2011-2012 School Improvement Goals

After careful review of our 2010-2011 School Improvement Plan, we've decided to maintain an overall focus in 2011-2012 on the same areas: math, science, and writing. Data will be collected throughout the year to assess progress toward these goals. Feel free to offer input on strategies for proceeding!

In the area of math, our goal is to increase the percentage of students exceeding standard (a score of 350 or above) on the CRCT.  We have disaggregated the data (broken it down by subgroups - white, black, hispanic, economically disadvantaged, and special education students) and have also created specific goals for increases in the percentage of students exceeding at the subgroup level.

a.     White students: from 60%  exceeding standard (2010 result) to 64%  exceeding standard (2011 target)

b.     Black students: from 27% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 31% exceeding standard (2011 target)

c.      Hispanic students: from 38% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 42% exceeding standard (2011 target)

d.     Students with disabilities: from 19% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 23% exceeding standard (2011 target)

e.     Economically disadvantaged students: from 23% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 27% exceeding standard (2011 target)

In the area of science, we have also maintained the goal of increasing the percentage of students exceeding standard on the CRCT (scoring at or above 350).  We will look for specific gains across the subgroups in this area as well.

a.     White students: from 59% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 63%  exceeding standard (2011 target)

b.     Black students: from 26% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 30% exceeding standard (2011 target)

c.      Hispanic students: from 35% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 39% exceeding standard (2011 target)

d.     Students with disabilities: from 16% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 20% exceeding standard (2011 target)

e.     Economically disadvantaged students: from 24% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 28% exceeding standard (2011 target)

Finally, we did not meet our target to increase the percentage of 8th grade students scoring in the exceeds category on Georgia's 8th Grade Writing Assessment in spring 2011.  We will maintain a focus on this goal and look to increase the percentage of students exceeding on the spring 2012 administration.  We have also included a goal for our students with disabilities.

o   Overall student performance: from 9% exceeding standard (2010 result) to 15% exceeding standard (2011 target)

o   Students with disabilities: from 65% meeting or exceeding standard (2010 result) to 74% meeting or exceeding standard (2011 target)

News and More

What a busy time of the year! We have been involved in so many exciting activities both in and outside of the building. Take a look....
         
          *Junior Beta Induction Ceremony
          *6th and 7th Grade Dances

          *PTA Reflections Ceremony
          *Volleyball
          *Special Olympics
           *Red Ribbon Week

          *Book Fair
          *Talent Show
          *Field Trips
          *Selection of student ambassadors for our Health and Wellness Committee

          *Rachel's Challenge Rally on 11/11/11

          *Main Event - Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year Recognition
          *Academic Bowl

          *Student Government Canned Food Drive

          *Junior Beta Convention
          *Thanksgiving Feasts

I am so proud of our students and all of the great ways they represent Hopewell Middle School. Stay tuned...!

The Impact of Rachel's Challenge

By now, you have probably heard talk of the Rachel's Challenge Event we hosted on Wednesday. Whether you experienced it first-hand, heard the events recounted by your child, or saw coverage on the news, it is difficult to deny the program's impact.  The Rachel's Challenge Event was comprised of 2 student assemblies, a student training for the "Friends of Rachel (FOR)" club, and an evening community event.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I know the experience is going to ultimately be life-changing for me.

JB from Rachel's Challenge, Dr. Patterson, and Duffie Dixon of 11 Alive News

Rachel's Challenge combines the tragedy of the Columbine High School shootings with the beauty of Rachel Scott's writings and legacy, to challenge individuals to live differently.  The challenge has 5 components: 1)To eliminate prejudice; 2)Speak words that heal not hurt; 3)Forgive yourself and others; 4)Choose positive influences; and 5)Start a chain reaction.

Students sign the Rachel's Challenge banner to officially accept the challenge.

Rachel's Challenge doesn't end with the assembly. In fact, it's just beginning, and we need your support! We are all so excited and inspired to reach out and start our own chain reactions. The students have shared their ideas and we want to support them. As we post projects, feel free to reach out and help in any way you can. If you have an idea for a project, no matter how small, let us know about it so that our students can help!  Rachel Scott's message is a testament to us all of the powerful difference that one person can make.

