We feel good about what and how our students learn at SVCS. We put a lot of thought into our curriculum and our teaching, and we place student engagement at the top of our priority list. Learning is supposed to be FUN! It's a welcome validation when we get standardized test results that reflect our efforts. The annual statewide NECAP test results arrived recently, and the news was good. This is from the Keene Sentinel:

"Across the region, eight of 14 districts plus Surry Village Charter School either met or surpassed the state reading average...Six area districts and the Surry school at least met the state average in math...Local districts were less successful in the writing category, with four meeting or passing the state average."

At Surry Village, our results have consistently been similar to the state averages. That holds true again this year. In math, 72% of SVCS students ranked "Proficient" or "Proficient with Distinction." The state average was 70% of students.

In reading, our students ranked Proficient or above 82% of the time; the state average was 77%.

In writing, our 5th-graders were particularly strong writers and our 8th-graders a more mixed group, with the result that SVCS students were Proficient or above 50% of the time, while NH students were Proficient or above 55% of the time.

These are pleasing results and we are proud of our students and teachers. Our grade sample sizes are so small - and therefore their averages so quirky - that drawing conclusions about instruction or curriculum is nearly impossible, but the scores do highlight where students may struggle. This test was administered early last fall, and many student challenges have been addressed in the interim. What we do know is that we have some very strong math students, and others who find math particularly challenging. We can tease out that often new students arrive with gaps in their learning or unidentified challenges, which we hasten to address. We know that most of our students are strong readers.

We also know that our focus on our writing curriculum is paying off, as our younger writers are coming up stronger. And we know that our Investigations math curriculum needs supplementation and, ultimately, replacement as we complete our transition to the Common Core State Standards. The Common Core demands more rigorous math skills at younger ages, while the Investigations curriculum is known for its slow, gradual start and increased challenge in the older grades. Our teachers are working hard to ensure that this year's students are experiencing a rigorous math curriculum beginning in the early grades.

Families will receive their students' NECAP scores today in their Friday folders. Area schools' results (without individual names) are at http://reporting.measuredprogress.org/nhprofile/.

Please let Sharon or Matora know if you have questions about the scores. And let your child know that you value his/her hard work, and look forward to seeing his/her progress, too! If we set the expectation that our kids can meet challenges and improve their skills, they will.

SVCS 6th-grader Keanan J. will be shaving his head in the near future to raise funds for the "Bald is Beautiful" fundraiser that supports cancer research. Keanan's grandmother had two kinds of cancer and his grandfather currently has cancer, so Keanan wanted to lend his support to this important cause. There is a collection box just inside the Surry campus's front door, and Keanan would be delighted to receive contributions big and small. What a great opportunity to teach your own children about supporting others through fundraising (have them drop in your contribution), and to support a young man who believes in taking action! Way to go, Keanan.

Ooh la la! 

The Charter Chef Evening is coming April 17th!

It's that time of year - time to start planning this year's Charter Chef Fundraiser. Yahoo! The Charter Chef event is our spring fundraiser, where four local chefs prepare elegant fare to be judged by our guests and designated food connoisseurs. During the meal, SVCS representatives showcase our school to over 120 guests. At the end of the evening guests are asked to give to the school because they have been so INSPIRED! They do give, and give generously. The event serves so many purposes...fantastic food, excellent school and chef PR, and typical fundraising of over $10,000!