for the

2012-2013 school year,

The principals of the a plaque and banner

the percentage of third-graders reading at Proficient or Advanced on the PSSA, and other competency assessments such as the SAT/ACT.

In addition to the seven schools receiving between 90 and 100 points, the district received an overall score of 97.6.

v Indicators of closing the Achievement Gap among all students make up 5 percent of this score. continued on back

Superintendent Dr. David Goodin joins Special Education Supervisors Daniel Currie and Christine Raber (left to right) in recognizing the McNutt Family for its efforts in raising money through Ice for Autism.

Gregory and Beverly McNutt Recognized for Ice for Autism Contributions to the Classroom

During the Spring-Ford Area School Board August 25 board meeting, Rita's Water Ice owners Gregory and Beverly McNutt were recognized for the $30,000 they have raised overall through their Rita's Ice for Autism fundraising events. They also had an opportunity to see a new purchase that the school district made to support students with special needs.

Special Education Supervisors Daniel Currie and Christine Raber brought with them a "Squeeze Machine," a device which simulates the pressure

continued on back

Not able to get to the Board meeting in person? Tune into RCTV-Comcast Channel 969 or Verizon FiOS Channel 44, where work sessions and meetings are broadcast monthly. For a channel schedule, visit spring-.

Spring-Ford Schools Receive Governor's Award for Excellence in Academics at Board Meeting;

Scores Put Spring-Ford Schools in Top 2.5 Percent of the State (continued)

v Indicators of closing the Achievement Gap among historically underperforming students make up 5 percent of this score. Students falling within this category are those receiving Special Education services, English as a Second Language Students and Economically Disadvantaged Students.

v Indicators of Academic Growth through the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) Growth Index make up 40 percent of the score. This index represents the school's impact on the academic progress of students from year-to-year, with this year being the first since the SPP is new.

Schools were also awarded extra credit points based on the percentage of students rated "Advanced" on PSSAs, Advanced Placement course achievements, and "Advanced" ratings on industry standards-based competency assessments.

"Spring-Ford's schools reflect a tremendous accomplishment," stressed Dr. David Goodin, Superintendent of Schools. "We have every reason to be proud."

"We did tremendously well," Board member Bernard Pettit said. "With 499 school districts in the state, that's an honor."

v Other academic indicators make up 10 percent of the score. These include graduation and promotion rates, attendance rates, Advanced Placement credits and PSAT participation. This calculation is only applied to relevant schools. For example, graduation rates would not be calculated into the formula for elementary schools.

"We can achieve great things when we work together as a team and community. This is an honor for everyone who works in our district," School Board President Joe Ciresi said. "Let's keep moving forward. There's no reason we can't be the No.1 district in Pennsylvania."

Gregory and Beverly McNutt Recognized for Ice for Autism Contributions to the Classroom (continued)

of a hug, thus providing a calming effect on students with autism.

"Ice for Autism enables the District to purchase `would be nice' things ? items that are helpful to our students living with autism and special needs such as this device," explained Raber. Other purchases made possible by the Ice for Autism fundraiser include ipads with apps that enhance student communication, tools for the sensory room and conferences for special education teachers.

Beverly and Gregory, who have an autistic son, started the fundraising event six years ago in an effort to raise awareness and fund programs in the school district that provide support services to students with autism ? a disorder that impairs behavioral, social, and cognitive functions.

Also heavily involved in the fundraising efforts were Superintendent David Goodin, Assistant Superintendent Allyn Roche, School Board President Joe Ciresi, and the Spring-Ford Area High School Honor Society.

Community Members Encouraged to Volunteer in 2014-2015

During the August 25 School Board meeting opening announcements, community members were encouraged to make this new school year the year they volunteer within the Spring-Ford Area School District.

The School District values the unique contributions made by parents, guardians and community volunteers to the

educational and extracurricular programs of the school district.

There are many wonderful volunteer opportunities within our schools. Visit the Community section of our website at spring- to learn more about opportunities and requirements.

The Spring-Ford Area School Board will hold its next work session on Monday, September 15th. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, September 22nd. Both meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the high school cafeteria.

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