Mamaroneck Board of Ed Reviews Accomplishments, Sets Goals

The Mamaroneck Union Free School District's Board of Education met yesterday evening to review this school year's accomplishments and discuss district and building goals for the 2010-11 school year.

"Student learning is the most important set of goals we have within the district," said Dr. Paul Fried, superintendent.

Fried noted a primary district objective is developing a kindergarten through twelfth grade consistent curriculum, instruction, and assessment structure aimed at improving performance and challenging students.

This structure will be based on a new, research-based literacy program and the addition of unit outlines and mini-lessons to middle school English, according to Fried. Additionally, the school will add to the first and second grade curriculum Words Their Way, a study program that stresses phonics and vocabulary.

Fried also discussed future plans to refine the district's English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

"We need to help transition students who no longer qualify for ESL but need additional aid," he explained. As a remedy, the district will foster collaboration between classroom teachers, ESL teachers and reading specialists. In the fall, the board will assess the approach's success. Currently, four percent of students in the district are a part of the ESL program.

One of the final district goals falls outside the realm of classroom learning—the district is aiming to improve communication and community involvement, particularly through the use of its Web site.

"The Web site is already successful," said Debbie Manetta, director of public information for Mamaroneck schools. "In March, the site was receiving 12,000 hits per day."

Still, the district plans to advance the Web site by compiling a comprehensive e-mail database of all community members and sending out frequent e-newsletters.   

After addressing the broader district goals, each Mamaroneck school highlighted their individual goals and accomplishments:

Central School

In the upcoming year, Central School will implement a stronger focus on reading instruction for developing readers by establishing running records—a system that gauges reading progress—for all students.

Central will also create placement cards for students with individualized learning information that can be passed from one teacher to another.

Chatsworth Avenue School

Chatsworth plans on adopting the Words Their Way reading program into its curriculum.

Another of Chatsworth's goals is increased focus on character initiatives, or learning based on authentic experiences.

"We can teach children empathy," said Gail Boyle, principal of Chatsworth, "but unless they're introduced to it through a real-life experience, it's not effective."

Past character initiatives included a Haiti relief fund and students creating stationary for American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mamaroneck Avenue School

 Mamaroneck Avenue School's main goal is increased attention to reading. Students will fill out reading logs to keep track of how much reading they have done in school and at home. Teachers will then use these logs to meet with students and parents and set personalized goals.

"If you're sitting in a room with 20 children, you'll need to develop 20 different reading strategies," said Principal Carrie Amon.

"We've asked parents to encourage their children to read 20 to 30 minutes at home every day," Amon added.

Murray Avenue School

 This year, Murray Avenue School developed an interdisciplinary curriculum around Americana—American history permeated the morning announcements, art shows, and classrooms. And the program was a success.

"Teachers wanted to share more and collaborate more," said Principal Jennifer Dilks. "And we had children talking about learning inside and outside of school."

The school will use a similar approach next year, and is considering an "inventiveness" or "famous American women" theme.

Hommocks Middle School

 Hommocks' goals pertain to aiding children who are at risk of failing the curriculum.

"We'll track students who are not doing well academically—who are on the DNF list [receiving D or F grades]," said Edgar McIntosh, the school's assistant principal.

McIntosh noted the school will then implement community service initiatives, leadership experience and bully prevention programs to engage the students.

Mamaroneck High School

Principal Mark Orfinger noted the school has three goals for the upcoming year: reviewing assessment practices, strengthening approaches for at-risk students and creating an environment that allows the student body to grow emotionally and socially.

To reach these goals, MHS asked teachers to weight in on how to inspire a more creative and open-minded environment. Additionally, the school will create small group tutorials and support centers to engage at-risk students.

Other matters

Before discussing goals, the board addressed new business, accepting recent donations. Gifts totaled approximately $17,000 for various uses, including funds for the Mamaroneck Avenue School summer camp and the 2010-11 PACE extracurricular shows.

Additionally, several computers and computer accessories were awarded to the district on behalf of Stephen Sollod, a Hommocks Middle School student who won Microsoft's Earth Day photo contest.

The board also accepted a modified grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The grant, totaling $236,250, will equip 18 school buses with technology to reduce diesel emissions.

As the final matter of new business, the board announced the official results of the May 18 budget and bond vote. The new budget—a 1.22 percent increase to $122 million—was approved with 2,260 votes for and 1,142 against. Trustees Pierson and Schoengood won uncontested, with 2,570 and 2,417 votes, respectively.