District expands Flight Academy after-school program and reports mid-year iReady gains
Summary
Staff reported the Flight Academy, funded by a 21st Century Learning grant, extends the school day by two hours at four elementary schools with transportation and meals; iReady mid-year results presented show reductions in the number of students multiple grade levels behind in reading and math.
District staff updated the board on the Flight Academy after-school program and mid-year iReady results. The Flight Academy, funded by a 21st Century Learning grant, adds two hours to the school day at four elementary schools (program hours run roughly 2:45—6 4:45 p.m.), focuses on enrichment and remediation, maintains a 15:1 staffing ratio, and provides transportation and an evening meal to participating students.
Staff reported enrollment at each participating school is in the 60s and 70s and said iReady comparisons between early- and later-winter screening windows show improvements: fewer students were in the "three or more grade levels below" and "two grade levels below" categories in both reading and math, while more students were on grade level. The district emphasized attendance for the four-day-per-week program correlates with greater gains and described plans for attendance incentives, instructional coaching for teachers, and a summer "Flight Academy" expansion in June (20 days, longer day with both reading and math).
The mid-year iReady presentation also highlighted areas needing additional instructional focus, particularly comprehension in reading and certain math domains (measurement, data and geometry). Staff said the grant is a five-year award but continued funding beyond next year depends on federal appropriations.
