The Tiverton School Department is committed to providing a learning environment that promotes the unique talents and abilities of all students, ensures high quality instruction, and actively engages families and the community.  Our dedication to excellence is integral as we challenge, guide and support all students in their development to becoming self-sufficient and contributing citizens of our local and global communities.

·        Tiverton schools are learning communities whose members support each other to implement the most effective and current educational practices.

·        Students thrive in a safe, supportive learning environment where they have full access to instruction that is rigorous and relevant to their interests and needs.

·        Through strong partnerships with families and community members, students are well prepared to be contributing citizens.

·        The components of this vision create “Excellence in Education”.

1.      Improve each student’s achievement in all areas of study as measured by a variety of state and local performance assessments.

·        Provide necessary supports to ensure equitable access to learning.

·        Provide multiple pathways to learning.

·        Align instruction in each area to RI GLE’s/GSE’s/AAGSE’s.

·        Use data to inform instructional decisions.

·        Provide ongoing professional development on school reform and research based practices for all staff.

2.      Recruit, support and retain staff that acquire and apply the professional knowledge and behaviors to effectively promote and implement the mission of Tiverton School Department.

·        Develop and implement policies and practices to recruit, interview, hire, mentor, and retain high quality staff.

·        Provide high quality job-embedded professional development to support all staff members throughout their district career.

·        Develop and implement an effective staff evaluation program with annual goals connected to teacher, student, and school needs.

3.      Tiverton School Department will increase the community’s sense of ownership in our school system.

·        Develop a Community Use of Schools Facilities Program in collaboration with the municipality.

·        Develop a range of outreach strategies which bring schools into the community.

·        Strengthen and promote the Community Service Program.

·        Develop strategies which bring the expertise of the community into the school system to enhance student achievement.

4.      Tiverton School Department will maintain and enhance technology and facility infrastructure to ensure an efficient, safe, and inviting atmosphere for learning.

·        Conduct a facilities analysis of the middle school and high school.

·        Develop and implement a district facilities/maintenance plan.

·        Develop a capitol plan that identifies alternative funding sources to support the implementation of the facilities plan.

·        Develop and implement a district technology plan.

Tiverton School Department’s

2009-2010

Executive Budget Summary

The Tiverton School Department operates under the Laws of the State of Rhode Island and under the rules of State Board of Regents and with direction provided by the Rhode Island Department of Education.  The budget building process begins each year in the late fall, with a draft budget being submitted to the Tiverton School Committee for review in early January.  As part of the budget building process the Superintendent of Schools with advice from his building principals, identifies educational priorities which get incorporated into the initial budget.

The initial 2009-10 budget proposal of $25,853,999 was submitted to the School Committee on January 3, 2009.  This amount represented an increase of $1,020,245 or 4.06% over the previous year’s budget.   Under state law, municipalities and school department’s budgets can only increase by 4.75%.  The budget proposal also included a 5% projected reduction in General State Aid.  The initial budget proposal contained no additional certified or non-certified staff members.  The capital portion of the budget of $96,830 represents level-funding from the previous year.  The superintendent of schools, building principals and all top step teachers will not receive a salary increase next year.  The initial budget included the following reductions in staffing levels:

1.       One full-time kindergarten teaching position

2.       One full-time grade 1 teaching position

3.       Reduction of four full-time teaching positions by 1/5th

4.       Elimination of two full-time special education teacher assistant positions at the high school

5.       Eliminated one part-time elementary teaching assistant position

While the initial budget proposal was under the State mandated spending cap, the Tiverton School Committee asked the Superintendent of Schools to reexamine the budget proposal to see if additional reductions could be made to the budget without reducing the current level of programming.  Based on recommendations the School Committee approved additional reductions to both certified and non-certified staff:

1.        Eliminate two additional elementary teaching assistant positions

2.        Eliminate four and a half (4.5) special education teaching assistant

 positions

3.        Eliminate one and a half (1.5) special education teaching positions

4.       Eliminate one Speech Pathologist’s  position

Staffing reductions combined with savings the School Department received as result of being a member the Governmental Health Trust (GHGRI) allowed the School Committee to approve a final budget of $25,527,969 which equates to a 1.48% percent increase in spending from the previous year’s budget. 

