Principals share progress with School Committee

Date: 12/14/2011

Dec. 14, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE — The principals of the Fairview Veterans Memorial Middle School, Edward Bellamy Middle School and Chicopee Academy presented a status update about their schools to the School Committee on Dec. 7.

At this time, Bellamy has 963 students enrolled with 70 percent of them eligible to receive a free or reduced cost lunch and 23 percent requiring special education classes.

Fairview has 712 students with 62 percent eligible for a free or reduced cost lunch and 16 percent requiring special education classes.

As noted in their presentations about curriculum and activities, Fairview Principal Kristopher Theriault explained that he and Bellamy Principal Matthew Francis have been working to “develop continuity” between the education offerings of the two schools.

Both schools are now 100 percent “smart board” equipped with teachers having received training on how to use them, the two principals said. Both schools have the course’s standards and agenda posted in each classroom as well as the behavioral expectations and the progressive discipline plan.

Matthews said at Bellamy any grade under 65 is “not accepted” as part of that school’s “Failure Is not an Option” program. Students who are at that level receive extra help, he said.

Theriault said this year at Fairview is “one of the highest years yet in enrollment.”

Both men discussed the exploratory class offerings and the co-curricular activities offered by each school.

John Leonard, the principal of Chicopee Academy, told the School Committee, “You’ll see a lot of similarities [between the alternative high school and the two middle schools.]”

There are 98 students enrolled with 83 percent eligible to receive free or reduced cost lunch and 41 percent requiring special education classes. Leonard said the school is currently ready to admit six or seven more students.

Like the two middle school s, information on the classes and behavioral standards is posted in each classroom. Leonard added that 90 percent of the classes have “smart boards.”

Leonard noted Chicopee Academy has its own basketball team now and its students participate in athletic programs at Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School as well.

When asked by School Committee members what they wished to have, Francis said “five minutes with the Secretary of Education.” He said the No Child Left Behind Act has a “punitive nature” that has challenged schools. Francis also noted that schools are expected to provide “wrap-around services.”

Theriault noted he would like to increase the communication between the parents and schools, while Leonard said he would like to reach the goals set by the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System faster.

In other action at the Dec. 7 meeting, Superintendent Richard Rege presented a plan to add one day back into the days set aside for weather emergencies. He said that by making Jan. 27, 2012, a half-day of school and a full day for professional development, which would bring the city back up to five snow days.