Chelsea Intermediate School Administrative Letter

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to an exciting new school year filled with many of wonderful opportunities for our students. This is the first year since our relocation to this site that we have not had a significant construction project underway throughout the summer. This affords us the opportunity to focus our message on the experiences your child will have within the walls of the building, rather than the actual construction of the walls of the building.

Chelsea is a unique school in that we are able to grow with your children as they evolve from early childhood into early adolescence. During these years, we find students growing exponentially in academic and social arenas, which can be both remarkable and challenging all at once.

Over the course of the past two years, we have adopted a new math and reading series, both of which incorporate a heavy focus on flexible grouping and differentiated instruction. Our teachers have undergone professional development in the area of reading across the curriculum this summer, which will be supported through continuous training throughout the school year.

Another district initiative includes Response to Intervenion (RtI). This refers to a data driven process in which all students are assessed through a Universal Screening Tool (AIMSweb) in the areas of reading and math three times a year. Additionally, we screen students in writing using the ISAT scoring rubric three times a year. This information, along with Terra Nova scores, ISAT scores, and classroom assessments are compiled, reviewed, and discussed repeatedly throughout the year to identify student needs and develop plans for those children who are struggling in any one of these content areas.

In addition to curricular goals, we also have a variety of activities and programs designed to meet the needs of students in the social emotional realm. Our CHARACTER COUNTS! program is implemented through the Encore and classroom environments, and celebrates the six pillars of character (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship). Students who exhibit these characteristics are recognized through the Student Ambassador Program.

We also have implemented a building wide Bully Prevention Program, based largely on the Olweus model, which focuses on empowering students to create a school wide climate in which bullying is not celebrated or accepted, and to identify ways in which they can advocate for themselves if they are faced with a situation in which they are bullied and in need of support.

We look forward to continuing to work together to meet the needs of all the students at Chelsea.

Sincerely,

Kristin Simpkins