Park Hill Elementary reports statewide test gains, big drop in chronic absenteeism and new building initiatives
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Summary
Park Hill Elementary principal Denae Bennett told the board that third–fifth graders outperformed district and state averages in reading, math and (where tested) science, and that chronic absenteeism dropped from 15.71% to 11.76%; the school set a new goal of under 10% and described culture, MTSS and special-education staffing improvements.
Park Hill Elementary staff reported academic gains and attendance improvements to the Derby school board on Oct. 27 and highlighted initiatives intended to sustain those results.
Principal Denae Bennett said third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Park Hill outscored district and state averages in reading and math on last year's state assessments, and the school's fifth graders outperformed district and state averages in the elementary science assessment. Bennett said the school reduced chronic absenteeism from 15.71% to 11.76% over the prior year and set a new target to drop below 10%.
Bennett described curriculum and culture work this year, including adoption of five “learner dispositions” (self-control, perseverance, attentiveness, curiosity and adaptability) with student-friendly definitions and building-wide posters; teachers are posting “learning intentions” linked to state standards and using frequent checks for understanding to guide MTSS groupings. She said recent improvements in special-education and SLC (specialized learning) teams have made service delivery smoother after several years of turnover.
The school is expanding after-school clubs (chess, reading and an enrichment proposal for non-identified 3rd–5th graders) and using “Husky bucks” and other positive-reinforcement strategies for climate and attendance. Bennett noted Park Hill currently has eight long-term substitutes in certified roles (six for maternity leave, one for medical, one long-term SLC) and anticipates an additional classified leave later in the year; leaders said recruiting classified substitutes remains challenging.
Bennett recognized staff and students with years-of-service awards and student leadership recognitions, including a fifth-grader who launched the school's chess club (26 students with a waiting list) and several classified and certified staff being honored for 10–20 years of service.
Board members congratulated school staff and asked a few clarifying questions about clubs and reading supports; the presentation was informational and no board action was required.