2011 Town Report - Town of Ludlow

who became a third grade teacher came from Springfield with a number of years of experience. MicheleManganaro-Thompson, who previously taught in Ludlow, returned after raising her children to become a third gradeteacher. Kimberly Cowles, who co-taught in Springfield became a third grade teacher. Alyssa Moriarty, whoserved as a building substitute at Chapin along with doing a number of long term substitute positions became a thirdgrade teacher. Carrie Kinney, who had previous experience became a substitute teacher. Maria Kites, who was anEnglish as a second language teacher at Ludlow High School was transferred to Chapin Street. Jennifer Potter whowas a second grade teacher transferred to the second grade. Allison Breen is a long term substitute for the year inKathy Doyle’s class. Finally, Kristin Breen is the new Building Substitute.Chapin Street School is fortunate to have six tutors to help students who have fallen below the second and thirdgrade benchmarks. The Benchmark Assessment test is used for Reading and newly created District Math Tests helpteachers determine the tier of their students. Students who are in tier two receive tutoring services for a half hourfive days a week.The Bullying and Intervention Plan was created for the Ludlow Public School. Students participate in the SecondStep Program each week, which is taught by Beverly Peabody our school nurse. This program helps students tounderstand positive social behavior so that they can model positive behavior in their own lives. Chapin StreetSchool has a “hands-off” policy to help remind students of proper behavior too.VETERANS PARK SCHOOLAt Veterans Park School, a number of changes accompanied the start to the opening of the 2011-2012 school year.Upon the retirement of principal Susan Dukeshire, Melissa Knowles took over as principal of Veterans Park Schoolon July 1, 2011. The additional retirements of two fourth grade teachers, Jane Grassetti and Ann Cote, required thehiring of new staff at Veterans Park. Ms. Christine James, former permanent substitute teacher filled one vacancy asa full time fourth grade teacher. Also joining the fourth grade team was Ms. Caitlin Galezowski who spent theprevious year as a fifth grade math teacher at Veterans Park School. Ms. Amy Bresh joined the Veterans Parkcommunity as an experienced School Adjustment Counselor from Springfield.Veterans Park School continues to focus on providing additional support to students performing below grade level inthe areas of Math and English Language Arts through the tiered intervention model. Six teacher certified tutors werehired to provide this additional support to students. In addition to providing students with small group targetedinterventions, teachers continue to differentiate classroom instruction and provide tiered support in the classrooms aswell. Following extensive data analysis of both the MCAS assessment and district internal assessments, studentswere identified and grouped based on their performance and target areas. Groupings occurred between classroomsand grade levels to maximize instructional time designated to students identified in tier two or tier three. Coreinstruction continues to improve as we work toward a common understanding of grade level and schoolexpectations.At Veterans Park School, students and staff are committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful environmentdedicated to learning. Students and staff create a learning community that ensures high expectations andachievement so that are students are successful. These commitments are reinforced through the ResponsiveClassroom model and the Second Step program focusing on positive behaviors and social interactions.Respectfully submitted,Thomas Welch, Principal, East Street SchoolSusan C. Pease, Principal, Chapin Street SchoolMelissa Knowles, Principal, Veterans Park School56