At the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board meeting, Principal Amanda Leonard of Washington Elementary School and Principal Larissa Richards of Bonnie Brennan Elementary School, presented data from the winter MAP test. This assessment, conducted three times a year, is digital and untimed and it is looked at as one of the best tools in the nation for assessing student performance.
Richards highlighted significant growth in second and fourth grades, emphasizing that this progress is based on the rate of growth rather than current class performance. She noted that while kindergarteners usually show more growth than older students, such as sixth graders, the observed growth rate in these grades is faster than expected. However, grades kindergarten, first and third didn’t show as strong growth.
Leonard discussed the reading skills focus for fifth and sixth graders, acknowledging considerable growth in this area. She noted that math growth was not as high, possibly due to the recent adoption of a new math curriculum.
Richards addressed the revamping of their Professional Learning Community meetings. Previously, these meetings held after a long work week, lacked structure and were not conducive to effective professional development. Richards reported a successful restructuring of these meetings to Mondays, focusing on standards, instruction and assessment, leading to more collaborative and effective sessions.
Richards also mentioned a breakfast site reading club for third graders, targeting students who aren’t reading independently. Additionally, she spoke about a successful after-school tutoring program, highlighting a need for transportation to enable broader student participation. In response to board member Todd Wilcox’s query about transportation needs, Richards stated that the requirements might vary, but a small bus for post-tutoring student transport would be a significant aid.
The board also addressed administrative matters, approving Superintendent Connie Gover as an authorized signer for the Impact Aid Application. They approved the previous meeting’s minutes, the ratification list, and fundraisers for specific school clubs. The approved fundraisers included those for the high school’s Indian Club and Lady Hoop Club, as well as the junior high Art Club and Honor Society.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.
