Superintendent's Update

January 31, 2008

·         Great news to share…Preliminary Approval for the New Diploma System was awarded to Middletown High School.  Thank you to all who have worked hard to make this happen.  This approval demonstrates that the Middletown High staff has taken the high school redesign seriously.  The staff is working to ensure that all our students have access and opportunity to a rigorous curriculum, preparing them for success in college or the world of work.

      ·         An FYI for all those who submit mile reimburse..as of January 1, 2008, mileage reimbursement is 50.5 cents per mile.

·         NECAP score have been released for grade 3 through 8.  Scores are embargoed until Monday, February 4, 2008 BUT scores are “looking good!”  More news Monday

·         School Committee is in the budget mode.  We have a 1.3 million gap to close between the draft budget and what we can reasonably expect to receive in Local, State and Federal dollars.  Remember that as a result of Senate 3050, the maximum increase the Town can give us in new tax appropriations is 5.00% or $1,060,243.  This will be once again a VERY tough year of reductions.  Budget meetings are :

January 31, 2008, 6:30 pm

February 14, 2008, 6:30 pm

February 21, 2008, 6:30 pm

March 20, 2008, 6:00 pm (Budget approval)

·         Reduction of Force notices will be out next week.  This is a stressful time for all.  Please recognize that we are required by law to give notice based on the anticipated budget gap.  Reductions will affect ALL areas, not just staff….transportation, athletics, central office, supplies, textbooks.

 ·         February 4, 2008 the Middletown Task Force will present to the community the needs assessment rollout and the strategic plan for the Task Force, 6:00 pm, Town Hall.

                      ·         February 7, 2008 the MHS Program of Studies will be discussed, 6:30 pm, Oliphant Administration.

My thanks to all for working so hard everyday in our classrooms, facilities and offices.  Your efforts make the Middletown Public Schools an outstanding district!

 

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January 23, 2008

·        The School Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 24, 2008, 6:00 pm, MHS program of studies and the Budget workshop schedule for 7:30 has been postponed until Thursday, January 31, 2008.  The budget workshop will be at 6:00 pm followed by a review of the MHS program of studies.

·       Attached is the Governor’s State of the State address.  We have some challenging times ahead of us!

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January 16, 2008

Happy New Year to all!

Please note some great opportunities for staff development:

The following technology workshops are currently listed in My Learning Plan.  These workshops focus on showing teachers how to use My Learning Plan for class change.   

Please log into My Learning Plan to sign up for these workshops. Please contact the technology office with any questions.  

MPS - Managing Class Change & Portfolio in My L Plan

  This workshop will provide support for those staff that would like to manage class change and professional development in My Learning Plan. Please be sure to bring log in information and any record of historical professional development.

  Date: Jan 28, 2008 2:30 - 3:30

JH Gaudet Computer Lab

 

 MPS - Managing Class Change & Portfolio in My L Plan

  This workshop will provide support for those staff that would like to manage class change and professional development in My Learning Plan. Please be sure to bring log in information and any record of historical professional development.

  Date: Jan 28, 2008 3:15 – 4:15

JH Gaudet Computer Lab

 

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November 21, 2007

 

·         The Fielding Nair Report, “Middletown’s Educational Future: A Strategy For Change” was presented by Prakash Nair to the Town Council and School Committee at a workshop last night (Tuesday, November 20^th).

·         The report is available on our website http://www.ri.net/middletown/mef/Fielding_Nair_Executive_Summary_1107.pdf

·         Current enrollment is 2,414.

·         Attached is the RIPEC Aquidneck Island Study report regarding revenue and expenditure forecast for Middletown, Newport and Portsmouth.

·         The FY2008-09 budget process will begin shortly.  I will share with you the projected maximum budget increase based the cap calculations (RIGL #3050) that Mrs. McLeish has prepared in the next update.  We certainly will be faced with some challenges and difficult decisions once again.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Thank you for the work you do daily for the children of Middletown!!!

October 4, 2007

 

·        Please see attached scholarship opportunity offer from Salve Regina University to our staff.  Please submit a letter to me by October 12^th not by October 5^th as stated in the letter.

·        Employment opportunity on our web site #17466, Custodian One, (2^nd shift), Gaudet School.

·        Join me in welcoming Carmela Geer, our new COZ (Child Opportunity Director).  Carmela is housed at Forest Avenue School but will be serving our entire school community.

·        Grade Level Expectation Booklets are published for parents and staff.  Also accessible online at www.ri.net/middletown/assessment

·        Current enrollment is 2349 students.

·        The following Planetarium activities provide experiences for all:

“Beyond Einstein Explores”  an after school program for grades 5-8 every Thursday from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm,  beginning October 11^th through November 15^th

“Family Fun Nights” The night sky and all it’s glory: discover the constellations visible in the fall skies, Monday, October 15, 6:30 pm and Monday, November 19, 6:30 pm.

“Party with the Stars”  Celebrate your child’s birthday with a planetarium show, and make and take activity. 

“Scout Program” Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programs…earn badges as well!

 

Enjoy the long weekend.  Thanks for your dedication to the children of Middletown!