"I have this theory that if one can go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same."

-Rachel Joy Scott


Accepting the Challenge

There has perhaps never been a more difficult time for our young adults than the current times in which we live.  It seems that the dangers we as adults faced growing up pale in comparison to what is the norm today.  Consider bullying, for instance.  I shared with faculty that there are certain things I am self-conscious of as an adult because of the teasing I endured as an adolescent.  And while at that time parents and teachers may have brushed aside reports of teasing and taunting, a lot has changed since then, and sadly, many lives have been lost as a result.

At Hopewell, we realize the delicate stage of growth and development that our students are either entering or currently going through.  This is one of the reasons we have chosen to address bullying and harassment from many perspectives:

1. Hopewell Administration communicates to students on a regular basis that there is absolutely no tolerance for bullying and harassment. Student reports of bullying and harassment are addressed as quickly as possible.
2. Hopewell students are being asked to "accept the challenge" on Wednesday, October 5th. You will have an opportunity to accept the challenge as well on October 5th at 7pm in the gym. Want to know what it's all about? Visit www.rachelschallenge.org for more information.We have invited the entire community, and hope you will join us to be a part of this exciting, life-changing experience.
3. On Friday 9/30 during homeroom, all students will view a presentation I created to help them understand the severity of bullying and harassment behaviors and the consequences if they choose to engage in them.  I will make the presentation available on the website as well as this blog.

2011 PTA Fall Family Picnic

Beautiful weather, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere... I can't think of a better way to kick off the fall season!

Thank you to all of those who contributed in any way to PTA's annual Fall Family Picnic. I had a great time meeting families, eating ice cream, and watching the kids have a ball on the jumper. 

If you missed it, we'd love to see you next year! Support the Hopewell community and be a part of this wonderful event!

Data, Data Everywhere!

Mr. Aubry reviews math problems with 8th grade students.

During the Curriculum Night welcome address on September 12th and 13th, I had the opportunity to share the outstanding 2011 CRCT results. I am immensely proud of all of the teachers and staff members who work so diligently every day to support student achievement. Our trend data shows increases in all of the appropriate areas (students meeting and/or exceeding the standard) as well as decreases in the appropriate area (students not meeting standard).  In case you missed it or would like to see it again, the presentation can be accessed at: http://www.hopewellmustangs.net/PDF/Parentpresentation.pdf.

You will notice that data is shared for all students, and then for certain "subgroups" of students.  I was deliberate in my terminology for each group to be consistent with what you would see if you viewed the data directly from the state at www.gadoe.org. Sometimes looking at data broken out this way can be uncomfortable, and even a touchy subject. But, if we don't know where we are, how can we decide where we want to go?  I am committed to being open, honest, and transparent, and encourage you to dialogue with me and share your thoughts on how we can continue to move forward!

Get Connected

Many parents believe that middle school children need to learn independence, take responsibility for themselves, and for goodness sake, GROW UP!  And guess what? They're right! But how does this need to grow impact the parent's role in the school? While you may think it's time to be more "hands-off," know that your involvement is still necessary, even critical, to your child's success.  This blog will help you stay connected and offer opportunities to get involved. Feel free to share your ideas, and ask questions!

Get Connected....

1. Join PTA - Did you know that for as little as $10 per member, our PTA provides resources for classrooms, parents, and teachers?  If you haven't already done so, follow the link below to sign up.  We currently have about 65% membership from our families.  Can we do better than that? I know we can!  http://www.hopewellpta.com/PDF/HMS_membershipform.pdf
2. Come to Curriculum Night - On Monday, September 12th (6th grade) and Tuesday, September 13th (7th and 8th grades) we will host our annual Curriculum Night. Not only is an opportunity to meet your child's teachers and hear about all the great things planned for the year, but you will also have the opportunity to review the propsed PTA budget, as well as hear remarks from me!  You don't want to miss this very important event.  We will begin at 6:45 in the gymnasium.  Hope to see you there!
3. Celebrate with us on Family Fun Night - On Friday, September 23rd, from 5:30-7:30, join us for food, fellowship, and fun.  Whether you're new to the community or simply want to connect with other families, we look forward to having you!

HMS Band Students are Top-Notch!