Wilson High School
Sue Brent - Principal
Message From the Principal - Fall 2011
Dear Wilson Families,
As I write this letter, fall has arrived complete with falling leaves, rain and cooler temperatures. Can Thanksgiving and snowfall be far behind?
Wilson Achievement: In case you missed the State of the Schools address at Back to School night, the good news is Wilson students show continued achievement on all measurement tools. The recently released state report card shows we earned an “Outstanding” grade for the second year in a row.
Graduation Update: In addition to credit completion, students also need to show proficiency via state tests and/or work samples. When the state moved required testing to 11th grade, it allowed more of our students to pass the required OAKS reading test, 93% of our juniors meet or exceed the benchmark of 236 to be exact. Those who haven’t made it will complete work samples this year so we have 100% of our seniors earn their diploma. Current juniors also need to pass the direct writing assessment, and this is a continued focus in our School Improvement Plan. Freshman and sophomores will add a passing score of 236 on the OAKS math assessment to their requirement at graduation.
Seniors who have not passed the OAKS Reading benchmark will receive a letter in mid-November outlining our plan to help your student get there. At the same time, all junior students will receive a letter summarizing where they are at in terms of the graduation requirement.
Foundation and Class Updates: A huge thank you to the Wilson Foundation board for their fundraising efforts, and to all of you who helped by donating your time, talent and contributions. This fall we added over $6,000 to our balance. Along with the district’s recent add back of .50 FTE, we will be able to add an additional upper class biology section, an algebra class, math support 7thand 8th period and after school on Tuesdays, a paper reader for the English department to relieve some of the load of grading their high number of papers, 1st year German, and we added the elective, Graphic Media Design. An invitation to first Wilson Foundation House Party has gone out and is scheduled for October 30th. With several locations throughout our neighborhood, there is plenty of room for all. I’ll be stopping by as many of the homes as I can that night.
EdBox Gradebook: By now you have all received progress reports, or will shortly, if you haven’t let us know. I am excited that all teachers are now using our online grade program, EdBox. I apologize that internally, the IT department had to fix a few issues holding up the delivery of your user names and passwords, but this new system will give all of us so much more information and in a timely manner that you’ll be able to help your students to success much more easily. Letters are scheduled to be sent from the district on October 14th. If you do not receive your letter, please call Sara Matthieson, x75265 and she will assist you.
Until next time,
Sue Brent
