October 2018
Dear Catskill CSD Community:
As we transition into the month of October, I would like to thank the entire CCSD community for an excellent start to the 2018-19 school year. A new school year is always filled with energy and excitement.
Our goal this year is to maintain the energy and excitement as we improve teaching, learning and student achievement for all students to be college and career ready in high performing schools.
On a celebratory note, New York State Grades 3-8 ELA and Math assessment data was recently released by the State Department of Education. Our students made tremendous growth in comparison to the 2016-17 school year. Information regarding student performance data is listed below.
There were overall increases in Grades 3-4 ELA and Math data, with a sharp decline in 5th grade performance data.
Catskill 3-5 ELA Proficiency Data
|
2016-2017 |
2017-18 |
Change |
|
|
3rd Grade |
40% |
45% |
+5% |
|
4th Grade |
28% |
35% |
+7% |
|
5th Grade |
31% |
26% |
-5% |
Catskill 3-5 Math Proficiency Data
|
2016-2017 |
2017-18 |
Change |
|
|
3rd Grade |
44 |
46 |
+2% |
|
4th Grade |
56 |
73 |
+17% |
|
5th Grade |
42 |
35 |
-7% |
There were increases in overall performance at CMS. Double digit increases were illustrated in Grades 6-7 ELA and 7th Grade in Math.
Catskill 6-8 ELA Proficiency Data
|
2016-2017 |
2017-18 |
Change |
|
|
6th Grade |
20% |
43% |
+23% |
|
7th Grade |
14% |
31% |
+17% |
|
8th Grade |
12% |
15% |
+3% |
Catskill 6-8 Math Proficiency Data
|
2016-2017 |
2017-18 |
Change |
|
|
6th Grade |
31% |
40% |
+9% |
|
7th Grade |
16% |
36% |
+20% |
|
8th Grade |
0% |
9% |
+9% |
The District also exceeded the 95% participation rate in both schools. I personally would like to thank our administrative team, faculty, staff, parents and students for this effort. Our “Operation Opt-In” campaign was a success.
Parents will receive their child’s individual performance data via US Mail. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding his / her student performance data. Our teachers are utilizing the results to set student targets and focus on skill development in areas of deficiency.
Lastly, at the October 17, 2018 Board of Education meeting, I intend to recommend a Budget Calendar for Board approval to initiate the budget development process for the 2019-20 school year. Additional community forums are being recommended so that the community understands the process and can provide input. We encourage you to attend the community forums and budget workshops. Additional information is forthcoming.
As always, please contact me directly with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at (518) 943-4696.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools