Town of Lenox, Massachusetts

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Town of Lenox Annual Town Report - 2008 Summary The Lenox Public School district has been and continues to be noted for excellent student performance, professional and dedicated faculty and staff, enthusiastic community support and a relentless commitment to learning and continuous improvement. While small in size, our facilities, our programs and our mission to respect and recognize every member of our learning community makes Lenox a personal and dynamic educational environment. We will continue to preserve and build upon this exceptional reputation by preserving our core values and purpose, and striving for best educational practices, strategies and initiatives. With respect for all of the Lenox Public Schools learning community, I am proud to be Marianne R. Young Superintendent of Schools Elementary Program The faculty and staff of the Morris School continue to offer a high-quality education for all our elementary school students even as the year 2008 was one of significant transition for the school and the district. Principal Robert H. Vaughan ended twenty-five years of service to the children of Lenox-retiring at the end of the 2007- 2008 school year. It is with great appreciation that this report notes his service which has created and maintained a school of high caliber professional staff, effective and varied instructional programs, and consistently high learning outcomes serving a generation of Lenox youth. Other 2008 retirements included Anita Stuart after 17 years as Morris music teacher, Fred Cohen from the role of instrumental music teacher and Richard Noble from the role of school adjustment counselor. In April of 2008, Timothy Lee was chosen as Morris’ next principal and began his duties in that role in July. Mrs. Marjorie Pollard was hired as general and instrumental music teacher, and Ms. Kristine Grimes filled the part-time vacancy of School Adjustment Counselor. Entering the 2008-2009 school year, Morris continued to enjoy educationally effective class sizes with the largest occurring in the fourth grade with an average of 22 students in its three classes. Average class sizes at other levels are varied: K=16, Grade 1=19, Grade 2=15, Grade 3=18, and Grade 5=18. The school continues to be a popular choice with parents seeking to enroll in the district through school choice. At the writing of this report, 87 students or about 27% reside outside of Lenox and attend Morris through school choice. Students in K-5 receive daily instruction in core academic areas. We continue to emphasize writing in all areas as Kindergarten students work on journals through Fifth Graders writing experience stories, poetry, and Science and Reading journals. Previous years examination of math instruction have Grades K-2 using the Mathland program as a primary resource and grades 3-5 using the Addison Wesley math series. Grades K, one, two, and three receive Spanish instruction, and students in Grades four and five receive French 86
Town of Lenox Annual Town Report - 2008 instruction twice a week. The 2008-2009 school year marked the introduction of instrumental music starting in Grade Four. Additionally computer technology is instructed to all students and 2008 saw more computer software, hardware and peripheral devices to enhance teaching and learning. All students receive instruction in art, physical education, and enjoy a scheduled library time to take advantage of the school library’s many resources. Students in the PreK-5 program are supported in their learning through special education and Title I resources. Identified students are provided a full spectrum of services including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language, remedial or alternative instruction by highly skilled specialists. Students who appear to be at risk for learning difficulties are screened through the school support team process and may receive direct support services from a Title I funded tutor. Morris currently employs 5 full and part-time staff who support students through Title I. The state requires that all third-through-fifth grade students take the appropriate Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) examinations. The Morris School distributes an annual report card indicating whether or not we have met our Adequate Yearly Progress goals. Morris School, Lenox - 2008 MCAS Summary Grade 3 Reading Grade 3 Mathematics Scores Students %age State Students %age State %age %age Above Proficient 15 24% 15% 13 21% 25% Proficient 22 35% 41% 23 37% 36% Needs Improvement 17 27% 32% 21 34% 24% Warning 9 14% 10% 9 14% 13% Grade 4 English Language Arts Grade 4 Mathematics Students Morris% State% Students Morris% State% Advanced 3 5% 8% 9 17% 20% Proficient 25 48% 41% 23 44% 29% Needs Imp 24 47% 39% 17 33% 37% Warning 0 0% 11% 3 6% 11% Grade 5 ELA Mathematics Science & Technology Morris% State% Morris% State% Morris% State% Advanced 19 13 15 22 7 17 Proficient 58 48 37 30 44 33 Needs Imp 22 30 39 30 41 38 Warning 2 8 8 17 8 12 We continue to offer excellent support services for staff, students, and their families. These include comprehensive school health services administered by Ann Lowry, our 87
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT of the TOWN OFFI
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TABLE of CONTENTS Town of Lenox Ann
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TOWN OF LENOX Governmental Structur
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Town of Lenox, Massachusetts

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