Easton Area Middle School

and

Shawnee Middle School

AFG/Strategic

Planning

K-12

Implementation

Team Update Report

2007-2008

Math Action Planning Team

Math Objective: #1By the 2009-2010 academic year,

all Easton Area School District students will demonstrate increased

mathematics knowledge and skills.

Math Action Planning Team

SMS/EAMS Commendations Increased staff Continuation of 4-sight testing Data analysis to ensure appropriate remediation Continued use of “Study Island” program Remediation programs during and after-school hours Technology offers alternative instructional strategies to present

standards in another venue Continued use of “Math 24” Saxon math program used in Learning Support classes PSSA scores increased from previous year Grade-level content incorporated into Learning Support classes

Math Action Planning Team

SMS Commendations Nutritional snacks during PSSA testing Adopt-an-anchor Acquisition of data projectors, monitors and software Teacher/team decision to prioritize demands upon student’s

academic schedule

EAMS Commendations Training for Math Investigations and “FASTTMATH” - grade 5

Math Action Planning Team

SMS Recommendation Perfect attendance rewards during PSSA testing ESL teachers to incorporate consumer math & problem

solving ideas into curriculum Request status of “Math Specialist” for building

EAMS Recommendation Reduce class size Increase staff Nutritional snacks during PSSA testing

Literacy Action Planning Team

Literacy Objective: #2By the 2009-2010 academic year,

all Easton Area School District students will demonstrate increased

reading knowledge and skills.

Literacy Action Planning Team

SMS/EAMS Commendations Continuation of 4-sight testing Use of 4-sight and AimsWeb data PSSA reading/writing rubrics are available to all subject area

teachers to help increase PSSA scores Remediation programs during and after-school hours Increased staff (EAMS - literacy specialist/SMS - READ 180

teachers & two study skill teachers) Differentiated instruction training Friday update/teacher-team websites to help increase

parent/community communication

Literacy Action Planning Team

SMS Commendations Expansion of READ 180 program & Study Skills Nutritional snacks during PSSA testing Formal outline for research paper is part of the curriculum Supplemental vocabulary program used for grades 7 and 8 (not supported by

grant money)

EAMS Commendations Continued use of increased reading time Continued implementation of Scott-Foresman Reading Program Curriculum embedded assessments Increase in staff being trained to correctly assess 4-sight tests Staff is trained in Reading Apprenticeship strategies and data analysis Acquisition and implementation of leveled reader library which is available to

teachers in every content area

Literacy Action Planning Team

SMS Recommendation Literacy committee is waiting for the Associate Director

of Literacy to recommend programs that would be beneficial to staff development

Additional monies for teachers to be trained on the skill of “Teaching Grammar in the Context of Writing”

EAMS Recommendation Hiring of additional staff to address student needs

Citizenship Action Planning Team

Citizenship Objective: #3By the 2009-2010 academic year,

all students of the Easton Area School District will be better citizens of their school & community

by demonstrating to a higher degree the core ethical values of

caring, honesty, fairness, responsibility, trust, respect, and citizenship.

Citizenship Action Planning Team

SMS/EAMS Commendations Increased availability of documents translated into Spanish -

paraprofessional translator was hired Implementation of breakfast program (as part of the health & wellness

initiative in the district) Increased use of community resources and district personnel for

counseling/student services PSSA tutoring for at-risk students Saturday detentions Increased staff Maintain accurate data on established baseline levels regarding

suspensions Implementation of district-wide discipline referral page

Citizenship Action Planning Team

SMS Commendations Creation of teacher-team web pages for entire staff Continuation of Student of the Month program Counseling groups based on student needs Fewer behavioral problems due to expanded halls and changes in locker configurations

EAMS Commendations Anti-bullying program Organized hallways and stairwells Continue implementation of effective incentives for attendance on PSSA testing days Full-time Behavior Modification Room (BMR) monitor “Rover Ready Stomping Grounds” -- method of ensuring agenda books are used properly “A Place 4Us” - after-school program incorporating study skills, organizational club, and

tutor/mentoring Continued staff development in areas of school/parent communication, safe school

environments, and diversity (Milton Hershey) Positive incentive behavior modification programs - Great Expectations

Citizenship Action Planning Team

SMS/EAMS Recommendations Re-evaluate out-of-school suspensions (alternative education site) Maintain academic and behavioral performance of students through

high school graduation: open access to PowerSchool for building principals

SMS Recommendations Develop an on-going plan of in-service to train staff in areas of

school/parent communication, safe school environments, and diversity (waiting on status from sub-committee)

Student publications (position to be determined) Develop a school-wide behavior program to give a priority to citizenship

related activities School store location is currently occupied by food service provider Unaware of any action on proposed district diversity program

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #1Philosophy, Mission, Beliefs, and/or Objectives

SMS/EAMS Commendations AFG posters/mission statements are posted in all classrooms, upon entering the

building, and discussed at faculty meetings to instill a clear understanding of the PMBO.

PMBO statement is available in Spanish and English Mission statement in kid-friendly terms

EAMS Recommendation Embed district mission statement into all communications to parents. EAMS Guidelines booklet should be reworked so as to be less dense and

overwhelming to parents. EASD needs to continue to allow ample room in the curricula for Social Studies,

Science, Music and Arts, and for character education curricula.

