[kittygilchrist]

Wildwood elementary school ranked in the lowest 300 elementary schools in the state this year, receiving a grade of D on the scales used for evaluation by the state. This is down from a grade of C the prior year, and B the year before.

I hope that some of you will consider volunteering in an effort to turn this trend around.

[SoccerCoach]

Kitty, what are the "scales used for evaluation"? Is academic achievement diminishing, or is this a cry for mentoring? I already am mentoring in an after school program and I see the positive impact that it has on those in the program.

Coach Joe

[kittygilchrist]

School Accountability Report
The evaluations are fairly complicated, and the above site, at the bottom shows the calculations used.

The data are collected on academic achievement primarily.

I became interested because of mentoring a couple of girls from my church who go to school in this area. I don't know yet what specific responsibilities of volunteers could be, but will report that when I have more information.

School starts August 7.

[PammyJ]

More than likely they will be assigned to School in Needs of Improvement status and will be working closely with Florida Dept. Of Education. It looks like they have a new principal and possibly under a restructuring plan. Schools will be under a new grading system this coming school year. However, new standards, new test, higher levels of rigor..... may take a while to get where they need to be.
Mentoring and taking an interest with individual students will help this school community! The teachers and staff will need help and support while the DOE is there as well, lots of work to do for Volunteers if they have a good volunteer program. Go Kitty!

[slipcovers]

Kitty, ask you mentioned in another thread, they are in need for children's underwear. I checked Wal-Mart online and there is free shipping on $50 order, if snowbirds want to contribute. I will have an order sent when school starts in September,in care of nurse. Thank you

[CFrance]

Slipcovers, what items specifically, and what sizes? I haven't bought those items in 30 years.

[princesspat]

It's a fact across the nation. You can have great teachers, but living in poverty, poor role models, unstable homes, etc. makes it almost impossible for schools like Wildwood to "measure" up to schools in more affluent neighborhoods. Volunteers in the classroom can really help these kids to know that people care about them.

[OscarOlden]

If one child - only ONE child - can be helped by a caring volunteer, it would be a wonderful gift. I understand that there are retired teachers who actively post on this forum. What a great gift it would be to give time to those needy children.

You are correct, Princesspat, these children need to know that people care about them.

[graciegirl]

Please volunteer. You don't have to be a teacher. Just being with them and reading to them and modeling what a good adult is helps.

[DougB]

Volunteers Make a Difference In a Child's Education


STARFISH POEM

One day an old man was walking down the beach just before dawn.* In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea.* As the old man approached the young man, he asked, "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?"* The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.* The old man exclaimed, "But there must be thousands of starfish.* How can your efforts make any difference?"* The young man looked down at the starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said," It makes a difference to this one!"

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by slipcovers

Kitty, ask you mentioned in another thread, they are in need for children's underwear. I checked Wal-Mart online and there is free shipping on $50 order, if snowbirds want to contribute. I will have an order sent when school starts in September,in care of nurse. Thank you

Slip, thanks for your willingness to do this. Staff are working already at the school, and teachers start Aug1. School starts not in Sept., but August 7, should you wish to proceed with sending items.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Wildwood elementary school ranked in the lowest 300 elementary schools in the state this year, receiving a grade of D on the scales used for evaluation by the state. This is down from a grade of C the prior year, and B the year before.

I hope that some of you will consider volunteering in an effort to turn this trend around.

Http://district.sumterschools.net/ww...r%20Packet.pdf

Wildwood Elementary actually benefitted from the "one letter grade drop protection". Meaning they earned an "F" point wise. But because they were a "C" school last year, they could only drop to a "D".

[DougB]

Originally Posted by slipcovers

Kitty, ask you mentioned in another thread, they are in need for children's underwear. I checked Wal-Mart online and there is free shipping on $50 order, if snowbirds want to contribute. I will have an order sent when school starts in September,in care of nurse. Thank you

Good idea, Slip. But we are in Florida. School starts in August.

[kittygilchrist]

Thanks for the info, Doug and Pam, long time educators...encouraging words appreciated.
I will do my best to learn more about needs for clothing and school supplies and post a new thread Monday. Hopefully we can do some collections locally.

Folks in other counties may wish to help the schools nearer to where they live.

We have tax free days on clothing and school supplies August 1-3.

[Bonnevie]

Tutors for Kids has been highlighted in the paper looking for volunteers. I contacted them and will be assigned to Wildwood where there is a great need. Lots of poverty there...90% of the school population.