December 7, 2009

 

Dear Parent / Guardian:

 

I am excited about the good work your children are doing as we close our first semester. At this time of the year, because Central Elementary did not meet AYP in 2008-2009 in the area of reading, we have to be sure to offer the opportunity for school choice for the second semester. Please read the information below and contact me at school if you have questions.

 

Information about School Choice:

 

Central Elementary School is fully accredited and has met the benchmarks for the SOL scores in all content areas; however, it has been identified for improvement in the area of reading because it has not met the annual measurable objective in all student sub-groups. 

 

We have provided a chart to give a context to these test scores over time:

 

SOL/AYP Results 2007-2009

*Unadjusted Preliminary Scores

 

Although we have made strides in many areas, Central Elementary did not meet AYP in 2008-2009 in the area of reading. With that, our school has been designated by the Virginia Department of Education as a School Identified for Improvement. This designation alone does not indicate a failing school, but provides a focus on areas for school improvement by the principal, teachers, and parents. Identified schools then become eligible for additional support from the district and state as they work to improve teaching and learning, attendance, graduation or participation in testing.

 

 

 

December 7, 2009 Page 2

 

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, when a school is designated as a School Identified for Improvement by the state, parents have the options of:

 

The following school is available in your child’s transportation area: Amherst Elementary School. While all parents will have the opportunity to indicate whether they want their children transported to other schools, there is no guarantee that all children will be able to attend other schools. The space at each grade level is limited and will be considered when making placement decisions. 

 

If you would like more information about Amherst Elementary school, you are encouraged to access the Amherst County Public Schools web site (www.amherst.k12.va.us), or contact the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at 434-946-9340.

 

Please be sure to contact me at (434) 946-9700, or Dr. Rogers, if you are interested in talking about the school choice option.  Contact either one of us by December 18, 2009, if you wish to pursue this option.

 

Best wishes for your holiday season.

 

 

Kathy Pierce

Principal