Supplementary Data

Cost Per Pupil:  Tiverton’s cost per pupil ranks in the bottom third of the state at $12,918.  This is based on 2007-08 In$ite data which is provided by the RI Department of Education.  Tiverton’s per pupil cost is the thirteenth lowest out of 36 school districts.

Performance:  The Rhode Island Department of Education assessed student performance in grades 3-8 and grade 11. The results from the New England Common Assessment Program serve as the basis for how each school is ranked by the Rhode Island Department of Education in conjunction with the No Child Left Behind Act.  The school’s 2008-09 rankings are listed below:

                                                                                                 Ft. Barton                    Met AYP (Annual Yearly Progress)

                                                                                                 Pocasset                      Met AYP

                                                                                     Ranger School                        Met AYP

                                                                                                 Middle School             Met AYP

                                                                                                 High School                Met AYP

Special Education:  Each year the cost to provide services for our special needs population increases.  As a member of the Newport County Regional Special Education Collaborative, the School Department is able to limit these increases.  According to the most recent In$ite Data, The Tiverton School Department (along with Little Compton, Middletown and Portsmouth) is in the bottom third of percentage of school dollars spent on special education.

Special Education Tuition: In an effort to reduce out of district tuitions and increase student performance, the School Department will continue to use the co-teaching model in grades K-12 as well as providing service within the district.

Federal and State laws require school departments across the country to provide educational services for every student who has a mental or physical disability.  For the 2009-10 school year the School Department is projecting an increase in cost of the Out of District Special Education tuitions.  The majority of the increase in cost can be directly linked to the number of students requiring special education services.

Value:  The Tiverton School Committee, school department administrators, and school department employees recognize the school budget places a financial burden on the Town’s property owners.  However, when you examine all the benchmarks that evaluate the effectiveness of the Tiverton School Department you will see that the taxpayers in this community receive excellent value for each dollar that is spent.

Pupil Transportation:  The School Department will be entering into the last year of a three-year contract with First Student Transportation.  Transportation costs will increase by 3.25%.  This increase includes all fuel costs.

 Heating Fuel:  For the 2008-09 school year, $398,937 was allocated for heating fuel.  This number was derived by multiplying $3.45 a gallon times the actual number of gallons which were used the previous year to heat the five schools.  For 2009-10 the School Committee is requesting $363,600.  This is based on a rate of $2.34 per gallon.

Tuition to the Newport Area Career and Technical Center:  The Tiverton School Department is mandated under RI Law to provide high school students the opportunity to attend a Career Center.  The nearest Career Center is located on the Rogers High School campus in Newport, RI.  This year, $186,834 was budgeted for tuition payments.  For the 2009-10 budgets, $211,333 has been

allocated for tuition payments for 14 part-time students (2 classes a day) and 6 full-time students.                              

2008-09 Individual School Highlights

Fort Barton Elementary School

Academic Improvements:

• We received a 5 year, $228,000 reading grant, in conjunction with the Dunn Institute and The HILL (Hanson Initiative for Language and Literacy – a graduate school division of Massachusetts General Hospital).
• All Fort Barton classroom teachers participated in Dunn Institute reading workshops, including analyzing student reading data and incorporating new reading interventions for struggling readers.
• According to the RI Department of Education SALT Survey Results:
  • 95% of parents agree or strongly agree that this is a very good school;
  • 90% of parents agree that this school views parents as important partners;
  • 90% of our students have high self-academic expectations.

Better School Climate:

• Faculty representation on all school-wide and district-wide committees.
• Monthly teacher breakfasts and Dress Down Days for Charity.
• Feinstein Jr. Scholars Program participant and award-winning school for 8 years.
• Active and supportive P.T.O.

Better School Climate (Continued):

• According to the RI Department of Education SALT Survey Results:
  • 100% of parents agree or strongly agree that I feel welcome at this school;
  • 98% of parents agree or strongly agree that this school is a safe place;
  • 100% of students feel safe in our building, and coming to-and-from school.

