here - Plattsmouth Elementary School

Plattsmouth Elementary School
1724 8th Ave.
Plattsmouth NE 68048
402-296-4173
402-296-2462 (fax)
Claude Michel, Principal
Michael Karle, Assistant Principal
November 4, 2014
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Federal education legislation, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), mandates that all students must be
proficient on reading and math academics by 2014. Schools are expected to make Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) toward that goal. The state reading goal for 2014 was to have 100% of all elementary
students in 3rd and 4th grades be proficient on the reading standards. The math goal for the 2014 was to have
100% of all elementary students in 3rd and 4th grades be proficient on mathematic standards. Additional
information about how our school compared to other schools in the state is available on the State of the
Schools Report that can be found at http://reportcard.education.ne.gov/Default_State.aspx.
Any school receiving Federal Title I funds that does not meet the state goal two years in a row, in the same
grade level and subject, is identified as “In Need of Improvement.” A school can be removed from the
School Improvement status after all subgroups meet AYP goals for two consecutive years.
Plattsmouth Elementary School (PES) is in year 1 of Title I School Improvement Status. The following
information illustrates our students’ overall performance:
2012-2013
2013-2014
3rd
67%
57%
4th
76%
74%
All Grades
72%
66%
2012-2013
2013-2014
3rd
68%
62%
4th
73%
69%
All Grades
70%
66%
Reading
Math
All sub-groups, except students eligible for free and reduced lunch, did not meet the AYP goals in the
2012-13 school year. In the 2013-2014 school year, all sub-groups did not meet the AYP goals set by
NCLB.
The Nebraska Department of Education and Plattsmouth Community Schools do not believe that the
expectation of 100% proficiency is realistic. As an example, next year we may improve significantly but
not reach the goal of 100% proficiency. We will continue to be deemed as a school that is “In Need of
Improvement.” Plattsmouth Community Schools and Plattsmouth Elementary School have always been
committed to the success of our students and work extremely hard to meet the needs of all students.
When developing our reading, math, and writing curriculum, the District uses a through investigative
process to identify the general curriculum that best meets the needs of our students. Our reading
curriculum not only has a shared learning piece, but students are given instruction at their ability levels in
small groups. PES has a 30-minute opportunity block each day. During that block students receive
research-based reading programs, math interventions, and other interventions as identified by the needs of
the students.
In our after-school program we have a peer-based intervention in reading and math. To monitor the
success of our students, we formally assess our students three times a year and identify needs from that
data. Finally, we offer a summer school program that focuses on reading and math needs. We strive for
excellence each and every day and will continue to serve our child(ren) with researched-based programs
and others that are identified through a collaborative effort with our stakeholders.
Because of our “In Need of Improvement” status, the school will be developing and implementing a twoyear plan to help meet the goals. This year, I will develop a committee of administrators, teachers, and
parents that will identify needs and create a plan to submit to the Nebraska Department of Education. If
you are interested in helping us make a difference in your child(ren)’s academic life, please contact me at
(402) 296-4173.
NCLB requires each school identified for Title I School Improvement to offer Public School Choice to all
students who attend the identified school. Our students only have one elementary building within our
district. As a result, our students do not qualify for the Public School Choice.
All students benefit greatly from parents being involved in many ways. At PES, we offer parent
involvement nights such as Meet the Teacher, Math Night, Literacy Night, and Books and Bingo Night. As
a parent, we invite you to attend these programs and also encourage you to contact your teacher anytime
you have a question.
At home, you can become very involved by asking questions, reading aloud with your student, and setting
aside a time and place for homework. Student achievement is a partnership between the home and the
school. A strong home-school partnership has proven to be effective in helping student achievement.
I want to assure you that we will continue to serve your child(ren) with the best curriculum, proven
instructional strategies, research-based programming and most importantly, a commitment to your
child(ren)’s academic and social/emotional development.
Educationally yours,
Claude Michel
Plattsmouth Elementary Principal

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