Significant Academic Growth for RSD6 Students

Dear Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

This is the last e-blast before the winter break, and so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy holiday with family and friends. The last day of school will be Wednesday, December 23rd. School will resume on Monday, January 4th.

Our Commitment to Your Child’s Academic Growth

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Drapp updated the Board on students’ academic growth from September to November. Below are districtwide STAR achievement results, as measured by their percentile ranking, for grades 2 through 9 in both reading (red) and math (blue).

The results demonstrate significant growth growth for grades 2 through 7. Subsequent testing in grade 8 showed significant improvement and the district will continue to provide the resources and direction needed to improve the results of grade 9. The next round of STAR testing will occur in January.

​Thoughtful and Purposeful Use of Testing and Assessments in Region 6

One of the concerns we hear often hear about in the media is the amount of time schools spend on testing versus teaching students. Region 6 recently reviewed the time its students spend on state testing and local assessments and the results indicated that a minimal amount of time is consumed on standardized testing and assessments, leaving the vast majority of time for direct instruction.

For instance, In kindergarten and grades 1 and 2, over 98% of classroom time is directed on instruction, and in grades 3 through 6, 97% of classroom time is spent on teachers directly impacting student learning. On average, over the course of a year, approximately one hour a week is spent on state testing and local assessments.

New Director of Special Services Named

After six years of service in Region 6, Kevin Hollis, the current Director of Special Services, has announced that he will be leaving Region 6 to take a similar position in his hometown of Wolcott. Kevin’s last day will be January 15, 2016. The district is grateful for the time Kevin dedicated to Region 6.

Superintendent Drapp named Deb Foley as the interim director.

Progress Report Feedback - Last day to submit is Friday

Please also take a moment to provide feedback on the progress report. Results from this survey will be used to improve this communication tool. If you are interested in participating in a focus group, please provide your email address at the end of the online survey.

Wrapping Paper Rolls and Baby Food Jars Needed

Wrapping lots of presents? Please consider saving your wrapping paper rolls for use in the Warren School MakerSpace. Baby food jars are also needed.

Please note the following

• December 24th - January 1st - Winter Break - No School

Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, comments or concerns.

Best wishes,

Angela Rossbach