rye school district

RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT Rye, New Hampshire Rye Elementary School
Rye Junior High
“A Middle School” Annual Report Financial Year Ending June 30, 2005
ANNUAL REPORT
RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT
RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Financial Year Ending June 30, 2005
SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICERS 2005­2006
School
Mark Forsyth
Betty Anderson
Ian Grant
Gary Dodds
Michael Schwartz
Budget Committee
James Maheras, Chair
Douglas Abrams
Melvin R. Low
John B. Tobey
Paul E. Goldman
Robert G. Eaton
Representating:
Jenness Beach­
Rye Beach­
Selectmen­
School District­
Water District­
Board
Term Expires
Term Expires
Term Expires
Term Expires
Term Expires
Term
Expires
2007
2006
2006
2007
2008
2008
Jane S. Langley
Frank Drake
Joseph Mills
Gary Dodds
Ed Stokel
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
Moderator
Gary Holmes
Term Expires 2006
Clerk
Sharry Sparks
Term Expires 2006
Treasurer
Mark Zartarian Term Expires 2007
Supervisors of the Checklist
Madeline Chichester
Term Expires 2008
Jane Holway
Term Expires 2010
Norman H. Yeaton
Term Expires 2006
Administrative Staff
Superintendent of Schools
George A. Cushing, Ph.D.
Business Administrator
James P. Katkin, M.B.A.
Director of Pupil Services
Mary D. Lyons, M.Ed.
Heather Driscoll, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Curriculum, Data, and Grants
RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2005 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School District Officials
Dedication
Recognitions
First Session (Deliberative) Meeting Warrant
Action of the 2006 First Session Meeting
Official Ballot for March 14, 2006, Elections
Report of the School District Treasurer
Report of the Independent Auditor
Budget Warrant For Fiscal Year 2006/2007
Default Budget
Report of the School Board
Report of the Superintendent
Report of the Junior High School Principal
Report of the Elementary School Principal
Report of the High School Principal
Statisticals and Tuition Students
State Assessment Program
Exit Data for the Class of 2005
Instructional Report
DEDICATION We dedicate this issue of the Rye School District Annual Report to our teachers. Teachers are some of the most important people in our children’s lives. Today, teachers must not only be fantastic educators, they must teach each child in specific, differentiated ways that are tailored to meet their unique needs. They must adhere to strict state and federal requirements for Special Education. They must learn new technologies, keep copious records, including portfolios of their work, and create curriculum maps to ensure we meet state standards and teach at consistently high levels. We ask them to serve on committees, coach sports, and lead numerous after school clubs like math, art, student government, technology, etc. Not only do we expect them to really know each child they teach, including their strengths, challenges, and desires, we expect them to go further than that. They must understand the family behind that child, communicate with them, and help support their needs. After they’ve done all these things, new state and federal requirements tell them they may no longer be qualified after they’ve been a remarkable teacher for many years and they must satisfy many new certification requirements just to keep doing the job they’ve always done well. Repeated standardized testing cuts into teaching time and does not always reflect the variety and quality of learning that occurs in our classrooms. In spite of all these modern challenges for our teachers, one thing remains constant: each teacher’s dedication to excellence and their enormous compassion and commitment to every child.
Rye Elementary School Recognition A teacher affects eternity: No one can tell where his(her) influence stops. Henry Adams Jean Waldron Grade One Teacher Jean is retiring after working with children for twenty­two years. She received her undergraduate degree in English from Bates College and her Master of Education Degree in Early Childhood/Special Needs from the University of New Hampshire. Jean began her teaching career in Rye in 1994. In her eleven and a half years in Rye she worked as a preschool teacher, special education teacher and preschool coordinator. She has also taught first grade for three years at Rye Elementary School. She feels that working with young children and being part of their amazing growth has truly been a gift that will always be treasured. Janet Raycraft Reading Specialist
Janet Raycraft is retiring after thirty­ eight years as an educator. Janet received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Delaware and her Master of Education Degree from University of Pennsylvania. Before serving as Rye Elementary School’s Reading Specialist, Janet’s teaching experience included positions as a Montessori teacher, elementary classroom teacher, learning disabilities specialist, college instructor of Reading/Language Arts, teacher of the gifted and talented, and reading specialist. She has greatly enjoyed her work with learners of all ages, but her work with beginning readers will always hold a special place in her heart. RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT WARRANT
FIRST SESSION (DELIBERATIVE MEETING)
2006
The State of New Hampshire
To the Inhabitants of the School District of Rye in the County of Rockingham, and State
of New Hampshire, qualified to hear the explanation of, and to participate in
discussion and debate of, each of the warrant articles pursuant to RSA 40:13:
You are hereby notified to meet at the Rye Junior High School, in said District, on
Wednesday, February 8, 2006, (snow date: Thursday, February 9, 2006,) at 7:00 o'clock
in the evening to act on the following articles:
Warrant articles adopted at this First Session (Deliberative Session) will be
placed on the Official Ballot for a vote at the Second Session, on March 14, 2006,
at 8:00 o’clock in the forenoon until 7:00 o’clock in the evening at the Rye
Elementary School.
Article 1.
Shall the Rye School District raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not
including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted
separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended
by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $10,500,136.
Should this article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $10,397,281, which is the
same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Rye
School District or by law or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in
accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating
budget only. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This Warrant Article [operating
budget] does not include appropriations in ANY other warrant article.)
The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend the operating budget.
Article 2.
To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One
hundred fourteen thousand five hundred eighty­four dollars ($114,584) to offer a full
day kindergarten program in addition to the current half­day program. Passage of this
article will become part of the operating budget next year. (Majority Vote Required.)
(NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating
budget article.)
The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation.
Article 3.
To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000) to be added to the School Building and Grounds
Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund previously established for the replacement of the
roof at the Rye Elementary School.
(Majority vote required.)
(NOTE: This
appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.)
The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation.
Article 4.
To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate up to Eighty
thousand dollars ($80,000), to be taken from the June 30, 2006, unreserved fund balance
(surplus, if any) to be placed in the School Building and Grounds Maintenance
Expendable Trust Fund for the replacement of the roof at the Rye Elementary School.
(Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article
number 1, the operating budget article.)
The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation.
Article 5.
To choose, and vote for, one Member of the School Board, a Clerk, and a Moderator, for
the ensuing three years.