Communication:

• Open House in September, and two district-wide Parent-Teacher Conferences.
• Weekly Fort Barton News electronic newsletter, monthly calendar, and web page: www.tivschools.com/fortbarton .
• Monthly Faculty Meetings and School Improvement Team Meetings.
• Assignment book for grades 3 & 4 for parent and teacher daily communication.
• According to the RI Department of Education SALT Survey Results:
  • 91% of parents feel that our school sends home clear notices;
  • 98% of parents feel that our school sends home school news;
  • 94% of parents feel our school responds to concerns and requests in a reasonable amount of time;
  • 90% of parents feel this is one of the best schools for students and parents;
    
     

Pocasset Elementary School

Academic Achievement:

• All Core Academic teachers designated as highly qualified
• Increase in co-taught classes to service Special Education students, Remedial students and struggling readers within the general classroom.
• Full implementation of the RTI process.
• School wide implementation of Words Their Way –phonics, speaking, and vocabulary program
• Technology integration through the use of classroom ,media center, and laptop computers
• Grandparents Program: Five grandparents working directly with our students on a daily basis in grades one, two, and three.
• Title I workshops for parents in literacy and math
• After school tutoring session in mathematics for Title I students
• Use of Study Island Computer program for Title I students
• We will hold our first annual Kids’ Inquiry Conference this May to celebrate science
• Staff participated in professional development in the following areas:
  • Co-Teaching Training
  • Aligning curriculum to GLE’s – Continuing our work on aligning curriculum to GLE’s and incorporating common assessments into our curriculum. 
  • KITES kit training – science notebooks and developing common assessments

Better School Climate:                                                                      

• Feinstein Good Deeds Program promoting positive school climate
• Star Students of the Month recognized for exemplary behavior
• Successfully moved into a brand new school facility following the February school vacation
• New Kids on the Block Program in grade 3 – building empathy for students with disabilities

• Dress Down Days to support local charities.
• Grief counseling groups, provided by Beacon Hospice, to assist students that have experienced a recent and difficult loss
• 8 PTO sponsored Family Fun Nights

Communication:

• Monthly newsletter given to every student/family
• Monthly calendar of events sent home
• Newsletter and announcements are sent out on school list serve and posted on our school’s web site
• SIT team – continues to meet monthly and work on designated school improvements
• September Open House was a great success as well as our Open House to introduce children and their families to our new building in February 2009
• Parent Teacher Conferences held twice this year – parent attendance was excellent
• Website information is updated monthly
• Teachers utilize email as a form of communication.
• Fourth Grade transition program includes:
  • Tour of the Tiverton Middle School by all 4^th graders
  • “Shadow Buddy “ program

Ranger Elementary School

Academic Achievement:

State NECAP Results

• Grade 3 NECAP Results:

 91% proficient in Math                        

 83 % proficient in Reading

• Grade 4 NECAP Results:

78% Proficient in Math

 68% Proficient in Reading

• Grade 5 NECAP Results:
• 84% Proficient in Math

             87% Proficient in Reading

81% Proficient in Writing

Professional Development of Staff

• School-wide participation at each grade level in EBEC Co-Teaching Institute
• Visits to observe co-teaching classrooms
• 2 EBEC KITES Trainers
• 2 Grade-level facilitators
• School-wide participation in Science and Literacy Integration Project Institute (SLIP)

Teaching and Learning Team

·         Examines test results and classroom practices. Looks for standards-based instruction, success for all students, foundational skills, small personalized learning communities, and well-prepared teachers

Programs of Study

• Co-taught classrooms at each grade level
• Special Education Resource services
• KITES
• Kid Writing
• Guided Reading
• Literacy Circles
• Science Notebooks
• Exemplars Problem Solving
• Handwriting Without Tears  and D’Nelian Programs
• Reading Recovery
• Remedial Math
• Remedial Reading

Improving School Climate:

School Community Committee

Is responsible for reviewing data and evidence of the school’s strengths and weaknesses related to the three main dimensions: empowering decision making at all levels, engaging families, and making community connections

Health and Safety Committee

Reviews issues related to the health and safety of our students.

