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Dear Superior Community,
On Oct. 5, the State School A-F Labels were made public. There are basically two models used to label schools. The K-8 model focuses mainly on student proficiency as well as student growth in relation to the AZMerit test. The 9-12 model also uses the data from the AZMerit test but also includes a college and career ready (CCR) component. This year a hybrid model was included to rate those schools that house crossover grades. Superior Jr/Sr High School(SJSHS) (7-12) falls into that category.
JFK Elementary’s overall grade was a “B”. This was a significant improvement from last years “D”. Using the hybrid model, SJSHS was labeled a “D”. The junior high (B) and high school (D) received separate labels last year because they were considered two separate schools. Although the label was a “D”, SJSHS did show growth from the previous year in relation to both AZMerit testing and CCR points. I truly commend both staff and students in their efforts to improve.
Our academic programs are based on a few simple researched-based designs: (1) provide quality instruction each day, (2) use of professional development and collaboration to enhance instruction, (3) assess students so that data can be used to guide instruction and make student decisions, (4) provide both enrichment and intervention opportunities for students based on data, and (5) hold true the belief that every student can learn. The last one requires student motivation and discipline as well. If we all work hard at all five, we will be successful
We care about how our students perform on state mandated assessments and we care about our school labels. Our academic programs, school schedules, professional development trainings, and class courses offerings are designed for this purpose. However, this is just not what we do or who we are. We are so much more than assessments and labels. On Saturday Oct. 20, our FCCLA will have hosted its 9th Annual Cancer Walk. On Nov. 2, the DECCA Club will be sponsoring the annual Fill-A-Bowl that benefits the Superior Food Bank. Every winter, JFK Student Council purchases turkeys’ and hams’ for families in Superior. Every year we also send DECA and FCCLA students to compete on a state and national level. Last but not least, I never get tired of watching our students, especially my daughters compete for championships as a Superior Panther.
Finally, I am grateful to our teachers, secretaries, custodians, food service, maintenance workers, and bus drivers who work hard every day, usually at multiple jobs so that our kids will receive the best all-around education possible.
Sincerely,
/s/ Stephen Estatico
SUSD Superintendent
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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