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Samuel Elementary principal reports dip in test scores, outlines attendance improvements and culture efforts
Summary
Samuel Elementary’s leadership presented three-year assessment trends showing a small dip in math and science scores, and described attendance initiatives that raised the number of students meeting monthly attendance incentives from about 113 to 160.
Samuel Elementary’s principal gave the board an update on student assessment trends, attendance and school culture, saying the school has begun targeted interventions after a recent dip in standardized-test results.
The principal said the school’s Standards of Learning (SOL) test results showed a downward trend in some areas compared with prior years and that staff have begun reviewing data and collaborating across grade levels to reverse that decline. “We did well last year... unfortunately... we did take a dip this year,” the principal said, and added that preliminary fall data for reading were looking encouraging.
School leaders described steps to address learning gaps, including increased teacher collaboration between fourth and fifth grades, targeted tutoring and adjustments to early‑grade instruction. The principal said teachers are already meeting in small groups and school‑wide to implement those strategies.
The principal emphasized chronic absenteeism and attendance initiatives as central to improving outcomes. The presentation showed three‑year chronic‑absence rates that fell from about 17% to roughly 13% before a recent small uptick; the principal also said August average daily attendance improved by about one percentage point year over year. To encourage attendance, the school uses individual and group incentives (stickers, competitions and monthly celebrations) and reported that the number of students meeting a monthly attendance criterion rose from about 113 last year to 160 this year.
The principal described monthly community and recognition events — including a monthly celebration of students of the month and a program of peer nominations — as part of efforts to build a positive school culture. The presentation also noted use of state funding for tutoring and attendance supports.
The remarks were delivered as an informational agenda item; the board did not take formal action on the report.
