Message from the Principal
Dear Toquam Families,
Once again, we are prepared to open Toquam Magnet School as we shape our school to move the Bank Street Program into the 21st century. As we focus on such 21st century skills as collaboration, getting along with people, and working in groups to solve problems, we will incorporate the district goals. Our superintendent has set forth three initiatives for this year: core curricula, accountability, and community and family engagement. Toquam's School Improvement Plan will focus on standards in the various areas of curricula, as well as accountability for teaching the standards set forth by the state of Connecticut. We began three years ago with two goals that mirror the initiatives and the Board of Education goals: improve the achievement of students who are at or above proficiency level and improve the achievement of all of our No Child Left Behind subgroups. In the most recent CMT scores of spring, 2008, 92.4% of our children were proficient in math and 82.4% were proficient in reading. Yet we had subgroups that fell below the proficient range. Our goal is to bring these students to the proficient level.
In order to help all children achieve and be college ready, new initiatives have been put in place, both on a school level and a district level.This September the new district-wide math program, Everyday Math, was introduced in grade three and four. Staff development continues for all teachers K-4 for the new program. Our grade five teachers will begin with the program next year. In addition, all grade levels throughout the district were recently trained in the new science curriculum and will begin implementing the hands-on approach. Teachers from kindergarten through grade three throughout the district and the state were trained in the new DRA II to begin this January, 2009. A new phonics program, Wright Skills, was added to grades kindergarten through two. In addition to this, Toquam has some initiatives of its own. Last spring, our teachers saw a need to have a more consistent handwriting program. After much research, we decided on one program and contracted for training this past August for the Handwriting Without Tears. We now have a school wide handwriting program that will be consistent and will be carried through the grades. Another direction for Toquam is the five co-teaching classes where students of all abilities will have the advantage of three adults in a room. This will allow for small groups in enrichment, support, or reinforcement - a wonderful opportunity for children. We will continue to craft a literacy program and purchase books in science and social studies so that our scholars can understand concepts regardless of their differing reading abilities.
Research is clear about the positive, successful results of nonfiction materials in the classroom. Our after-school programs began in October, thanks to the hard work of our teachers and volunteer parents. These programs provided enrichment, support for proficient students, intervention, self-expression, exercise, and just plain fun. These types of opportunities will continue to expand this year. Added to this will be our data teams where teachers will make decisions about the need for specific instruction based on assessments of individual students. We will also be adapting our teaching to adjust to the emerging curriculum in math, science, and social studies while differentiating content, process, and assessment for our children.
Our direction is clear. We will give all of our children access to curricula that will prepare them for college. We will address their needs and touch their hearts. This is where we are headed. Please join us, get involved, and help us on our journey.
Respectfully,
Louise F. Spolowitz
Principal