Given under our signatures at said Rye this 18th day of January 2006. A true copy of warrant ­­ Attest: /s/ Betty Anderson Gary B. Dodds Mark Forsyth Ian Grant Michael Schwartz
First Session Deliberative Meeting Rye School District Rye, New Hampshire The annual Deliberative Session of the Rye School District was held at the Rye Junior High School, in Rye New Hampshire, on Wednesday, February 8, 2006. Acting Moderator, Judge H. Alfred Cassasa, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., with approximately fifty citizens present. The Moderator introduced himself, and then introduced school district officials: Betty Anderson, Gary Dodds, Mark Forsyth, Ian Grant, and Michael Schwartz of the Rye School Board; Dr. George Cushing, Superintendent of Schools; Sharry Sparks, School District Clerk; Janice Yost and Lane Richardson, Principals. He then proceeded to explain that the articles adopted in this First Session (Deliberative Session) will be placed on the Official Ballot for a vote at the Second Session on March 14, 2006, at 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rye Elementary School. He then read the rules of the meeting. Jeanne Moynahan was asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Moderator Cassasa proceeded with the reading of the articles. Article 1. Shall the Rye School District raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $10,500,136. Should this article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $10,397,281, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Rye School District or by law or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This Warrant Article [operating budget] does not include appropriations in ANY other warrant article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend the operating budget. Mark Forsyth moved to accept Article 1; seconded by Gary Dodds. Mr. Forsyth deferred to Mr. Dodds to speak to the article. Mr. Dodds explained the increase is 4.99% or 29¢ per thousand, with most of the increase attributed to the tuition increase at Portsmouth High School. Jack Tobey made a motion to amend the article to increase it by $42,000 to reinstate the position of custodian cut by the school board; total budget to be $10,542,136; seconded by Bettey Tobey. Dr. Cushing spoke to a restructuring of the custodial framework for both the elementary and the junior high schools. He stated that a custodian is retiring and will not be replaced. Mrs. Tobey cautioned the audience concerning custodial needs, particularly with the kindergarten proposal. James Maheras, Chairperson of the Rye Budget Committee, questioned who would pick up the extra work for the custodial position that was cut. Ian Grant responded saying the elementary
school had been running short of a custodian for quite some time and that the building needs seem to be adequately met. Paul Goldman said he was bothered and disappointed that the process between the budget committee and school board had not answered these questions before tonight’s meeting. Dr. Cushing stated that the board will re­evaluate after a year and, reinstate the position if it becomes necessary. After a show of hands on the amendment, the moderator declared the amendment failed as well as declaring that Article 1 is to be voted on as written in the warrant, and will be placed on the ballot. Article 2. To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One hundred fourteen thousand five hundred eighty­four dollars ($114,584) to offer a full day kindergarten program in addition to the current half­day program. Passage of this article will become part of the operating budget next year. (Majority Vote Required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. Betty Anderson asked to speak to the article. She reviewed the history of the proposal and the reasons for recommending the addition of a full day kindergarten program to the existing half day program. There was much discussion: Jane Holway asked, “How is the determination made of which students attend full or half­day?” Ms. Anderson replied that it will be the parent’s or guardian’s choice. Bettey Tobey expressed concern about how programs would be cut if a domino effect of problems created with staffing and space issues occurs. She also asked how will children be screened; are these changes being made to meet state standards; why is the custodial staff being cut when there will be more need with a full day kindergarten program? She proposed an amendment to the article, “to further study the fulltime kindergarten proposal for possible implementation in 2007, based on fuller communication/input and support of the Rye voters.” The amendment was deemed inappropriate by the Moderator, who refused it. Amendment re­ spoken, “to amend warrant article by revising the stated sum to $0; seconded by Jack Tobey. Dr. Cushing spoke to the amendment and asked the principal and teachers to speak to the questions Mrs. Tobey had. Chris Lingamfelter, a parent representative on the study group, spoke to the dedication and hard work of the group and his support for full day kindergarten. Mark Forsyth addressed Mrs. Tobey’s concerns telling of how widely publicized the kindergarten proposal was, and how much information had been disseminated. Charles Coker, a Rye resident, and Principal of a high school in another district, quoted statistics on poor readers in high school and how monies are better spent in the younger years improving grade averages later. He stated that if all children could be readers by grade three, his job as a high school principal would be much easier.
Paul Goldman asked for a clarification on the difference in education of a halftime student versus a fulltime student? Principal Lane Richardson stated that early learning is the key to student success. Bettey Tobey withdrew her motion to amend, and Jack Tobey withdrew his second. Paula Snyder moved to amend the article, “To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred fourteen thousand five hundred eighty­four dollars to offer three extended kindergarten classes five days a week. Passage of this article will become part of the operating budget next year, and if this article passes, this will be the only kindergarten program for the 2006/2007 school year.” Seconded by Bettey Tobey. Betty Anderson stated that the amendment would raise the cost and that the school board strongly believes that a half and a full­time program should be offered. She stated that a one­size fits all approach does not fit the District’s philosophy of differentiated instruction. Children learn in different ways at different rates. Business Administrator, Jim Katkin, agreed that the budget would be increased if the amendment passed. Moderator Cassasa called for a show of hands on the motion. Michael Schwartz explained that the warrant article will create two types of programs, a full day and a ½ day kindergarten program. The budget for the article is based upon the board’s best estimate of the number of students who will be attending each of these programs. If all parents choose the full day program, then the school will meet that request. Mr. Schwartz explained that this type of estimate is done for every grade when preparing the budget. He explained that there is not a requirement to have a certain number of full day or half day classes and the school will meet the requests of the parents. After a show of hands on the amendment, the moderator declared the amendment failed as well as declaring that Article 2 is to be voted on as written in the warrant, and be placed on the ballot. Article 3. To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to be added to the School Building and Grounds Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund previously established for the replacement of the roof at the Rye Elementary School. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. Mark Forsyth moved to accept the article; seconded by Michael Schwartz. Mike Schwartz explained that the RES school roof has been leaking for many years. He explained that Jim Katkin has done a great job over the past years to patch the roof at a cost of two to three thousand dollars per year. He explained that prior year warrant articles have already created a reserve of $165,000. This warrant article, combined with Article 4, will bring the trust fund to $295,000. He further explained that the roof will be analyzed by an engineer this spring
and the estimated cost of repairs is $350,000. The board expects to replace the roof in the next two years. After a show of hands on acceptance of the article, the moderator declared the amendment passed as well as declaring that Article 3 is to be voted on as written in the warrant, and be placed on the ballot. Article 4. To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate up to Eighty thousand dollars ($80,000), to be taken from the June 30, 2006, unreserved fund balance (surplus, if any) to be placed in the School Building and Grounds Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund for the replacement of the roof at the Rye Elementary School. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. Mark Forsyth moved to accept the article; seconded by Betty Anderson. Jim Katkin was asked to explain the unreserved fund balance. He stated that the fund currently has $129,000 and that $80,000 would be likely be left in June after operating expenses were paid. After a brief discussion, and a vote by a show of hands on acceptance of the article, the moderator declared the amendment passed as well as declaring that Article 3 is to be voted on as written in the warrant, and be placed on the ballot. Article 5. To choose, and vote for, one Member of the School Board, a Clerk, and a Moderator, for the ensuing three years. Moderator Casassa introduced those who had declared their candidacy: Jeanne Moynahan and Peggy Balboni, for the seat on the school board, and Sharry Sparks for the office of School District Clerk. Before the close of the meeting, Superintendent Cushing thanked Mark Forsyth for his six years of service on the Rye School board, including the past year as chairman, presented him with a plaque, and cited many of Mr. Forsyth’s accomplishments. Judge Cassasa said, “It’s been many years since I was a moderator, and I want to thank all of you for your courtesy, I enjoyed it.” He received a round of applause. The motion to adjourn was seconded by Jack Tobey, and the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. /s/ Sharry A. Sparks School District Clerk
OFFICIAL BALLOT ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION TOWN OF RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE MARCH 14, 2006 a. To vote, complete the arrow(s) ◄ ▬ pointing to your choice(s), like this: ◄▬ b. Follow directions as to the number of candidates to be marked for each office. c. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot, write the candidate’s name on the line provided and complete the arrow. Connect the arrow opposite the name of the candidate you wish to elect. For School Board Member, three (3) year term Vote for one (1) Peggy Balboni ◄ ▬ Jeanne Moynahan ◄ ▬ ________________________◄ ▬ For School District Moderator, three (3) year term Vote for one (1) Gary Holmes ◄ ▬ _______________________ ◄ ▬ For School District Clerk, three (3) year term Vote for one (1) Sharry Sparks ◄ ▬ ______________________ ◄ ▬ = = = = = = = = Article 1. Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 1, as follows: Shall the Rye School District raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $10,500,136. Should this article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $10,397,281, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Rye School District or by law or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This Warrant Article [operating budget] does not include appropriations in ANY other warrant article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend the operating budget. Yes ◄ ▬ No ◄ ▬