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #2: Governance and LeadershipSMS/EAMS Commendation

There is open communication between administrators via coordinator meetings Weekly administrator meetings

SMS Commendation Central administrators are visible and available, as needed

EAMS Commendation Code of Conduct committee is currently creating a plan Improved communication for placement of incoming 5th grade students

via profile sheets

SMS/EAMS Recommendation Building administrators need to effectively communicate when the

EAMS and SMS merge into one campus

EAMS Recommendation Continuity needed in 5th and 6th grade team configurations

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #3: Organizational Design and StaffSMS/EAMS Commendations

Communication improvements:Friday Update, coordinator meetings & “open door” policy

SMS Commendations Assistant principal(s) available upon request Common planning time through team time & new department meeting schedule

EAMS Commendations Office staff descriptions are being updated on an ongoing basis as new staff are

hired

SMS/EAMS Recommendation Increase relevant professional development

EAMS Recommendation All curriculum areas need to develop a district-wide committee to increase

communication More computers, programs, internet access and technology training needed Need for additional guidance counselor(s)

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #4: Educational ProgramsSMS/EAMS Commendation

Curriculum maps are continually being updated

SMS Commendation Increased opportunity for lower ability students to socially and academically interact with

higher ability students READ 180 program expanded Curriculum guides/department calendars created for all subjects Sufficient technology for student needs

EAMS Commendation Effective use of teaming model Recess added for all students

SMS Recommendation Scheduling concern regarding READ 180 and CAMP classes

EAMS Recommendation Written curriculum guides are necessary for all subject areas Social Studies teachers believe they should be placed on teams

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #5: Learning Media and ServicesSMS/EAMS Commendations

Paraprofessionals hired for satellite copy center(s) at schools

SMS Commendations Additional copier Sufficient LCD projectors, DVDs and televisions

EAMS Commendations Improved use of technological skills for library resources

SMS/EAMS Recommendations Updated performance benchmarks for technology

EAMS Recommendation One computer cart per team Additional new copier(s) Maintenance of technology equipment needs to be performed in a timely fashion

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #6: Students ServicesSMS/EAMS Commendations

Health, well-being, and non-academic needs are key considerations of faculty and students (breakfast program was initiated this year)

Voluntary training for first aid, AED and CPR are offered district-wide

SMS Commendation Common planning time through team time & new department meeting

schedule

EAMS Commendation Increased communication with cafeteria staff to ensure more efficient

operations

EAMS Recommendation Better communication needed between the central office and guidance

when placing students with special needs during the school year

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #7: Student Life and Activities

SMS Commendations Student of the Month

EAMS Commendation Opportunities to appreciate cultural diversity and instill pride

are embedded in the curriculum

SMS Recommendation Explore alternative funding options - waiting for status on

foundation from district

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #8: FacilitiesSMS/EAMS Commendations

Safe environment - inviting, warm, and has a positive toneSMS Commendations

All previous concerns have been rectified with new building Access cards provided for building access (& security)

EAMS Commendation Access pad installed on the 13th Street side of the building

SMS Recommendation Larger/more whiteboard and tack board space

EAMS Recommendation Additional safe parking at 12th street campus Voice mail/iChat for all faculty members to expedite

communication

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #9: Health & SafetySMS/EAMS Commendations

Strong security presence Well-maintained school plant Permanent emergency procedures are being followed

Breakfast program SMS Commendations

Use of iChat to avoid interruptions by PA system Additional school nurse position filled Multiple cameras throughout building for added security

SMS/EAMS Recommendations Nutritional meals/salad bar for faculty

SMS Recommendations Dismissal procedures are a concern due to overcrowding issues near guidance suite Additional Sodexho staff needed

EAMS Recommendations Investigate a less disruptive method of communication than the current PA system Seek alternative programs to replace DARE

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #10: Finance TeamSMS/EAMS Commendations

Availability of summer school programs serving at-risk students - Summer School program (SMS) - Summer Sizzle program (EAMS) PTA funding several programs On-line ordering process Grant writer hired to fulfill district’s needs

EAMS Commendation Accessed financial resources through community partnerships

EAMS Recommendation Individual needed to address public relation issues

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #11: Assessment of Student LearningSMS/EAMS Commendation

Curriculum mapping has been a great benefit to provide consistency when preparing students for the assessments

Common department rubrics and assessments are being addressed to ensure consistency across departments and grade levels

EAMS Commendation Alternative education site in place for Grade 5 Pre- and post-tests have been implemented into the Reading program

EAMS Recommendations PSSA testing schedule needs to be reviewed and revised to ensure better

scheduling for students

AFG Standards

SMS/EAMS - Standard #12: Planning TeamSMS/EAMS Commendations

Committed to school improvement (AFG involvement) New strategic plan is available for staff and public review (2007-2013) Continued knowledge of staff to the district strategic plan Communication to community members & parents is accomplished via Friday Update, websites

and newsletters Varied stakeholders are invited to participate in school-related committees Improved communication between special and regular education teachers via new department

meeting schedule

SMS Recommendations Continued exposure of staff to district strategic plans in order to increase awareness Subject area departments should take ownership of specific AFG standards or Action Teams Meeting schedule should be implemented between EAHS and EAMS building coordinators to

improve communication and improve vertical alignment One coordinator for all ‘specials’ has been recommended by building principal