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6/1/2010
Happy Summer!
I want to thank the Mary Lin students, teachers, parents, and community for a fantastic 2009-2010 school year! The Mary Lin Team accomplished so many wonderful things this year. Our accomplishments would not have been possible without the united support of our parents and community. Thanks!
CRCT Highlights and Gaps
This year's CRCT results look strong. Here are a few noteworthy accomplishments.
- An average of 96% of our students in grades 1-5 met or exceeded standards in all measurable content areas
- 83% of fifth grade students exceeded in science
- 70% of fifth grade students exceeded in math
- 78% of fourth grade students exceeded in science
- 73% of second grade students exceeded in reading
- 15% more first grade students exceeded in reading than last year
- 18% more third grade students exceeded in social studies than last year
- 10% more fourth grade students exceeded in science than last year
- 11% more fourth grade students exceeded in social studies than last year
We do have a few gaps that need to be addressed.
- 10% less third grade students exceeded in math
- 10% less fifth grade students exceeded in English Language Arts
- 10% less fifth grade students exceeded in math
Looking Over the Horizon
I am often asked, "What do you do all summer?" Well, the summer months provide me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and to reflect on the methods we can use to strengthen our instructional program. I spend a lot of time analyzing our CRCT data. These data assist me in highlighting teachers' strengths and weaknesses. Having knowledge of the teachers' strengths and weaknesses allows me to create effective grade level teams of teachers.
Mary Lin emphasizes life long learning and the value of learning from each other. Teachers, like students, learn from each other. Creating this type of collaborative climate promotes professional development that is grounded in researched-based teaching best practices.
Summer is also an opportunity for me to plan for noninstructional programs, too. For example, I recently met with Dr. Kelli Ritter, psychologist to plan a school-wide program that emphasizes self-esteem. Our conversation was centered around how Mary Lin can take a proactive approach to "bullying."
Have a great summer
Our Open House is scheduled for August 6, 9:00-11:00!
See you then.
Brian
Posted by brian mitchell at 12:30 PM 5/11/2010
Response to Susan
Hi Susan,
Yes, the fifth grade students will receive their writing scores on the last day of school. Thanks for reading the blog! Brian
Posted by brian mitchell at 7:00 AM 5/7/2010
Response to Question about Fourth Grade
Hello Cathy!
We are looking to have four fourth grade teachers next year due to our third grade class of 87 students. Ms. Melia, current fourth grade teacher will be moving to fifth grade. We are working on Ms. Sarantapoulas, current EIP teacher,moving to fourth grade. Brian
Posted by brian mitchell at 9:55 AM 5/7/2010
Project Committee
Mary Lin Elementary has been slated for an addition and renovation to assist in alleviating our “overcrowding” issue. The addition and renovation will eliminate the portable classrooms! I will keep the community updated via my blog. The Project Committee (PC) will represent the community during the planning phase of the addition and renovation. The PC is comprised of community members, district personal, architects, parents, and teachers. We are in the very early stages of these projects. Thanks, Dr. Mitchell
Below is the list of PC members who will represent Mary Lin.
Brian Mitchell, Principal bdmitchell@atlantapublicsachools.us
Mary Benton, Assistant Principal mesmith@atlantapublicschools.us
Patricia Derrico, Teacher pderrico@atlantapublicscxhools.us
Jennifer Barry, Teacher jbarry@atlantapublicschools.us
Peter Lefkowicz, Local School Council Chair plefkowicz@benfranklinacademy.org
Kelly Crutcher, PTA President kellygray@mindspring.com
Regina Brewer, Parent rab63@comcast.net
Posted by brian mitchell at 7:30 AM 5/4/2010
Fifth Grade Writing Scores
Fifth Grade Writing Scores were made available to us on Friday. Congratulations Mary Lin Team and fifth grade teachers! The fifth grade students outperformed the state and district! Dr. Mitchell
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|
% Not Meeting Expectations |
% Meeting Expectations |
% Exceeding Expectations |
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Mary Lin Students |
6 |
79 |
15 |
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District |
28 |
65 |
7 |
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State |
27 |
66 |
7 |
Posted by brian mitchell at 12:00 PM 3/12/2010
Local School Council
Mary Lin's Local School Council will meet on March 29th at 2:00 at Mary Lin.
Dr. Mitchell
Posted by brian mitchell at 11:00 AM
3/10/2010
Thanks
Thanks for your response! Absolutely! Our second grade team went to Stone Mountain yesterday, so they were unable to use their boards. The boards are connected and the software has been installed on their laptops!
Integrating technology into instruction is a Mary Lin and APS best instructional practice. Mrs. Appling was using the mobile Promethean Board with her kindergarten class yesterday!
Dr. Mitchell
Posted by brian mitchell at 8:00 AM 3/9/2010
New Promethean Boards!
Thanks Mary Lin Foundation! Logical Choice was here yesterday installing the second grade Promethean Boards! Our second grade teachers are so excited! The Promethean Boards provide the teachers with yet another way to engage the students in meaningful, challenging learning activities.
Mary Lin has also started a professional development course centered on integrating Promethean Boards into instruction. This course is designed for the teachers who have had some experience using Promethean Boards. Our second grade teachers will be attending professional development provided by Logical Choice.
Although we are excited about leveraging another piece of technology at Mary Lin, we understand that an effective teacher is the most important factor in a child's education.
We love what we do at Mary Lin!
Dr. Mitchell, Principal
Posted by brian mitchell at 10:20 AM 2/22/2010
Thanks APS
The Mary Lin marquee is up and running after being shot three times in December. The Atlanta Public School System paid for the damages to be repaired. Thank you so much!
Have you obtained your Parent Portal Access Key? The parent portal allows parents to view their child's current progress. Parents may view test scores, quiz scores, and grades on class assignments.
Please call the main office, 404 802 8850 to obtain your log-in information.
Thank you,
Dr. Mitchell
Posted by brian mitchell at 11:45 AM 1/12/2010
Bronze Award!
Mary Lin received state recognition for highest student achievement in 2008-2009! The bronze award requires schools to:
- Remain above needs improvement status
- Demonstrate that at least 20% of students exceed standards in all test areas as measured by state assessments
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Demonstrate that at least 95% of students meet or exceed standards as measured by state assessments.
The staff, students, and community make Mary Lin a special and successful place to learn!
Quick note-Mary Lin has received state recognition for highest student achievement for two consecutive years!
We are Mary Lin!
Dr. Mitchell
Posted by brian mitchell at 7:00 AM |