Article 2. Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 2, as follows: To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One hundred fourteen thousand five hundred eighty­four dollars ($114,584) to offer a full day kindergarten program in addition to the current half­day program. Passage of this article will become part of the operating budget next year. (Majority Vote Required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. Yes ◄ ▬ Article 3. No ◄ ▬ Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 3, as follows: To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to be added to the School Building and Grounds Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund previously established for the replacement of the roof at the Rye Elementary School. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. Yes ◄ ▬ Article 4. No ◄ ▬ Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 4, as follows: To see if the Rye School District will vote to raise and appropriate up to Eighty thousand dollars ($80,000), to be taken from the June 30, 2006, unreserved fund balance (surplus, if any) to be placed in the School Building and Grounds Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund for the replacement of the roof at the Rye Elementary School. (Majority vote required.) (NOTE: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article number 1, the operating budget article.) The Rye School Board and Rye Budget Committee recommend this appropriation. Yes ◄ ▬ No ◄ ▬ YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED VOTING
REPORT OF
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TREASURER
Fiscal Year July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005
Cash on hand July 1, 2004­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­$ 510,585.55
Current Appropriation
$ 6,369,129.00
Revenue from State Sources
2,599,984.49
Revenue from Federal Sources
124,451.37
Revenue from Tuitions
289,786.22
Received from Capital Reserve Fund
3,712.25
Received from all other sources
292,511.04
TOTAL RECEIPTS­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­$
9,679,574.37
TOTAL AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­$ 10,190,159.92
LESS SCHOOL BOARD ORDERS PAID­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­$
9,682,209.40
BALANCE ON HAND JUNE 30, 2005­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­$
507,950.52
July 22, 2005
/s/ Mark Zartarian
School District Treasurer REPORT OF THE RYE SCHOOL BOARD
The Rye School Board is pleased to report on the activity of the past year and thank everyone who has supported our schools. This year we welcomed another new member, Mike Schwartz, and thanked Jeanne Moynahan for her nine years of School Board service, the last as our School Board Chairperson. In addition to planning and oversight, this year brought significant hiring challenges. We welcomed Patricia­Lane Richardson, RES Principal, Dr. Heather Driscoll, SAU 50 Curriculum, Data, and Grants Coordinator, Mary Lyons, SAU 50 Director of Pupil Services, and many fine new teachers and support staff personnel. All bring enormous knowledge and background to their jobs ensuring Rye Schools continue to strive for, and achieve, excellence. Again, we met throughout the summer to set our vision and goals for the future. We reviewed and reinforced our five main goals of: Curriculum, Leadership and Organization, Communication, Assessment and Accountability, and Budget. Some action items include: 1. 2. 3. Exploring adding a full day kindergarten program Investigating adding a Spanish language option at the elementary school Prioritizing program assessment: language arts this year, music and art, next year 4. Formalizing informational (one way) and interactive (two way) communication strategies and communicating those strategies to stakeholders (teachers, parents, students, and community members) 5. Creating and implementing formal succession planning strategies (maternity, job shares, administrators, teachers and staff) 6. Fostering a relationship with UNH to take advantage of their student internship program 7. Examining opportunities to share resources between the Rye Elementary and Junior High schools 8. Reviewing the use of stipends 9. Identifying a peer group of schools, and a process, from which to gather information that relates to Rye School Board goals 10. Developing and implementing stakeholder (parent, teachers, students, community) feedback mechanisms (K­9) for all School Board goals The Board continued its effort to enhance communication by hosting four community forums, posting information on its website, www.ryeschoolboard.us, advertising meetings, and mailing town wide newsletters with information about the schools. The Board also actively participated on numerous School, District, and SAU committees including: Search committees, World Language, Communications, Grants, Policy, Special Issues, Peer Schools, Budget, GPEPC, Curriculum, Technology, Professional Development, Transportation, Wage and Benefit, Physical Plant, Full Day Kindergarten, Building Space, and Portsmouth High School committees. Board representatives also attended the monthly meetings of the Rye Recreation Commission, the Rye PTA, and the Rye Education Foundation.
While the additional action plans for this year are in progress, we are pleased to report that the following action items are complete: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Hired three new administrators (see above), 11 teachers and 10 support staff Implemented a new reading series in kindergarten and first grade Improved the nutrition program at Rye Elementary School Completed a formal process for program evaluation and set program review priorities Reviewed the World Language Programs at both schools Continued to support professional development in the area of differentiated instruction Established a communications committee to increase and enhance communication from, and within, the Rye School District Posted the following information on the School Board web site: meeting dates, times, agenda and minutes, Goals and Action Plans, newsletters, information on full day kindergarten, technology plans, NEASC Accreditation Standards, and School Board Member names and e­mail addresses Created and implemented a formal School Board recognition program Performed exit “interviews” of families who chose to leave the school district in order to get their feedback Significantly improved CAT math scores: Title I Math program resulted in 20 point average CAT increases in math for students in the program Approved the use of non­chemical fertilizers and pesticides for treating the lawns at both schools Installed wireless technology at both schools Carefully reviewed the school budget preparation process Applied for grants for music, technology, and language arts We want to extend a sincere thank you to our Superintendent, Dr. George Cushing, Principals Jan Yost and Lane Richardson, and the other administrators, teachers, and staff who continue to amaze us with their dedication and creativity. The following people were recognized by the Greater Portsmouth Education Partnership Council (GPEPC) for Excellence in Education and Community Volunteerism: Ÿ Seacoast Educator: Mike Ferguson, RJH Physical Education Teacher Ÿ Service as a School Volunteer: Annie Cole and Marty Random, parent volunteers and substitute teachers Ÿ Service as a Program Volunteer: Kathy Teigland, parent volunteer, and Cindy and Gary Dodds, parent volunteers and School Board Member In the past year, the School Board also officially recognized the following groups and individuals for their outstanding contributions: Ÿ Suzanne Vogt, a parent volunteer who provided significant website creation and maintenance for the schools
Ÿ The “Green Monsters,” a team of fourth grade boys who participated in Destination Imagination competitions and won first place at the state finals Ÿ Seventh grade math teacher, Mary Harte, and two seventh grade students for their first place finishes in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Boston Globe Stock Market Competitions Ÿ “Team Downer,” three Junior High boys who raised money for the Jimmy Fund Walk in support of cancer research and RJH sixth grade science teacher, Matt Downer Ÿ Sixth, seventh and eighth grade language arts teachers, Jacquie Reese, (retired), Kim O’Connell, Kerry Ridolfi, and all the students who participated in the “Poetry Café.” The Board also thanks the many parent and community volunteers, who are too many to name here, who work so hard for our children. As always, the schools received strong support from the Rye PTA and the Rye Education Foundation. Both schools were again recognized with the New Hampshire Blue Ribbon Award for Volunteerism. Thanks to Andrea Swanson and Ann Adams, the volunteer coordinators for RES and RJH, who worked many hours on the applications for the awards. Additionally, students, teachers, staff, and volunteers raised significant funds and gathered goods for Tsunami Relief efforts, Hurricane Katrina victims, Toys for Tots, Families First, and various other state and local charitable organizations. Their selfless efforts inspire us all. The children of Rye are our hope and our future. Thank you for joining us to make sure the education they receive is the best it can be. THE RYE SCHOOL BOARD Mark Forsyth (Chairman) Gary Dodds (Vice Chairman) Mike Schwartz (Secretary) Ian Grant Betty Anderson RES Student Council
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS George A. Cushing “A School is a place with tomorrow inside” It is my pleasure to write my sixth annual report for the residents of Rye. Since I began my career in education over thirty­five years ago, the landscape of education has changed a lot, particularly during the last five years. The most significant changes are the Federal IDEA act of 1975 mandating a free and appropriate public education for all children, including those with significant special needs, and the technological advances that have radically changed the way we educate our children. In 1983, a federal report entitled “A Nation At­Risk” found that the United States was falling behind other nations in Math and Science on standardized testing scores. This finding led to the standards based education movement that we have today. Over the last twenty years, the emphasis has been on standardizing curriculum, grade level academic expectations, and accountability for student achievement. This has been the main theme of President Bush’s education initiative and a sweeping new Federal Act of 2002, called No Child Left Behind (NCLB). While the nation is focused on accountability and a uniform standards approach to education, new breakthroughs in brain research underscore how important it is for educators to view their students as individuals. We are told that each student’s brain is wired in its own unique way to make sense of things. We are also told that it is important that educators find each child’s strengths and build on those strengths to maximize the potential for success. Educating students today is a challenge. Education is no longer a profession in which “one size fits all.” The educators of today must meet the needs of all the students, regardless of their learning needs, from the most gifted of students to students who are working significantly below grade level. Educators must stay abreast of the ever changing field of technology. It is no longer enough to prepare students for the world in which we grew up, or even the world as it is today; we need to prepare students for what the world will look like in the future. With ever advancing technology and world wide communications, educators need to give students the skills to access rapidly changing and growing information. We ask that our teachers practice differentiated instruction, requiring them to develop strategies to reach each student at the student’s level of learning. The No Child Left Behind Act currently mandates many hours of testing each year for students in grades three through eight and grade ten. One component of NCLB requires that all students achieve a proficient level in all core subjects over the next several years. Schools are working to assist their students in achieving this goal. As required by NCLB legislation, each year a list of schools that are not making adequate yearly progress is published. Adequate yearly progress is determined primarily on a school’s test scores being compared with the previous year’s test scores without any consideration given to the learning levels of the students in the grades tested.
