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January 7. 2008

Welcome to the winter update to the website of the Shrewsbury Public Schools.  The information below exemplifies what has been a wonderful first semester of the year.  Improving performance on MCAS and other assessments, outstanding achievements of students in art, music, speech and debate, and robotics, and championship athletic teams in the fall season (including the State Championship football team) reflect the character and quality of Shrewsbury as a lighthouse school district in central Massachusetts.  

Special thanks are due to Judy Evans, Pam LeBlanc, and Jay Costa for their contributions.  The final piece in this update is the list of priorities established by the school committee as we begin the public discussions for the FY09 budget.    

Curriculum
The district is currently piloting a new core reading/writing program for students in grades K-4. Rigby’s Literacy by Design (LBD) pairs research-based instruction with effective classroom practices. LBD was designed by some of the leading literacy specialists in the country. Our previous reading program was not well aligned with the state curriculum frameworks and we recognize the need for a balanced program that includes the five components of literacy (phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) as well as a strong writing component.  Reading instruction is connected through whole class, small group, and independent reading.  In addition, literacy skills are linked to national standards-based science and social studies content. The program provides for built-in acceleration and support for struggling learners. The district will make a final decision in the spring about full the implementation of the program for the fall of 2008.

Art
The art department has been very busy thus far participating in various art exhibits and contests for grades K-12.  Just recently, a high school students enrolled in Honors Studio II and Advanced Placement art held a student exhibit hosted by Diamond Coffee in Shrewsbury.  Eight pieces of artwork were on exhibit.  Students at the elementary level and at Sherwood Middle (Grade 5) have had the opportunity to participate in an art contest hosted by Hebert’s Confections, formerly Hebert’s Candy Mansion.  Student artwork will be made into candy bar wrappers and sold at the mansion and throughout Shrewsbury.  Half the proceeds raised will go to “Supporting the Arts in Shrewsbury.”  Be on the look out for the candy bars with a Shrewsbury Art Student’s work on the wrapper.  The first piece chosen for the wrapper is that of a kindergarten student.   The exhibit of all artwork submitted and the “kick off” for this event will be in mid January at Hebert’s.

In addition to all of the outside exhibits and contests, student artwork is on display throughout the year in the central office of the School Department, as well as at the Shrewsbury Credit Union and Central One Federal Credit Union.   Annual Arts Festivals for all grades will be held in May.

Athletics
This fall brought about some amazing moments and the best overall performance in Shrewsbury High School sports history. Shrewsbury saw 7 teams qualify for the district/regional playoffs, 2 in district championships, and 8 teams qualify for state competition.

We had the privilege to see 3 Mid-Wach A League Championships in the Boys’ Cross Country (3rd year in a row), Field Hockey, and Girls’ Soccer.  The girls’ soccer and field hockey teams went on to win the Central Massachusetts District Championships and were state finalists in their respective sports.

The football team won the Division 1A East League Championship, Central Massachusetts 1A Championship, and the Division 1A Central/West Super Bowl.  The team finished the season, 13-0 and the number one team in Central Massachusetts.

Budget Priorities for FY09
The Shrewsbury School Committee has established the following priorities as they begin work on the school budget for the 2008-09 school year:

1. Maintaining class sizes throughout the district in accordance with school committee guidelines.
   
2. Reducing Study Halls at the High School is a high priority.  The high school administration reports that students cannot take many courses requested due to insufficient staffing levels.  The result of course limitations for students is that they spend too much time in study halls.
3. Support for Special Education will be important for 2008-09.  The increasing complexity of students with Individualized Education Plans is putting stress on classrooms, special education staff, regular education teachers, and the administration.  The academic challenges that some of the children face, the behavioral profiles of a significant group of children, and communication requirements with parents point to the need for additional resources. 
4. Resources for technology, supplies, materials, and professional development.  We remain below funding levels from more than 5 years ago and are currently at less than 50% of the state average.
5. Reducing fees.  Transportation fees ($210), high school athletic fees ($290), and activity fees (MS/$50, HS/$100) are reducing the number of students involved and creating financial hardship for families.  We are projecting revenue of $800,000 from fees this year (just under 2% of the budget).  More importantly, the burden for a quality public education is being shifted away from the community responsibility that it should be, to families with children.
6. Facility Needs.  Several principals listed a variety of issues associated with their buildings.  The school department budget covers such items as furniture, equipment, and intercom improvements.  We will also work with the public buildings department to address issues of painting, carpet replacement, screens, etc. that the principals saw as priorities.

Please feel free to review the many school and program links listed here.  Finally, you may call any of us in the schools if you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Anthony J. Bent,
Superintendent

Central Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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