At first, the Shirley School Committee (Nov. 30) considered postponing its decision to fund six critical educational needs for our K through fourth grade students.
Discussion continued and the committee approved funding some of the requests. But in the end, the school committee agreed with Gary Bourassa that the needs were indeed critical and should not be deferred. The motion passed to fund all six requests, much to the joy and gratitude of the elementary staff.
I am immensely impressed that the school committee shifted its focus from the list of needs and their associated costs to our children with needs — academic, emotional, behavioral and developmental.
Now the kindergarten students will have their curriculum materials; first-graders will benefit from individual and small group classroom support with a teaching assistant three hours each morning; second-graders will replace invented spelling with conventional spelling using their new spelling dictionaries; third grade students will prepare for the spring Reading and Math MCAS tests and implement the Fundations spelling program (currently used in Grades one and two); and K through 5 students will improve their reading skills because of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), a reading assessment administered three times a year to identify and remedy reading weaknesses.
The School Committee made a wise decision to invest in a balanced portfolio that includes spelling instruction, MCAS preparation, direct student support, reading assessments and curriculum materials. It shows sound fiscal management, supports short and long-term educational goals and will pay handsome dividends over time — a good return on the investment. On behalf of the students and teachers, thank you very much!
SUZANNE MAHONEY
Principal