Educators are now required to prove that they are highly competent in the subject areas they teach. New Hampshire has very strict credentialing requirements. The University of New Hampshire is one of a handful of educational institutions that requires teachers to complete five years of college and obtain a master’s degree before becoming certified as an educator. The state standards for a highly qualified teacher must be approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education, which must comply with the federal definition of a highly qualified teacher. Public education is at a crossroads in our country. We need to have rigor and science in what we teach, but we also need to recognize the strengths of the individual in both our students and our teachers. I will tell you that over my career as an educator, teachers now receive more training than ever before. They work hard on personal professional development. As a school district, we require more of our teachers. We have an extensive supervision and evaluation plan. Each teacher is required to keep a portfolio of their professional development activities and document how their activities impact student learning. Our teachers are well educated and well trained in best practice. As the Superintendent of Schools, a parent of three grown children, and a grandparent to one grandson, I want teachers to love what they do, love children, and have a sense of humor. I want teachers who respect and honor their students’ differences and strive to make each child’s educational experience meaningful. Each student should move onto the next grade level as a confident student who enjoys learning. My number one goal as Superintendent of Schools is to maintain a balance between time honored formulas that generate good teaching and the new professional standards that require the use of technology, a common curriculum, and a rigid accountability system. I do not want our teachers to lose the identity of the individual child to a number or a score on a standardized test. I am proud of the educators in each of our SAU 50 towns, and I recognize that there are many good things in New Hampshire’s new educational standards and the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Teaching is an art, as well as a science. We will couple our experience, skills, and passion for teaching with new state and federal mandates to deliver the most effective instruction possible to our students. Director of Pupil Services In December of 2004, Mary Lyons joined our administrative team as the Director of Pupil Services. Mrs. Lyons was formerly the Special Education Coordinator for the Rye School District and has been a special education teacher, a reading teacher, and a classroom teacher. Mrs. Lyons’ transition to the central office administrative team began with coordinating our New Hampshire Department of Education Special Education Program Approval Review Process. The program approval and review process is conducted every five years by a team of administrators and educators assembled from all over the state and directed by a team leader for the Southeastern Regional Education Service Center. The criteria for the program approval and
review process are specified in the New Hampshire Rules for the Education of Children with Disabilities (effective July 1, 2002) and IDEA 1997. The review of our programs was held over a two day period with a preliminary report from the review team given at the end of the second day. This process is detailed and complex and I am pleased to report that all of the SAU 50 special education programs were approved without any citations or issues of non­compliance with state and federal regulations. I would like to thank Mrs. Lyons, along with the administration, staff, parents, and students of Rye for their cooperation, participation, and support in this process. Curriculum, Data, Grants Coordinator Last year, each town in the SAU voted to support the addition of a new position to help the SAU meet the requirements of all new state and federal legislation. This position was filled by Heather Driscoll. Dr. Driscoll has been a teacher, special education administrator, principal, and education consultant. In addition to her direct work with the administrative team and teachers, she supports ongoing curriculum work and the improvement of teaching in SAU 50 by serving on the SAU Professional Development and Reading Committees, and by chairing the SAU 50 Policy, Technology, and SAU 50 and 52 World Language Committees. Ms. Driscoll has lots of energy and has been very visible in all the SAU 50 schools, as well as the Portsmouth School Department. In late December, Dr. Driscoll defended her dissertation at the University of Virginia. I am pleased to report that her defense went well, and she has earned the title of Dr. Driscoll. Recognition On behalf of the entire Rye Community, I would like to extend my sincere thank you to Mark Forsyth who is retiring as a board member after six years of dedicated service. Mr. Forsyth currently serves as Chair of the Rye School Board. His contributions to the schools, kindergarten through grade twelve, and particularly to the children of Rye, were many. The school community is most grateful to the many volunteers and supporters who give generously to the youth of Rye. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the taxpayers for their continued support of the school budget in these very tough economics times. I am deeply grateful to our school board members who selflessly give their time and energy to the betterment of the school. I am also fortunate to serve on an administrative team made up of Business Administrator, Jim Katkin, Director of Pupil Services, Mary Lyons, Curriculum Coordinator, Heather Driscoll, and Principals, Lane Richardson and Jan Yost. Finally, I want to recognize the many dedicated staff members throughout the district and the SAU who, on a daily basis, impact student learning and growth.