Students participate in

• Feinstein Success Through Accepting Responsibility Program
• After School Arts Programs
• Caught Doing Good Deeds Program
• Feinstein Programs
• Jump Rope for the Heart
• Pennies for Patients

Communication:

• Bi-Monthly newsletter
• Minutes of monthly committee meetings
• Posted calendar of events
• Web Site
• Open House
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Monthly SIT meetings
• Monthly PTO meetings

Professional Development of Staff:

• School-wide participation at each grade level in EBEC Co-Teaching Institute
• Visits to observe co-teaching classrooms
• 2 EBEC KITES Trainers
• 2 Grade-level facilitators
• School-wide participation in Science and Literacy Integration Project Institute (SLIP)

Teaching and Learning Team:

·         Examines test results and classroom practices. Looks for standards-based instruction, success for all students, foundational skills, small personalized learning communities, and well-prepared teachers

Tiverton Middle School

Academic Achievement

• The 2008–2009 NECAP scores increased dramatically from the 07-08 school year

    The overall increase in each area is:

• Reading – 16 %
• Math – 8 %
• Writing – 22%
• Two 8^th grade students honored by RIMLE as Scholar Leaders
• TMS hosted four student teachers from Salve Regina University; two in grade 5 and two in grade 6
• All Core Academic teachers designated as highly qualified
• Continue to implement co-taught classes to service special education students, remedial math students and struggling readers within the general classroom
• Continues use of the RtI process.
• Full implementation of the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) component of the guidance curriculum
• Integration of computer centers and laptop carts in our classroom instruction
• Staff participated in professional development in the following areas:
  • Curriculum Facilitators (**new this year) – A Curriculum Facilitator is an instructional leadership position created in alignment with the TMS School Improvement Plan.  Teacher leaders were appointed for the areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts.  They are responsible for the facilitation of curriculum meetings for teachers of grades 5-8 in their content area.  Each Curriculum Facilitator is trained in leadership skills through EBEC.
  • Content Area Meetings  (**new this year) – Run by the curriculum facilitators, these meetings are designed to support  the continued improvement of the implementation of the workshop model in all classrooms, increase integration of reading strategies across the content area, as well as address curriculum alignment initiatives at the school and district level.
  • Lab Classroom – Operating 9 lab classrooms to provide job-embedded professional development for all TMS teachers in the areas of workshop model, differentiated instruction and integration of reading strategies.  This represents three additional lab classrooms this year.
  • Workshop Model – Classrooms are operating within the parameters of the workshop model, allowing for mini-lessons, student independent practice and a closure activity.
  • Co-Teaching Training – EBEC staff worked, on-site, with grades 7 & 8 general and special education staff to increase implementation of several co-teaching models.
  • Integration of Reading Strategies Across Content Areas
  • Advisory Program Development and Training - TMS teachers continue to train for the Advisory program.  Full implementation will take place in September 2009.
  • Aligning curriculum to GLE’s – Continuing our work on aligning curriculum to GLE’s and incorporating common assessments into our curriculum.  The ELA units of study in grades 5 & 6 are fully implemented; grades 7 & 8 will begin implementation in September 2009. Social Studies teachers continue to develop units of study for implementation in September 2009.
  • Common Assessments – Teachers continue to develop and integrate into all curricula – academic and co-curricular 
  • KITES kit training –Ongoing training for science teachers
  • Mentoring Program – Teachers participating in the mentoring program
• Music Program continues to have students selected to All-State and Honors Ensembles
• Grade Eight students participated in and won a Gold Key at the Scholastic Art Awards
• Students submitted artwork for Youth Art Month and thirteen students had their art chosen for display
• Student artwork displayed at the PS2009 show at the URI gallery
• Homework Club offered twice a week after school – high school students assist with tutoring

