From the
By Dave Rokusek
August 26, 2008
From The Super
August 27th, 2008
Dave Rokusek
The state writing assessment scores were released last week. Wilber-Clatonia students again performed well. Each year in grades 4, 8, and 11 students are tested so different students are used for the results annually. The state as a whole also showed improvement in all grade levels. Wilber-Clatonia’s scores over the past years are outlined in the chart below. The chart shows the percentage of students in our school that are proficient on the state writing test.
Percentage of Students Proficient on the State Writing Test
Grade 2004-2005 2005-06 2006-2007 2007-2008 07-08 State Ave
|
4th |
81.4 % |
97% |
76.8% |
97% |
90.6% |
|
8th |
80% |
80% |
97.2% |
100% |
92.7% |
|
11th |
97.5% |
94% |
94.3% |
97% |
94.3% |
These are excellent results. As you can see, over the years we have done quite well on the writing assessments. Teachers, students, and parents work toward improving writing skills on a daily basis. State scores are also good and have continued to rise. So as we compare our students with other Nebraska students we must keep in mind that state scores are likely to continue to improve, especially in schools where there exist a number of minority students. This improvement will continue to raise the state average. Thus we must continue to maintain our efforts and focus to assure our students are proficient in writing.
Wilber-Clatonia’s mission statement states the school’s purpose to be: “To prepare each student to be a life long learner by providing an educational experience challenging them to reach their potential.” What better way to empower students and create life long learners than by making them competent writers and readers! Learning to write can be a pathway to reaching one’s potential. Building students writing ability in today’s time of cell phones, Ipods, TV, and computers can be a challenge but well worth the effort.
On another note, have you purchased this year’s activity pass or picked up your senior citizen pass? How about a pass for your children? With admission prices to activities going to $4.00 for children and $5.00 for adults, getting a pass makes good sense. Activity passes remained at $50 for adults and $30.00 for children. To qualify for a senior citizen pass you need to 65 years of age and be a patron of the district. If interested stop in and talk to the Connie Hasenohr in my office.
Labor Day will be this weekend and is still one of my favorite holidays. It signals that fall is approaching and the weather will soon start to cool. I like it as most people get the day off and do something with friends or family. The college sport season, State Fair, and/or local celebrations usually get into full swing on Saturday to begin the weekend. The extended weekend also gives us that one extra day to officially end summer and welcome fall. But Labor Day is much more. For all of us who have jobs or businesses, it is a time to be thankful for the work we have and are able to do. Living in this great country provides us and our children with a wide opportunity and variety of work. Sometimes in the rush and pressures of our work we forget about the positives of our job. So celebrate Labor Day in your special way but remember what Labor Day is all about and be thankful for- yes you guessed it- our jobs and all that comes with it! Take care.
