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June 21, 2018

Dear Families,
I like to take some time and reflect on the end of the year and share with you some of the highlights, accomplishments, and strategies to prevent the summer slide in reading.  I thank you for your support and enthusiasm you show throughout the school year that makes Ed Smith School a remarkable place to be.
 
We began the year getting used to being in our new building at Levy school.   Our transition was successful as we learned the new space and began to enjoy it, despite missing our school.  We spruced up the place and made it our own to feel like home.  However, we hope by this time next year we will be packing up to return to our renovated building back on Lancaster Ave.
 
We set goals for ourselves at the beginning of this year as well as implemented a new strategy to achieve these goals. We set our goals to improve Reading and Mathematics by increasing students performing at or above grade level by 5% while decreasing students performing below grade level by 5% according to the STAR assessments.  To achieve our goals, we implemented a Personalized Learning model that uses student data to target instruction through small group instruction, and targeted digital content on the computers.  I am pleased to report that we exceeded these goals by achieving an increase in reading and math by 8% and 7 % respectively.  I am proud of the work the staff and students put into these efforts this year and look forward to seeing further growth as we become accustomed to providing targeted instruction.
 
Ed Smith also implemented a new 21^st Century after school program with project-based learning for grades K-8.  Our students in the Vex- Robotics and Chess proudly brought home awards from local competitions and held a final showcase for families at the end of the year.
 
Finally, to prevent the summer slide in reading and sustain students’ levels over the summer we have a few suggestions.  All of our students have an account on MyOn, an online library of books that has books of interest on all reading levels.  These have been included in your child’s report card envelope.  Take a moment to log in and see the diverse selections of books available.  In addition, students and parents can log on to www.nyread.com to create a profile, record reading progress and earn a certificate.
 
I wish everyone a restful and relaxing summer.  After such a long winter, we truly deserve to enjoy all the beauty that summer brings to Central New York.
 
I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.
 
All the best,
Mr. Barber


Please click here to view our 2018-2019 School Supply List by grade!

Click here to learn about our classes, special events and to see pictures.