REPORT OF RYE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Janice Yost, Principal Quick Facts About Our School School Name Rye Junior High School (A Middle School) Construction Dates 1932, 1942, 1965, 1997 Grades Served 6, 7, and 8 Student Enrollment Grade 6 – 52 Grade 7 – 79 Grade 8 ­ 75 Average Daily Attendance 96.28% Average Years Teaching Experience 14
As principal of Rye Junior High School, it is my pleasure to submit this report to the members of the Rye community. It is the mission of Rye Junior High School to provide appropriately responsive school programs, policies and practices to meet the particular intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs of each middle level learner. Young adolescents are talented in unique ways with a personal mix of diverse intelligences. Everyone within the community shares a responsibility for developing and nurturing the whole child. Every young adolescent can learn, and we resolve to make that learning a reality. This report is designed to give the members of the Rye community a snapshot of the building’s programs and status. The school’s progress is only possible through our united efforts – students, staff, parents, school board, and greater community. This Annual Report provides information to encourage mutual understanding and greater participation. Student Enrollment and Our Staff Rye Junior High School currently houses grades six through eight with 206 students enrolled. Our certified and classified staffs support our students in many ways and in many capacities. Their hard work and professionalism deserve special recognition and are greatly appreciated. This year we are pleased to welcome the following new staff to RJH and the Rye School District: Ms. Ruth Cote – sixth grade language arts Mr. Joe Hill – special education paraprofessional Ms. Suzanna Petti – art Mr. Jonathan Ramsay – computer technician Curriculum and Activities Today’s world is not the same as the one our children will live in and work in as adults, but we have been entrusted with preparing them for that world. They will not only need the ability to communicate, write, and read clearly, but also have strong problem­solving and technological skills. To that end, we are working hard to ensure that our curriculum is aligned with the New Hampshire State Standards, that units are relevant and make connections to life situations, and that technology is used as a tool within lessons. During the 2004­05 school year, our students and staff began using our mobile lab or COW (Computers on Wheels). This allowed the computers to go to the students rather than the reverse and thus allowing greater time on learning. With the introduction of a second lab in 2005­06, a greater number of students have access to technology. We are pleased that the mobile labs are in high demand and used in every content area. Library Studies
Grade 8 – Examples of Units of Study ­­ Students in the eighth grade studied the Polar Region as part of an interdisciplinary unit and had opportunities to research and report on various aspects of Antarctica. The four essential questions of the unit were: 1. How does Native Artic Culture compare to ours? 2. What are the similarities and differences of exploration and communication in the past as compared to the present? 3. What are the pros and cons of scientists and tourists visiting Polar Regions? Do the benefits outweigh the cost? 4. How have humans and animals adapted to Polar Regions to not only survive, but thrive? Another unit in grade 8 was an inquiry based project on wild birds. For this project, students had to come up with a research question, develop a hypothesis, design and carry out an experiment to test their hypothesis, collect and graph data, determine the statistical significance of the data, make conclusions, and convey all the information to the community in the form of a scientific poster. Each year, students are offered the opportunity to submit their projects to the publication “Classroom Birdscope” at Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology—a leading institution for the study of birds. The requirements set forth by Cornell are stringent and specific. Grade 7 – Examples of Units of Study ­­ As part of an interdisciplinary unit on the Middle Ages students read historical fiction novels based in the time period and researched a person or profession of the medieval times. In language arts, as students read their novels, they gathered information and gained insights into the daily life of various people. This culminated in a multimedia project to vividly demonstrate that daily life. The students’ learning transformed our cafeteria into our own Middle Ages Museum where each student was required to display and orally present their research. Also, the 7th grade students had a unique opportunity to talk with storm chasers while they were on the road. WeatherBug Achieve, a web­based program that accesses weather data, allowed our students to conference call with a teacher and a team of meteorologists traveling in tornado alley. We had a half­hour to ask them questions about storm chasing and weather. Grade 6 – Example of Units of Study – Sixth graders participated in the unit Pirates: Fantasy vs. Reality. As an interdisciplinary unit, it connects the core academic classes and the integrated arts classes. Students went through a simulation called Galleon with a wide variety of related lessons occurring in each of their classes. During the Galleon simulation, students participated in an interactive adventure that parallels that of 16th century seamen and seawomen. As crewmembers on galleons, they faced the perils of unchartered waters, storms, deadly calms, scurvy, spoiled food, mutiny and battle. The student seafarers analyzed various routes and decided which was the most advantageous for them to take. Once this decision was made, students faced events that gave them a realistic view of the types of problems that mariners faced on transoceanic voyages. Other activities that were part of the unit were: reading the book titled Captain Grey, by Avi. A speaker, Stephanie Nugent, appeared as Celia Thaxter. Students viewed the classic film called The Sea Hawk. Enrichment A sampling of enrichment opportunities… Funded through a grant, Poets­In­Residence Lysa James and Genevieve Aichelle worked with all RJH students. Ultimately students wrote original poems and read their pieces at a Poetry Café. For the parents and students of Grade 7, our annual Project Safeguard was a needed reminder of the important changes adolescents go through. In a conference format, parents, children, teachers, and experts came together to explore and learn together. In May of 2005, an entire day was dedicated to the important issues of bullying and harassment. Students attended a presentation by Robert Bryant, Director of Second Growth, Inc. In addition, a representative from the Rye Police Department spoke with students about electronic harassment. All sixth and seventh grade students at Rye Junior High School received CPR (cardio­pulmonary resuscitation) training. This training was specifically designed for students and covered adult CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. Eighth graders had received the training the prior year as seventh graders. Mr. Richard Murphy, a certified American Heart Association and American Red Cross CPR/First Aide Instructor, trained our students. He is also a National EMT Instructor and lieutenant for the Portsmouth Fire Department. Grant funding was obtained to cover the expense of this training. Each child received a CPR card through the American Heart Association. CPR Class
RJH students worked with artists from the NH Theatre Project and many of the school’s teachers as part of the annual theatre production. Some of the during­school and after­school workshops in which students participated were: quilt­making (to be used as backdrops) with Merrilyn Sansoucie and Ann Rafferty, set­building with Meaghan Beauchamp and Mark Visciano, public relations and marketing with Kate Kirkwood and Kim O’Connell, scriptwriting with Genevieve Aichelle and Kerry Ridolfi, soundscaping with Matt Bradd, backdrop painting with Kathy Tessimond. Through the generosity and talents of our students and their parents, RJH raised $2,000 to support the purchase of land in Sri Lanka on which a school will be built. The original school was destroyed during the Tsunami in 2004 in which two of their students were swept away by the forces of the sea. Part of the fundraising project was a quilt raffle. The quilt was designed and made by RJH students in Life Skills classes. Through the support of the Rye PTA, and for the third year, our entire school community participated in a One Quilt for Tsunami Relief
Book, One School reading program. Each RJH student and staff members read City of Ember by Jeanne DuPru. PTA and Rye Education Foundation We are extremely grateful for the generosity of both the PTA and Rye Education Foundation. Through their help, we received the funds to support our Poets to Performance and Technology in Practice. Also supported were Grade 7 Project Safeguard Program, and the One Book – One School Program. These are just a few examples of the many ways in which the PTA and the REF have supported the students and staff of Rye Junior High School. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Ann Adams, Rye Junior High School has once again received the Volunteers Blue Ribbon Achievement Award presented by the New Hampshire Partners in Education. A very special thank you to the many volunteers who contribute their time and energy to the children of Rye. Summary This school year, we again received notice from the Commissioner of Education that the NH School Standards Approval designation reflects that Rye Junior High School was “Approved with Distinction.” We continue our commitment to maintain that designation each and every year. It is because of the dedication and commitment to excellence in education by our staff, and because of the support of the community, that such an achievement is possible. Collaboratively, the staff at RJH continues to focus on quality standards for our Rye and New Castle adolescent population and a comprehensive school program for our sixth through eighth graders. In closing, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Rye School Board, Superintendent Dr. George Cushing, Curriculum Coordinator Dr. Heather Driscoll, Director of Pupil Services Mary Lyons, Business Administrator Jim Katkin, Rye Elementary Principal Lane Richardson, the SAU 50 and RJH staffs, and the parents and other community members of Rye for their support and time during this year. REPORT OF RYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patricia­Lane Richardson, Principal Quick Facts About Rye Elementary School School Name Rye Elementary School Construction Dates 1958, 1965, 1996 Grades Served Kindergarten ­ five Student Enrollment Kindergarten ­ 46 Grade 1 ­ 46 Grade 2 ­ 59 Grade 3 ­ 66 Grade 4 ­ 48 Grade 5 – 67 Total ­ 342 Average Daily Attendance 96.33%
