REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Columbia Elementary Report

To:  Michael Green, Superintendent

From: David Starkey, CES Principal

Date: January 25, 2024

RE: Columbia Elementary Board Report

School Improvement Focus:

Absenteeism has been and continues to be a focus for Columbia Elementary. When looking at our building's School Improvement Plan, our building goal is to increase student attendance from  85% to 90%. Although this is an uphill battle, we are working on identifying methods and incentives to increase our K-4 student attendance. Currently, Columbia Elementary is averaging roughly 23% of our student population who have missed 10% or more of the school year. As you can imagine, absenteeism makes a huge impact on student growth and the student's education process as a whole.

Columbia Recognition- Success Story:

This is the time of year when we do our winter benchmark testing. Benchmark assessments are completed for all students and give us a clear understanding of how our students are performing and growing. We do our benchmark testing in the fall, winter, and spring.

Here are some updates from our recent winter benchmarks:

• Columbia Elementary as a whole gained 9% from the beginning of the year testing, and we are on target to reach our SIP goal. If we look at our history of gains from mid year to end of year, this is the highest level of mid year data that we have had since we started tracking data during the 20-21 school year. 

(2020-2021 was when I arrived at Columbia Elementary. Unfortunately, we do not have benchmark data prior to my arrival.) 

• Our early intervention in our K-1 classrooms continues to work. K-1 had over 50% of students making ABOVE to WELL ABOVE average growth. 
• Kinder's on grade level students grew by 29%
• 1st's on grade level students grew by 17%, reaching 65% of students are on grade level (a full two years with CKLA program)
• As a whole, 71 CES students grew at least one level. 
• Our school-wide goal of accuracy has paid off... only six 4th-grade students are reading below 90% in accuracy (4 are receiving special education services, and 1 just arrived in the United States this fall).
• Our 3rd grade's goal of comprehension showed the grade level gaining 9% points.

These are just some of the highlights from our most recent assessments. As a school we are working hard to assure these scores continue to grow and that each CES student reaches their fullest potential.

Upcoming Events at Columbia Elementary:

January 29th: Monthly Character Trait Assembly

February 15th: CES Family Art Night