2003 - 2004
2003 - 2004
This plan is a collaborative effort of the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School staff and School Council. It is our commitment to the students that we will continue to strive for excellence so they may reach their full potential as students and school community members.
Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall served the town of Groveland for 56 years as a general practitioner and a school physician. In 1964, a school was built to educate students in grades four, five, and six. In tribute to his many years of service to the town, the new school was named the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School. The student population continued to increase, and in 1966, a twelve-room addition was added to the existing structure. Since 1983, the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School has been the only elementary school in Groveland, educating students in kindergarten through grade six. In 1991 the Bagnall School experienced another building project with the addition of a three room kindergarten wing, and a center corridor which houses the media center, computer lab, classrooms, specialists’ rooms/offices, project room and teachers’ room. In January of 1997, an increase in the population necessitated the installation and opening of two modular classrooms which became home to two fourth grade classrooms.
Today, the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School houses 654 students in kindergarten through grade six. Due to a lack of classroom space, the preschool classes are housed at the Page School in West Newbury. At the present time we have 44 classes: five half-day sessions of kindergarten, five first grades, five second grades, five third grades, five fourth grades, four fifth grades and five sixth grades. The following is the present student-teacher ratio at each grade:
Kindergarten 17:1
Grade One 21:1 Grade Three 20:1 Grade Five 21:1
Grade Two 19:1 Grade Four 19:1 Grade Six 24:1
We will continue to read with our traveling multicultural program. The students and staff are participating in The Bagnall School's Third Annual Reading Tour titled From Sea to Shining Sea; United States National Parks. We will be visiting eight different National Parks which were chosen for their location and historical significance. The Multicultural Committee has chosen to continue the Bagnall tradition of the December celebration of the Festival of Lights.
There are two very active parent groups. The PTA provides programming for the cultural arts, family social activities, classroom funding for field trips, and it facilitates the placement of the parent volunteers. The Bagnall Education Foundation supports technology, provides grants for the classroom teachers, contributes to the Bagnall Education Foundation Endowment Fund, and facilitates Sponsor a Classroom, a business/school partnership.
Members of the 2003-2004 School Improvement Council are:
PRINCIPAL Elizabeth C. Kline, Co-Chair
STAFF Diane E. Dawe, Technology Teacher Tracey Connors, Grade Five Teacher
PARENTS Elizabeth Cunniff, Co-Chair Sandra Fudge
COMMUNITY MEMBER Donald R. Beaton
NON-VOTING MEMBER Marie E. McNamee, Assistant Principal
As the leader in an educational partnership with the community, it is the purpose of the Pentucket Regional School District to ensure that all students discover and develop their talents and abilities to their highest potential, strive for academic excellence, acquire respect for self and others, and obtain the knowledge and skills to succeed and contribute as ethical, responsible citizens.
The Bagnall School council will give support to the school’s administrative and professional staff as they address the needs of all students in assuming a future role in the community and in an emerging global society. The Council is committed to assisting staff in developing a framework for experiences, activities, and programs for our children as well as co-curricular efforts that enhance their social growth and development.This support comes through our role(s) as school personnel, parents, and member(s) of the community working to foster partnerships, strengthen communication, and encourage cooperation.
GOAL 1
TO ADDRESS SPACE CONCERNS
and PLAN FOR THE 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR
The critical lack of available space and the utilization of space are ongoing concerns. It is well documented that the Bagnall School has the most pressing needs when appropriate learning environments are considered. As of the fall of 2003, the Bagnall School now houses an Extended Day Kindergarten Program resulting in the kindergarten classrooms being used full time. The addition of this revenue producing program has resulted in all kindergarten specials being conducted in the classroom thus displacing the teachers during these designated planning periods. GOAL 1 reflects an ongoing and serious need to address this issue. The community must be kept informed as to the school's situation. Planning must begin immediately so that appropriate learning environments are available for the future years.
Our main goal is to provide space at the Bagnall School so students have access to the areas that afford them a quality educational experience in the classroom, specialized learning centers, and in art, music, physical education, library and computer lab. In making decisions and planning for the 2004 – 2005 school year, information from the Town of Groveland Planning Board regarding residential building expansion must be taken into consideration. With the anticipated completion of many new housing units within the next year, the enrollment at the Bagnall School will be impacted.
Any and all creative uses of space at the Bagnall School have been implemented. At no time, in the history of the school, has the utilization and lack of space been so critical. The needs of our students will be the driving force in our recommendations.
GOAL 2
TO PROMOTE IMPROVED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Literacy remains a focus of the Bagnall staff. This fall we phased in the Scott Foresman Reading Program at first grade. We had also planned for an adoption of the program at the kindergarten and second grade. However, due to budgetary constraints, the implementation at these two grades has been postponed until the fall of 2004.
As a result of last year's building level professional development, some of the staff have leveled the libraries in their classrooms and have assessed the reading level of their students. This practice ensures that the students are reading literature that is appropriate for their skill levels. The creation of leveled libraries is the goal of many grades during the 2003-2004 school year.
Everyday Mathematics has been an exciting addition to the math curriculum. Ongoing staff support will be provided throughout the year. Exemplars have been purchased to supplement Everyday Mathematics so the the students will have realistic experiences with open-response math questions.
The MCAS data provides valuable information regarding curriculum and student understanding. This data is analyzed each year. However, with the use of TestWiz, a more detailed data analysis can be provided to the staff to assist them in identifying skill areas of strength and weakness.
A third year of staff development is again available under the leadership of two members of the Bagnall staff. This year the participants will be examining the work of Dr. Mel Levine, a well-known author and pediatrician who has devised a model of the learning process.
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GOAL 3
TO ADDRESS TECHNOLOGY NEEDS
In an effort to compete in the ever-changing world of technology, last year the first purchase of new Dell computers was set up in the computer lab and the special education rooms. It is our goal that new Dells will begin to replace the Macs in the classrooms. this phase-in will begin at the sixth grade and proceed down to the preschool.
Switching platforms requires training for the staff and the purchase of dual platform programs. Ongoing assessment of staff, student, and equipment needs will provide the data needed to make educated technology decisions regarding purchasing and training.
GOAL 4
TO ADDRESS THE NEED FOR NEW PROGRAMMING
In an attempt to address the
need for additional revenue at the Bagnall School, two new programs were implemented this
year. Over thirty students participate in the Bagnall After-
School Program which provides supervised care, homework assistance, physical activities,
and creative opportunities.
There are twelve students participating in the Bagnall Extended Day Kindergarten Program. After having lunch in the cafeteria and a short rest period, these students enjoy activities which enhance their morning kindergarten program.
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GOAL 5
TO PROMOTE A SAFE, HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
The goal reflects an ongoing desire to provide the students, staff, and parents of the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School a safe, healthy school environment. Respect of self and others has always been an expectation for the students and staff of the Bagnall School. Throughout the course of the year, the students will
Concentrate on their learning.
Showing a Consistency in their efforts
Communicating openly and respectfully with their peers and teachers
And Celebrating their successes
Likewise, the staff will
Concentrate on their individual goals they have set for the year and their students
Showing a Consistency in their efforts
Communicating openly and respectfully with their students, parents, and colleagues
And Celebrating their personal and classroom successes.
Some portions of GOAL V will require the support of the Superintendent, Business Manager, School Committee, and the Town of Groveland. We will be seeking this assistance as we begin to meet the tasks and actions pertaining to the Bagnall School building and grounds.