As the newly elected principal of Rye Elementary School, it is my pleasure to submit this report to the members of the Rye community. Rye Elementary School is a learning community for 342 students and 69 staff members. The professional staff includes highly qualified classroom teachers, special educators, a counselor, reading specialists, and integrated arts specialists (French, music, art, technology, physical education and library). We also have classified staff members: educational associates, secretaries, custodians and food service providers. The staff is committed to providing the best education possible for all learners. We believe in establishing high expectations for achievement and behavior. We believe in the importance of having strong partnerships with families and the community. We consistently review, reflect, and implement changes as needed in our programs. We actively pursue professional development activities that improve our knowledge and skills so that we can meet the different needs of our students. We recognize the uniqueness of our students and work hard to provide them with opportunities to reach their potential in a safe learning environment. We work to meet the needs of all learners and continuously strive for excellence. Our goals include: § Accept and respect self and others § Instill a strong academic foundation for lifelong learning § Offer a program that meets the individual needs of all learners § Promote critical thinking, problem solving skills, technological awareness, and instill a love of learning § Communicate effectively to foster a positive learning community § Maintain high standards to help each child reach their individual potential. Rye Elementary School has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and “Approved with Distinction.” Student Enrollment and Our Staff Rye Elementary School houses grades kindergarten through five. Our certified and classified staffs support our students so that they can reach their individual potentials. Their work and professionalism deserve special recognition and are greatly appreciated. We are pleased to welcome the following new staff members to Rye Elementary School: Aimee Caruso, grade one; Amanda Goss, grade two; Jana Kersey, grade three; Eric Ross, grade five; Michelle Gwinn, special educator; Maureen Paul, special educator; Meg Louney, special education coordinator; Judy Ward, cafeteria; Elli Cyr, Elizabeth Lazarus, Lynn Yandoli, and Kate Winters, para­professionals; Hugh McIntyre and Richard Pratt, custodians. Curriculum and Activities The curricula at Rye Elementary School are aligned with the New Hampshire Standards and Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) expectations as outlined by the NH Department of Education. New curricula implemented this year include the Scott Foresman Reading Series in kindergarten and grade one, the John Collins Writing Program in grades K­5, the Zaner Bloser Penmanship Program in grades K­5, and History Alive in grade five. Fifth grade students participate in the annual National Spelling and Geography Bees. There are also concerts, plays, and other cultural events during the school year. Rye Elementary School offers many after school enrichment programs that are supported by parents, the Rye Education Foundation and the Rye Parent Teacher Association. After school enrichment programs include instructional chess, floor hockey, cooking, art classes, skiing, a walking club, origami, knitting, printmaking, marine science, and board games. This year we have worked with the Rye Recreation Department and have assumed responsibility for the fifth grade girls and boys basketball program. Mr. Ron Fortier is coordinating this program for the school District. We also offer Destination Imagination and are proud that the team won the New Hampshire State Finals in 2005 and participated in the Nationals. This was a “first” for Rye children. Students in grade five, under the direction of fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Phoebe Guarnaccia and Mrs. Doris Gianforte, and custodian Tony Weed collect and recycle paper and plastic weekly. We thank Mr. Bud Jordan at the Rye Recycling Center for helping with this important initiative. Many thanks to grade two teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Cole, for collecting children’s art work and publishing the Rye Recycling brochure for the entire Rye community. RES Concert
Junior Great Books, a Rye Education Foundation funded after school enrichment program, has been offered for a second year. Students work with trained parent volunteers for one hour each week for twelve weeks. Each student is required to read one story before class so that they are prepared for the weekly discussions. Fifty students in grades one through five are participating in the program. Parent Teacher Association and Rye Education Foundation The Rye Parent Teacher Association is a valuable partnership for the Rye Schools. They support us with parent volunteers, fund raising efforts, and events such as our annual spaghetti supper and father daughter dance. It is my pleasure to work with this hard working group of individuals. Some of the programs that have been funded recently are a whole school assembly on respect and self­esteem, “Johnny the K,” books for the literacy center/guided reading library; various science projects; a camera and printer for the principal; funding for the Literary Journal, “Talents by the Sea,” funds to help our School Beautification project, block alphabet dies for classroom staff, and much more. The Rye Education Foundation is an organization that is dedicated to supporting unique educational opportunities for students at Rye Elementary School and Rye Junior High School. It was founded in 1995 by a group of Rye residents, and it maintains a permanent endowment fund to ensure the future excellence of the Rye Public Schools. Twice a year staff members are given an opportunity to submit grant requests to REF. This past fall they awarded over $20,000 in grants and RES was awarded over $12,000 of this amount. Grants funded included: Artist in Residence for Bookmaking and Creative Writing for third grade; Life Cycle of Frogs for grades one and three; Whole school cultural enrichment program – “Hero Art,” Instructional Chess program; “Talents by the Sea” Literary Journal; Community Third Grade Artist
Aquarium; Starlab for third graders; and a Scholastic Books grant to encourage reading for pleasure in grades 2­5. In the spring 2005 cycle grants were funded for Exploring the Ocean through Art; Jump Start – after school program for building reading skills; Social Activism Performance Art and Instructional Chess. Parent Volunteers The Rye Schools have again been recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for our parent volunteer program. Thank you to Mrs. Andrea Swanson and Mrs. Ann Adams for organizing the volunteer program. Many parents volunteer regularly in classrooms, the library, computer lab, and in the cafeteria. Parent, Mrs. Suzanne Vogt, has taken an active role in keeping our web page up to date in collaboration with our technology staff. We are extremely thankful to the many parents who contribute to the Rye Schools. Each fall a group of parents volunteer on a Saturday to refurbish the playground equipment and safety surfaces. Mrs. Robin Husslage has been the organizer of this event. This year we had a good turnout to spread the safety surface around all play equipment, install a new swing set and check for safety on all equipment. This year we also began a Beautification Committee. Mr. Eric Ross, grade five teacher, Ms. Cindy Bean, grade two teacher, and I organized a group of over thirty parents and children to clean up brush, plant bulbs and shrubs and generally work to beautify our school. Work will continue in the spring. RES Playground Beautification Project
Communication Improved communication is a goal of mine. We publish a monthly calendar, RES News every two weeks, and weekly notices from classroom teachers. We plan to improve our telecommunications systems in the next budget cycle. Grants Rye Elementary School was the recipient of a Healthy New Hampshire Grant. Through the funds received we were able to purchase a steam table for the cafeteria, a salad bar, and fund an after school walking club. Many thanks to Mrs. Holly Warden and Mrs. Pam Stearns, Physical Education teachers; Mrs. Lisa Furman, manager of the cafeteria; and Ms. Lauren Kenney, technology teacher for writing and implementing these grants. Community Outreach and Philanthropy Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Jacquie DeFreze, and the fifth grade Student Council conduct monthly philanthropies. This past year these included raising funds for the victims of hurricane Katrina, Pennies for Leukemia, monthly collection of assorted items for Family Services, collection of sweaters and sweatshirts for the StarMight Foundation, and grade level collection of holiday gifts for Seacoast families. All philanthropies are extremely well supported. Thank you to all who so generously contribute. School Counselor, Mr. Tom Southworth’s, work on behalf of needy families is appreciated. His collaboration with the Rye Fire Department and local businesses helped provide support for families during the holiday season. Technology The Technology Committee at RES consists of staff members and parents who meet regularly to plan and provide the technology needs at RES. Our goal is to stay current with the ever changing world of technology. Thank you to Mrs. Doris Gianforte for her leadership on this committee. We have written a Technology Plan that was recently accepted by the Rye School Board. It is available on the Rye School Board web page at www.ryeschoolboard.us. We continue to work to upgrade our web page as a vehicle for communication to parents and the community. Several members of our staff attended the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference and brought back new ideas to RES. We have also had the opportunity to have Ms. Kita Maciolek work with RES staff offering professional development opportunities. Summary I wish to thank the staff and families at Rye Elementary School for welcoming me to the community. I am thankful to the members of the Rye School Board as well as Dr. George Cushing, Mr. Jim Katkin, Ms. Jan Yost, and Mrs. Mary Lyons for their support and cooperation as we work together for the children of Rye. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Ms. Mary Jo Sanders for helping make the transition between principals a smooth one.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL Forrest Ransdell Dear Members of the SAU 50 Community: My name is Forrest Ransdell. I am the principal of Portsmouth High School. Portsmouth High School provides high quality educational opportunities and I am proud to be associated with such a school. It is true that any school is a reflection of the community that it serves, and Portsmouth High School reflects well upon you all. The construction process for the new high school is complete. Work has also been completed on the Career and Technical Center. A dedication ceremony was held in August. Overall, Portsmouth High School had a very smooth opening of the school year. As we approach the end of second quarter, several projects are underway. As reported last year, the NEASC Two­year Progress Report has been submitted to the association. The report was accepted and we are now working toward the five­year report. Current working groups include those planning for completion of the recommendations, the exploration of smaller learning communities, and the continued focus on the importance of literacy for all students. STUDENT NEWS I have included data that shows the level of student participation in all segments of the high school experience. The current student enrollment is 1,078 students.
