Based on the Federal ESEA Accountability System and the Outcomes of Palmetto Assessment

August 5, 2013

Dear Parents,

Based on the Federal ESEA Accountability System and the outcomes of Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) scores and other academic achievement and growth indicators, WE Parker Elementary has been identified as a Focus School.

Specifically, WE Parker Elementary is a Focus school because it did not meet the state’s overall performance expectations based on closing growth gaps for minority and disabled students, as well as, students receiving free or reduced priced lunch.

WE Parker Elementary and The Edgefield County School District are committed to ensuring that all children achieve proficiency, but because WE Parker Elementary currently receives federal Title I funds, you have the option to transfer your child to another school in our district that is not identified with the Priority or Focus status.

If you so choose, The Edgefield County School District will provide your child bus transportation from WE Parker Elementary to one of the schools below. Please refer to the chart provided to see the most recent data regarding how WE Parker Elementary compares with choice schools.

Choice School Overall Weighted Points Total Overall Grade Conversion % of Objectives Met % of Objectives Met % of Objectives Met

ELA Math Science

Douglas Elementary 54.3 F 92 4 14

Merriwether Elementary 73.6 C 85.71 57.14 27.14

WE Parker Elementary 88.4 B 98.57 81.43 22.86

If you choose to transfer your child, please be aware of the following:  The district will provide or pay for transportation to and from your child’s Choice School as long as WE Parker Elementary is a priority school identified for improvement. If WE Parker Elementary meets achievement goals for two straight years, it will no longer be a high priority school and transportation will no longer be provided by the district.  Your child will be allowed to remain at the new school until he/she completes the highest grade.  If funds are not available for all students to be transported, priority for transportation will be given to lowest achieving students from low-income families.  If requests for a Choice School exceed that school’s capacity, priority for the parent's first choice will be given to lowest achieving students from low-income families. (Note: LEAs cannot refuse choice based on capacity. LEA can attempt to alleviate crowding by offering two or more choices.)

The other option of which you should be aware is that if you choose to keep your child at WE Parker Elementary and your child is not yet proficient on the state’s assessment (PASS), then she/he may be eligible for free tutoring in the 2013-2014 school year. This will not be available to your child if you choose another school. (SES tutoring information will be shared at a later date.) Before you decide to transfer your child, please consider the following efforts that we are making to improve the academic success of our students:  Availability of Title I-funded Supplemental Education Services (SES) – free tutoring  Class-size reduction that attempts to keep the class size in grade 1 at 16 students  TAP master and mentor teacher program  Response to Intervention Program  Balanced Literacy  Positive Behavior Intervention Program  Service Learning Projects  Computer lab operated by a trained paraprofessional  Extensive data review to determine what our students do well and need to do better so that we can appropriately focus instruction  Additional group support for students during and after the regular school day

The Edgefield County School District also provides the following in support of improved student achievement:  Implementation of the TAP Program which mentors teachers and offers professional development for teacher growth.  Professional development for teachers to expand their knowledge of reading/math/science instructional strategies such as – Teaching for Student Success; Common Core State Standards; Differentiated Instruction; Closing the Achievement Gap: African American Males & Students with Special Needs; Understanding and Manipulating Test Data Using TestView; Behavorial Interventions; Bullying, Addressing School Violence, and Suicide Prevention; etc.  Teacher training in data analysis to help them tailor classroom instruction to be more responsive to students’ academic needs.  Full Day Child Development Programs  Response to Intervention Program  District-wide Parenting and Family Literacy Program  Life Long Learning Program

Our school is working hard with the state and district to increase student achievement in math and reading. We encourage you to get involved in our efforts to address our academic challenges! Parents assist by working with their students on schoolwork, attending parent conferences, reading monthly newsletters and making sure their children attend school daily. Also, we invite you to participate in the following opportunities that will be publicized in monthly newsletters:  Literacy Night to address reading improvement  Family Night activities  Science Day  PTA meetings with a focus on instruction, data interpretation and testing, parenting tips, etc.  Parent Conferences  Parent Volunteers and Mentoring Program  Discussions with your child’s teacher about other ways you can help in the classroom and at home

However, should you choose to transfer your child to one of the choice schools, you must complete the attached form. The deadline for letting us know that you want to transfer your child is Thursday, August 15, 2013. Our transportation department will notify you by telephone or postal service to provide transportation information and the date your child may start attending the choice school. We want you to make an informed decision about your Public School Choice option. You can find additional information about our schools/district by visiting the school or district office. Please contact Donna Hamilton at 275-4601 if you have questions regarding the Public School Choice option for your child.

Sincerely,

Donna B. Strom Assistant Superintendent