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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:
- Maintaining class sizes throughout the district
in accordance with school committee guidelines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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For more inquiries
or information contact us at 508-841-8400.
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