Identified Course Participation – Total Student Seats Occupied Visual Arts – Total Student Involvement (661) International Languages – Total Student Involvement (811) Honors/Advanced Placement ­ Total Student Involvement (448) Career and Tech Ed – Total Student Involvement (772) Interscholastic Athletics – Total Student Involvement (789)
Performing Arts – Total Student Participation ­­ 585 Concert Choir ­ 130 Percussion Ensemble Madrigal Singers ­ 22 Jazz Band Instrumental ensembles Treble Choir ­ 35 Men's Ensemble ­ 15 Fall Musical (cast and crew) 4Fun Choir ­ 50 Winter Improv Workshop Concert Band ­ 100 Drama Festival Marching Band/Color Guard ­ 100 Spring Play ­ 25 ­ 10 ­ 16 ­ 35 ­ 15 ­ 12 ­ 20
Clubs and Organizations – Total Student participation – 879 Epitome Literary Magazine Spanish Club Amigos Environmental Club Interact Junior World Council Fencing Club Latin Club Student Mediation Bowling Club Math team National Honor Society Ski and Snowboard Club German Club Peer Leadership SADD ­ 20 ­ 15 ­ 85 ­ 70 ­ 25 ­ 50 ­ 14 ­ 100 ­ 19 ­ 62 ­ 16 ­ 70 ­ 40 ­ 7 ­ 35 ­ 20 Yearbook ­ 16 Ultimate Frisbee ­ 10 French Club ­ 30 Gay Straight Alliance ­ 15 The Players Club (Chess)­ 15 Girls’ Group ­ 11 Basketball Club ­ 17 Friday Night ­ 40 FCCLA ­ 30 Gourmet Club ­ 15 Skills USA ­ 15 Edgewood Center ­ 9 Movie Night ­ 8 Automobile Club ­ 8 FBLA ­ 7
RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT STATISTICS 2005/2006 Rye Student Enrollment 2005/2006 as of October 1, 2005 * GRADE PUPILS K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TOTAL 44 60 65 56 49 66 53 79 76 548 * Current figures are stated in Principals’ Reports. New Castle Students Attending Rye Junior High School (five year comparison) GRADE 7 GRADE 8 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 11 7 11 9 8 8 10 6 12 10 >>><<< RYE PUPILS ATTENDING PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL (2005/2006 tuition rate is $10,191, per student) SENIORS Caley Abrams, Chris Allen, Hillary Barrett, Carley Barton, Ainsley Braun, Jessica Connell, Kris Drenzek, Katrina Dugan, Raphael Dunfey, Steven Fritz, Mike Genestreti, Andrew Hebert, James Henschke, Michelle Huwe, Julie Irwin, Tyler Kerr, Justin Lincoln­Grogan, Austin Lochtefeld, Patrick Lydiard, Erin McKay, Jordan Michaud, Derek Morrissey, Dan Mulvey, Joshua Papandrew, Corey Philbrick, Stephanie Remick, William Roach, Jennifer Robinson, Maxwell Rome, Daniel Sherwin, Angus Strachan, Courtney Tarantino, Nathan Walters. 33 Seniors JUNIORS Kristopher Adams, Griffin Andrews, Kristen Benson, Jeremiah Berman, Scott Bridge, Rachel Buchanan, Edward Burke, Arielle Camire, Allison Campbell, Lindsay Campbell, Oliver Clark, Chelsea Cumings, Jody Curran, Tyler Curtis, Kara Day, Donald Doney, Melissa Eager, Meredith Ferris, David Fournier, Sean Ghamami, Jaime Gray, Brian Harning, Jeffrey Herold, Ashley Kelley, John Kelty, Aaron Kronstat, Micheline Labrie, John Lancaster, Kendra Landry, Elisa Loeser, Emily McCue, Jessie McGonagle, Matthew Moitoza, Samuel Moore, Michael Nadolny, Derek Noonis, Emily Panopoulos, Elizabeth Pescosolido, Colin Piekarski, Daniela Ponce, Elizabeth Quirk, Max Rather, Britney Remick, Katherine Rickert, Matthew Sawyer, Julia Sloan, Vanessa Smith, Shane Spink, Joel St.Jean, John Szmyd, Lia Tarbell, Emilie Wright. 52 Juniors
SOPHOMORES: Erin Bailey, Alana Balboni, Brendan Bartley, Stefanie Biron, Emily Blumberg, Elise Bowles, Kayley Brattan, Ashton Braun, Reed Brown, Richie Cady, Carson Chapman, Rebecca Connell, Samuel Cote, Samuel Curran, Nathan Doskocil, Hannah Ferris, Morgan Ford, Wesley Forsyth, Sophie Gee, Max Harrington, Arthur Hockmuth, Samuel Hoefle, Tiana Holt, Onni Irish, Whitney Leary, Zane Lucier, Julianne McHugh, Allyson Michaels, Katherine Nadolny, Britta Osberg, Zachary Papandrew, Ian Perry, Seth Reynolds, Kelly Roach, Kiley Schlieper, Lyndol Senf, Jennifer Sexton, Kristen Smith, Kelsey Splaine, Eric St.Jean, Patrick Thomas, Simon Turgeon, Andrew Vedeler, Jillian Walsh, Brittany Wason, Eliza Wood. 46 Sophomores FRESHMEN: Zachary Abrams, Alexa Berube, Matthew Berube, Katherine Borden, Meredith Boyle, Kelsey Bridge, Emily Brown, Kelsey Byrne, Parker Cavallaro, Kristina Coffen, Gabby Cote, Jeffrey Curtis, Christopher Demers, Dan Dicesare, Alexandra Fenner, Jennifer Fowler, David Harning, Brett Henderson, Bethany Huwe, Zachary Jabar, Alexander Kappel, Kelsie Koziol, Kevin Lavoie, Kahle McDonough, Robina Mitchell, John Mulvey, Jordan Papandrew, Brian Parise, Alexa Piekarski, Jessica Rather, Rebecca Risman, Christopher Sawyer, Alexander Sherrill, Carl Smith, Marina Tarbell, Meghan Toner, Peter Vrettos, Emma Walker, Samantha Whitney. 39 Freshmen Total 170 Students
STATE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM The New Hampshire Educational Improvement and Assessment Program (NHEIP) is given to students in grade 10. Student achievement is described in four categories: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Novice. The test items are challenging and it is difficult to score in the top two categories. The charts below show the three year average percentage scores of Rye and the State of New Hampshire. Our students’ overall scores are in the top 5% of the state. Rye Portsmouth High New Hampshire Grade 10 – Reading Advanced Proficient 17 50 16 36 9 32 Basic 24 32 35 Novice 9 15 23 Rye Portsmouth High New Hampshire Grade 10 – Mathematics Advanced Proficient 29 26 20 27 10 23 Basic 28 27 34 Novice 16 25 32 EXIT DATA FOR CLASS OF 2005 The following SAT information was collected for 64 Rye seniors who attended Portsmouth High School, Berwick Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, Saint John’s Prep School, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. SAT 1 Statistics
Verbal Rye 568 Portsmouth High School 524 New Hampshire 525 National 508 Math 564 524 525 520
CLASS OF 2005 Sixty­eight students were planning to attend a wide variety of schools: American University/Rome Babson College Baylor University Boston University Bryant University Bucknell University Champlain College Clarkson University Colby­Sawyer College Curry College Endicott College Florida Atlantic University Franklin Pierce College George Washington University Gordon College Johns Hopkins University Keene State University Maine College of Art Muhlenberg College N. H. Community Technical College New Hampshire Technical Institute New York University North Park University/Chicago Northeastern University Plymouth State University Rivier College Roanoke College Roger Williams University Rollins College Salve Regina Simmons College Skidmore College St. John’s College St. Lawrence St. Leo University St. Michael’s College Stonehill College Susquehanna University University of Colorado University of New England University of New Hampshire University of Richmond University of Vermont Vassar College Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Wentworth Institute Wheaton College Worcester Polytechnic Institute
