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Crosby Elementary principal reports improved reading and math growth; district highlights new E&L program
Summary
Crosby Elementary staff reported mid‑year gains in reading and math and described a new E & L program serving 22 students across seven classrooms. The principal presented iReady and state assessment cohort comparisons and described plans for continuing diagnostics and supports.
Crosby Elementary School reported measurable midyear gains in reading and math during the Kingston City School District Board of Education meeting.
Principal Miss Sickles described student performance and programming, including a new E & L program (22 students, five languages represented across seven classrooms) and after‑school CAL offerings. The principal said the school’s population is 309 students and highlighted actions aimed at improving literacy and student belonging.
Reading performance and instruction The principal said iReady reading results showed 34% of students on or above grade level in winter, with 43% one grade level below. She described instruction focused on foundational skills, phonemic awareness, vocabulary and diagnostic use of iReady to tailor MyPath individualized practice. Principal Sickles also described keyboarding lessons for early grades and use of read‑alouds to build background knowledge.
Math and cohort growth on state assessments On winter math results, staff said 14% of students were on or above grade level and 60% were one grade level below; staff described this as a normal midyear distribution with the expectation that some students will move from yellow to green in spring. The principal also compared a cohort’s prior state results: students who scored a 3 or 4 on 3rd grade ELA in 2023 were 50% proficient in fourth grade ELA in 2024; math proficiency for that cohort rose from 50% to 75.5% between years, a gain the principal attributed to targeted instruction, fluency work and strategic deployment of teaching assistants.
Programs, diversity and community engagement The principal described expanded CAL offerings and a “Get Caught Reading” engagement activity that drew 104 student photo submissions. Crosby also opened a new E & L program that serves students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Trustees asked about writers’ workshop and supports during curriculum transitions; the principal said the district will move between programs as pilots complete and that teachers will receive planning time and follow‑up supports.
Facilities and health remediation updates Superintendent Dr. Petalino also provided brief facilities updates in the same report: all phase‑1 contracts under the 2023 bonds have been awarded and phase‑2 submittals are under review by the State Education Department. The district reported playground punch‑list work remaining, long‑lead items being ordered, and that the stadium awaits a certificate of occupancy and a required fire inspection. On lead remediation, Dr. Petalino said temporary water coolers had been installed at Crosby and other buildings while faucets were replaced and resampled.
Ending: Crosby’s leadership reported midyear academic progress and a targeted set of instructional strategies; the district also continues facilities work and lead remediation, with staff saying they will return to the board as projects and testing conclude.