Better School Climate

• Second year of the Tiverton Middle School Cross Country Team
• After school silk screening class run by TMS Art teacher
• After school Artist-in residence and ceramics class run by TMS Art teacher
• After school Woodturning program run after school for teachers and in the evening for students; third year running
• Music students participate in Music in the Parks
• 2^nd Annual Tempo Jr. Talent Show for students
• Reading Week events took place during the week of April 6 – 9
  • DEAR Time – Drop Everything And Read took place for 55 minutes every day during Reading Week
  • Stump the School – Students read a passage from a book during morning announcements to see if other students could guess the book
  • Create a new ending to your favorite book
  • Create a new book jacket
• Scholastic Book Fair available for students two times during the school year, once in the fall and again in the spring
• Students participate in local contests including:  Lions Club Peace Poster Contest, State and Local Spelling Bee and Geography Bee
• Project Alert continues in sixth grade Health classes.  Addresses topics such as:
  • Anti-Bullying
  • Drug and Alcohol Education
  • Good Decision Making Skills
  • Peer Pressure/Social Skills

• Support groups run by staff to assist students with goal setting, anger management, homework completion and grief groups
• Dress Down and Hats On Days to support local charities
• Many students in grades 7 and 8 participate in community service
• Over 200 students participated in Hoops for Heart to raise money for the American Heart Association
• Grief counseling groups continue to assist students that have experienced a recent and difficult loss
• Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse (VAASA) program for grade 7 students presented by the Varsity Athletes from THS
• The Empty Chair to be performed for grade 8 students by the high school drama club

Communication

• Bi-Monthly newsletter given to students/families, teachers and staff
• September Open House was a great success
• Parent Teacher Conferences held twice this year – parent attendance was great
• Parent-Teacher Council (PTO) – Monthly meetings; Continue to utilize an email list serve to better communicate with parents; PTO has a link on the web page and on schoolnotes.com for increased communication
• Continue to work with Mr. Davis and his students to update the TMS  website
• Teachers utilize tivertonschools.org email as an important form of communication, both within the building for internal communication as well as for parents
• First Annual Fall Arts Ball raised money to purchase a kiln for TMS
• Fourth Grade transition program includes:
  • Tour of the school for all 4^th graders
  • “Shadow Buddy” Program
  • 4^th  Annual Incoming 5^th Grade BBQ to be held in August

Tiverton High School

Academic Achievement:

• THS ranked 10^th in the state in percent of students demonstrating college-level mastery on Advanced Placement Exams.
• THS ranking in NECAP of forty high schools - Science- 5^th, Writing – 9^th, Reading – 10^th, Math – 19^th.
• Re-wrote Program of Studies to include literacy support and senior project graduation requirement for incoming Class of 2008.  One of 3 high schools recognized for implementation of Senior Project as a graduation requirement.
• The Outstanding Robotics Team won the state, New England regional competition, and finished in the top three internationally at the recent Atlanta competition.
• The Mock Trial Team Competed in the State Playoffs and finished in the Final Eight.
• Art students won 2 gold keys and 2 silver keys at the RI Scholastic Art Awards.
• Tiverton High School Band received 13 awards at the recent New York High School Music Competition.  The Jazz Ensemble was voted the Best Overall Ensemble, and the dance squad, marching band, and concert band finished first in their respective divisions.
•  Senior Project Tutorial was taken by nearly 90% of the senior class to assist graduation proficiency requirements.
• Recognized by R.I. Association for Curriculum Development as a high school that has “closed the gap” for achievement for students with differential learning needs.
• All Core Academic Teachers designated as highly qualified teachers
• Added 3^rd year science requirement for graduation to assist junior class in preparation for science state assessment.
• Increased the number of classrooms with a team teaching model to address the needs of all learners. 
•  LAB classroom teacher training has initiated embedded school based professional development plan.
•  Tiverton High School Graduation Policy received preliminary approval by RI Department of Education and Board of Regents.
• Science teachers receive training to implement Physics First Curriculum making the high one of twelve in the state qualifying for governor’s math and science initiative.
• Realigned entire school curriculum to mathematics, literacy, and oral communications grade span expectations and applied learning and technology standards.
• Designated 3 Major Literacy Strategies for School wide instruction to support student learning on all levels.
• Increased the number of college credit opportunities through high school course agreements with New England Tech, Bristol Community College,  Community College of Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island, and New England

       Technology Institute.