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT – 2005/2006 Name College/University Adams, Sheila University of New Hampshire Balz, Ann Wilkes College Barr, Anne University of Mass./Amherst Barrett, Elizabeth Lesley College Bates, Susan The Pennsylvania State University Bean, Cindy University of Maine/Farmington Boulay, Kimberly Nortre Dame College Bradd, Matthew University of New Hampshire Brown, Jeanne Mansfield State College Burns, Tami Keene State College Caruso, Aimee Rivier College Chagnon, Giselle Lesley College Cole, Kathleen Notre Dame Col., Emmanuel Col. Collyer, Kathleen Cambridge College Coombs, Mary University of New Hampshire Costanzo, JoAnn University of New Hampshire Cote, Ruth University of Maine, Farmington DeFreze, Jacqueline Lesley College Ellwood, Robin University of New Hampshire Ferguson, Michael University of New Hampshire Forrest, Jay University of New Hampshire Fortier, Ronald Boston College Garcia, Audrey Lesley University Gianforte, Doris University of North Texas Gilbert, Ann University of Maine at Farmington Degree M.Ed. M.S.Ed. B.A. M.Ed. B B.S. B Mus. B. M.Ed. B M M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.A.T. M.Ed. B.S. M.Ed. M.Ed. B.S. M.Ed. B.A. M.Ed. M.F.A. B.A. YOE Grade/Subject 26 Grade 7 Science Teacher 29 Grade 2 Teacher 25 Kindergarten 12 Grade 1 Teacher 5 Grade 3 Teacher 25 Grade 2 Teacher 6 Grade 4 Teacher 5 Music Teacher, Middle School 27 French Teacher 19 Music Teacher 6 Grade 1 Teacher 11 Title 1 Math Teacher 36 Grade 2 Teacher 22 Grade 6 Social Studies 14 Librarian, Middle School 23 Counselor, Middle School 3 Grade 6 Language Arts 23 Grade 5 Teacher 14 Science Grade 8 23 P.E., Middle School 26 Grade 6 Mathematics 20 Technology & Athletic Director 4 Grade 3 Teacher 11 Grade 5 Teacher 10 Special Education Teacher
Name College/University Glidden, David Rivier College Gmelch, Catherine Lesley College Goss, Amanda Univ. of Maine, Univ. of New England Guarnaccia, Phoebe Lesley College Gwinn, Michelle Lesley University Hanna, Margaret Lesley College Harte, Mary University of New Hampshire Hughes, Bridget Northeastern University Jarvis, Kay University of Iowa Jule, Ann University of New Hampshire Kenney, Lauren Lesley College Univ., Salem State Kersey, Jana Lesley University Louney, Margaret University of New Hampshire Manning, JoAnn Plymouth State College Murphy, Rebecca University of New Hampshire Murray, Hope University of New Hampshire Olsen, Sarah Saint Michael's College O'Connell, Kimberly University of New Hampshire Page, Joy Cambridge College Papoutsy, Andrea Boston University Paul, Maureen Notre Dame College Petti, Susanna Plymouth State College Rafferty, Ann University of New Hampshire Raycraft, Janet University of Pennsylvania Richardson, Lane Lesley College Ridolfi, Kerry Wayne State University Ross, Eric University of Southern Maine Rothermel, Molly State University College at Geneseo Shaker, Lisa Northeastern University Degree M.Ed. B.A. B.A. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. B.A. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. CAGS B.S. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. M.Ed. Mus.B. B.A. B.S. B.S. M.S. M. Ed. M.S.W. C.A.S. B.S. CAGS YOE 3 6 2 19 2 9 32 26 15 16 10 3 14 26 7 20 7 13 9 20 7 3 29 31 34 23 14 5 8 Grade/Subject Grade 4 Teacher French Teacher Grade 2 Teacher Grade 5 Teacher Special Education Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Grade 7 Math Special Education Teacher French Teacher Occupational Therapist Technology Education Teacher Grade 3 Teacher Special Education Coordinator Art Teacher, Elementary School Special Education Teacher Inclusion Specialist Inclusion Specialist, Elementary Grade 7 Language Arts Teacher Social Studies, Grade 7 Music Teacher Special Education Teacher Art Teacher, Middle School Life Skills Teacher Reading Specialist Principal, Elementary School Grade 8 Language Arts Grade 5 Teacher Mathematics, Grade 8 School Psychologist
Name Smaracko, Diane Smith, Janet Southworth, Thomas Syphers, Kristen Trimarco, Carrie Tucker, Kathleen Visciano, Mark L. Waldron, Jean Warden, Holly Wheeler, Denise Wilson, Barbara Yost, Janice College/University Jacksonville University Russell Sage College University of New Hampshire Northern Kentucky University University of New Hampshire Indiana University University College at Oswego, NY University of New Hampshire University New Brunswick Saint Michael's College Lowell General Hospital University of New Hampshire Young, Monica Lesley College Degree M B.S. CAGS M.A. M.S. MAT B.S. M.Ed. B.Ed. B.A. R.N. M.Ed, M.S. B.S. YOE Grade/Subject 17 Grade 4 Teacher 18 School Nurse, Middle School 32 Counselor, Elementary School 11 Grade 3 Teacher 8 Speech Pathologist 26 Speech Pathologist 32 Technology Education 11 Grade 1 Teacher 12 P.E., Elementary School 9 Librarian, Elementary School 20 Elementary School Nurse 35 Principal, Middle School 25 Years of Experience (YOE) as of June 2006
Grade 1 Teacher THE RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT The Schools School Times Phone Fax Regular Day 8:25­ 2:40 Early Release 8:25­ 12:35 RYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patricia­Lane Richardson, Principal 461 Sagamore Road Rye, NH 03870 436­4731 431­6702 Regular Day 8:10­2:35 Early Release 8:10­12:35 RYE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Janice Yost, Principal 501 Washington Road Rye, NH 03870 964­5591 964­3881 Regular Day 7:30­2:30 Early Release 7:30­11:22 PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL Forrest Ransdell, Principal 50 Andrew Jarvis Drive Portsmouth, NH 03801 436­7100 427­2320 School Administrative Unit Number Fifty 48 Post Road Greenland, New Hampshire 03840 (603) Phone 422­9572 Fax 422­9575 WEBSITES Rye School Board Rye School District Rye Elementary School Rye Junior High School Rye PTA Rye Education Foundation SAU 50 Portsmouth High School http:/www.ryeschoolboard.us http://www.sau50.k12.nh.us/rye http://www.sau50.k12.nh.us/rye/res http://www.sau50.k12.nh.us/rye/rjh http://www.sau50.k12.nh.us/rye/pta http://www.ryeeducation.org http://www.sau50.k12.nh.us http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/school
NOTES
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Greenland, NH 03840 Rye School District Rye, New Hampshire 03870 Permit No. 39
PRE­SORT Resident/Box Holder
Rye, NH 03870