Blue Heron Middle School Quarterly 4 A Report

Quarter 1: 2007-2008

By Principal Mark Decker

Academics

It is the goal at Blue Heron to offer a rigorous integrated curriculum, which includes language arts, social studies, math, science, health and fitness, and visual and performing arts.  All students will be provided the opportunity to learn.

• Communication
• Quarterly progress reports mailed home.
• Student led parent-teacher conferences with nearly 100% parent attendance occurred in November.
• Curriculum
• Lessons are tied to Washington State Grade Level Standards.
• Offer experiential learning opportunities for all students
• Instruction
• 6th grade core academic classes (math, science, language arts, social studies) have a ratio of 1 teacher to 22 students.
• 7th grade core academic classes (math, science, language arts, social studies) have a ratio of 1 teacher to 22 to 25 students.
• 8th grade core academic classes (math, science, language arts, social studies) have a ratio of 1 teacher to 21 to 26 students.
• We provide after school assistance on regular school days and a late bus at 3 pm for students in need of academic assistance.
• Assessment
• Formative and summative classroom assessments.
• Student learning plans for every student.
• WASL scores shared with parents twice through direct mailing and student-parent-teacher conference.
• Achievement
• 187 students out of 323 students made the honor roll during quarter one.  (58%)
• 41 students are in the 4A Club
• 79% of our current 8th graders met writing standards in 7th grade.
• 69% of our current 8th graders met reading standards in 7th grade.
• 59% of our current 8th graders met math standards in 7th grade.
• 61% of our current 7th graders met reading standards in 6th grade.
• 54% of our current 7th graders met math standards in 6th grade.

Attendance

Regular daily attendance at Blue Heron is expected.  Typically average daily attendance has been 93%-100% over the course of the last three years (2004-2007).  Students with excellent attendance directly relates to success in school.  The goal is for a student to be in attendance 170 out of 180 school days.

• On the average day 306 students are in attendance out of 323 students. (95% average daily attendance for quarter one)
• 210 out of 323 students attended Blue Heron with 2 or less-absences during quarter one. (65%)
• 292 out of 323 students attended Blue Heron with 6 or less-absences during quarter one. (90%)

Attitude

Blue Heron will be a safe place where students behave with kindness, responsibility, and respect.

• 288 students out of 323 students had zero office referrals in quarter one (89%).
• Thirty-five (35) students out of 323 total students generated 60 emergency office referrals. 
• There were zero (0) incidences of weapons, drugs, or alcohol at school this quarter.

Activities

Blue Heron recognizes that students who are involved in their school and community perform better in school.  Students are encouraged to be involved in after school activities and community activities during each quarter of school. Developmentally appropriate cultural, athletic, recreational and social opportunities are offered.

• 5 cultural activities were sponsored for students.
• 2 athletic sports were sponsored for students.
• 4 recreational partnerships exist with community organizations hosting events for students.
• 1 ASB Social Dance
• 200+ after school activities were scheduled at Blue Heron involving school-community partnerships in the months of August, September, and October.