The Oak Bluffs School is filled with high-achieving students and instructional staff. Our 2013 Progress Performance Index (PPI), a school’s “measuring stick” in the context of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), demonstrated that we performed in the 92nd percentile among schools across the Commonwealth. We are confident that we will see similar success and growth regarding our 2014 results when official ratings are released later this month. I am also certain that the momentum of our continued improvement will carry through the coming school year.
In looking to strengthen our programs and practices, we implemented some necessary changes to our format and structure during this past school year. It is a testament to our staff that these changes were embraced with great energy and enthusiasm. Our end-of-year common assessments revealed tremendous growth among our students in math and English Language Arts (ELA).
The strength of this school is in our teaching staff. For the coming year, we will continue working in our grade level teams to explore improved methods for supporting our children’s academic, social, and emotional needs. In our grade level structure, our staff has an enhanced ability to collaborate to emphasize the consistent expectations of our school that are so necessary. This past year, we used this staffing structure to continue our reflection and research of current practices in enhancing our school-wide instructional programs. Oak Bluffs School implemented the new Pearson Envision math program in grades K-6. Our assessments indicate that our children demonstrated strong growth in math as a result. We will also continue to expand the availability for enrichment opportunities to a growing number of our students in the areas of ELA, math, and science.
I recognize the efforts that have been made on the part of our staff to improve instruction. In our shared leadership model, teachers regularly collaborate with one another, sharing their best practices in the interests of our students. The collective capacity of our staff, along with the efforts of our talented, hard-working children, ensure continued high achievement among our student body.
I am very proud to be a member of a community that includes a high-quality staff, a passionate school committee, many fine parents, and, most importantly, a very hard working group of children. We have come a long way in regards to the progress of our children and staff of the Oak Bluffs School. We are very proud of our continued collaborative efforts among our staff, students, and parents in growing a reputation for helping to foster wonderful, accomplished, high-achieving students.
Richie Smith was named principal of the Oak Bluffs School in August 2011, after formerly serving as Tisbury School’s principal since 2008.