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Newmarket presenter highlights math gains, sets attendance and ELA improvement targets
Summary
A presenter from Newmarket Elementary told the South Montgomery School trustees that the school’s two-year iLearn math average is 63% (state 48%), chronic absenteeism is 11.4% with a goal of 9.9%, and the school is revamping tiered small-group instruction and incentives to raise English/language arts scores by at least 3% annually.
A presenter from Newmarket Elementary told the South Montgomery School trustees that Newmarket enrolls 468 PK–5 students, 41% of whom qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and that staff are focusing on third-grade reading retention, cohort math growth and reducing chronic absenteeism.
The presenter said Newmarket’s two-year iLearn average for grades 3–5 is 63%, compared with a state average of 48%, and described cohort growth in math (a maintained 70% from third to fourth grade and improvement from 53% to 64% from fourth to fifth). "We want to increase [ELA scores] by at least 3% each year," the presenter said, describing a goal to move toward higher proficiency.
On attendance, the presenter cited the state definition of chronic absenteeism (missing 18 days) and reported Newmarket’s rate at 11.4%, with a school target to reduce it to 9.9%. The presenter described interventions including daily attendance checks, parent outreach calls, attendance contracts where needed, and rewards such as traveling trophies, extra recess minutes or small treats for improved or perfect attendance.
To address ELA and other gaps, the presenter said the school is "completely revamping our tier time" to provide scheduled 30-minute pullouts for reading and math by grade level. Checkpoints and DIBELS data will drive small-group instruction and reteaching opportunities; the presenter noted the state allows retaking some checkpoints and described use of "good cause exemptions" for third-grade retention determinations.
The presenter also reviewed family- and community-facing programs: a PTO-led Race for Education fundraiser, a revived student council doing monthly service projects, Read Across America incentives tied to a classroom mileage map, a planned "battle of the books" for upper elementary grades and community partners donating small rewards. The school received a $9,000 grant from All Kids Bike and Yamaha that supplied 25 balance bikes and helmets and accompanying curriculum and training for preschool and early-elementary students.
Board members asked whether small-group pullouts remove core instructional time; the presenter said pullouts are built into the schedule so students do not miss core instruction. The presentation closed with praise for staff and students; the board offered thanks and no formal action was required on the presentation.
The board then moved on to other agenda items.
