This sounds wonderful but what about those students
who may come from the homes of single moms who
work two jobs to make ends meet. There are also
grandparents raising grandchildren who may not be
knowledgeable about today’s technology. How do you
reach them?
Last year, 68% of our students were on Free and Reduced Lunch. At 75% schools qualify for Title I funding. This year 76% of our students are on free and reduced lunch qualifying us to receive Title I status. This
is due to both generational and situational poverty in
our community. Title I is federally funded program
that must be used to improve student achievement in
Reading, Math, and Science. That means the dollars
must go specifically to this outcome. We are receiving
$224,000 in Title I funding. We are using this funding
in the following areas:
We will extend VPK from ½ day to a full day of learning.
We are bringing in a half-time math intervention specialists for the lower 20% of our mathematically challenged scholars.
Our technology is outdated so the remaining funds
will be used to purchase technology, such as Smart
Rays that turn white boards into interactive tools
which work like your iPad.
Purchasing new computers.
Extending Media hours after school to allow parents
and students access to technology and resources.
Mrs. Boyd left me with some parting thoughts for this
upcoming school year. This year’s theme is “Dream
Big at Dillard Street Elementary School”. Meet the
Teacher Day is August 14th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Come out and meet your “Dream Team”, the teachers and staff that will make this possible. The student
T-shirt design will have 5 thought bubbles. They will
include Teacher, Scientist, Police Officer, President,
and question mark. The thought bubbles will inspire
the scholars to think about what they want to be when
they grow up. Anything is possible. Each child will set
a goal whether it be academic or behavioral. We must
set goals so we can work to achieve them. This principal has big dreams for her school and it was exciting
to get a glimpse of it.
AUGUST 2014
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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27