• Students, Parents, and Staff collaborate to develop students Individual Learning Plans to chart their academic path and achievement through high school.
• Student Math Assistance Program in collaboration with Raytheon tutors.
• High School and RI Financial Aid Department team up to offer students SAT Prep courses in math and English this spring.
• Students participate in business world by running businesses at Exchange City in collaboration with the Department of Education and Johnson and Wales University.
• Career Education staff training enables students to earn credits toward the construction trade industry.

Better School Climate

·         Dress Down Days/Hat Days for charity and local families in need by staff and students.

·         New Guidance area offers optional space and environment to meet needs of students and their families.

·         Upgraded Student Services Area includes Student Assistance Counselor, Community Service Coordinator, Special Needs Services, and Technology Services in adjacent offices.

·         New Conference Room services student groups, faculty, and outside agencies.

·         Peer Helping Network received recognition as a state model for high school personalization and safe environment by the RI Innovations and the Tiverton Prevention Coalition. 

·         The “Pass It Up” project improves parent and student relationships around adolescent issues.

·         Peer Helping Network student mentors are paired with students in need of transition support when first entering the high school.

·         High School Library sponsors numerous student activities for Music in Our Schools Month.       

·         Straight “A” and Junior Achievement Breakfasts

·         Over 450 students are personally involved with adults in the athletic programs.

·         Common Teacher Planning built into daily and afternoon staff schedules to comply with state requirements.

·         Students continue to promote recycling and environmental awareness with Green Team and first “Greenstock.”

·         Service Learning Student of the Month Award established.

·         Psychology class students work with elementary students to help them analyze their work and build bonds between age groups.

·         RI Hope Community Service Club focuses on litter and grounds beautification.

·         Student and family support with the establishment of on-site bereavement group counseling.

·         Common Ground Café provides a safe inclusive school based recreational environment for all students.

·         Newcomers Groups are established for students enrolling from other communities and states.

·         VAASA (Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse) have been trained as ambassadors against substance abuse and have met to communicate this message for middle school students.

·         SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) work with grade eight students to improve a decision making and school climate.

·         Senior Stress Group assists graduating students as they prepare to transition to post secondary experiences.

·         Staff is involved with the school based initiatives of the Tiverton Prevention Coalition to deter high risk behavior.

·         Student advocacy groups are formed to enable students to address their needs and concerns as high school students.

·         Community Service Program has organized the “Relay for Life” team of students who fundraise throughout the year to support the American Cancer Society.

Communication:

·         September Open House/School Report Night/Parent Teacher Conferences/Senior Meetings.

·         Over 250 students and parents attended Grade Eight Parent/Student Orientation to High School Requirements in March 2009.

·         The Peer Helping Network assists parents and students and provides tours to the grade eight students in June.

·         The Tiverton School’s Website, overseen by high school teachers and students has received 32,000 visitors since September 2003.

·         Parent/Staff Voice Mail System available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

·         Guidance sponsored Student and Parent Support Groups for Adolescent Issues and Bereavement

·         Increased community mentor involvement with Senior Projects

·         Community Service and School to Career programs partner with 50 Tiverton Community agencies and businesses

·         Tempo and Athletic Booster organizations provide ongoing support for increased student experiences in music and sports areas

·         Guidance Newsletters, Financial Aid Presentations, and the 9^th Annual Newport County College Fair.

·         Junior Parent Breakfast for Post-Secondary Planning and Information

·         Quarterly School Newsletters

·         T.H.S. Comprehensive Website includes information, links, and forms in all aspects of Tiverton High School.

·         Students given Way to Go Rhode Island portfolios which can be reviewed by parents, counselors, and advisors.

·         Guidance is in the process of creating a listserv for dissemination of guidance announcements.