Peacedale+Elementary+School

=Title: Peace Dale Elementary School=

=Introduction= Peace Dale Elementary School is a suburban school located in Peace Dale, Rhode Island. There are 524 students in the school between kindergarten and fifth grade. The school hours are from 8:40am to 3:08pm, Monday through Friday. Originally it was a one room school house built in 1854. If you visited the school today the original brick exterior and slate roof are still in contact, but many renovations since then have been made to the school and it can now accomodate 625 students (SALT Report Visit 2005). It is one of the four elementary schools part of the South Kingstown School District. The South Kingstown School District strives to make sure all the students are prepared for future academic endeavours. They strive for high attendance rates, high standardized test scores, and high graduation rates.

=Community Background= The town of Peace Dale is located in Washington County, Rhode Island. The town has a total population of 8,468 people, compared to Rhode Island’s population of 1,050,788 people (US Census Bureau 2007). There is not much diversity at Peace Dale Elementary school since 91% of the students are Caucasian, 4% African American, 2% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and 5% American Indian (Public School Review 2009). Also, the town does not seem that much more diverse with 97.2% of its population made up of Caucasians, 2% African Americans, 1.6% Hispanic, 1.2% Asian, and 3.1% Indian American (US Census Bureau 2007). In the town of Peace Dale there are many educated adults. The percentage of people with associate’s degrees is 6.1%, bachelor’s degrees 25.3%, and graduate or professional degree is 16.6% (US Census Bureau 2007). At the elementary age level there 1,228 kids enrolled in school, while the state as a whole has 103,920 elementary kids. The community displays an average household income of $50,313. The majority of the community lives in homes valued between $100,000 to $149,000 (US Census Bureau 2007). Although most of the town makes a comfortable living, there are 1,891 unemployed people, and 84 families living below poverty level. In 2006, 15% of the children under 18 living in Rhode Island lived in poverty. Rhode Island is ranked 16th in the U.S. out of 50 states for the number of children living in poverty (//1st is the best, 50th is the worst//) (Info works 2008). The state of Rhode Island has 34,368 people unemployed, and Peace Dale makes up 29.6% of this number.

The average family size in Peace Dale is 3.14. The total number of housing units is 3,385 with only 3,221 houses actually being occupied. The number of 3,221 is broken into families that actually own homes and families that rent homes. The number of owned homes is 2,297 and the number of rented homes is 924 (US Census Bureau 2007). In 2008, out of 1,000 kids only 8.9% of child abuse was reported for the South Kingstown district (Rhode Island Kids Count 2009).

The SALT survey gave parents at Peace Dale Elementary School a rating of 45% when it came to parent participation (Info Works 2008). The SALT survey also shows that only 53% of parents and the community are supportive of the school. Since the school was rated at 88% of responding to parents concerns and requests within a reasonable time, there is a high percent of 94% of teachers who said they maintain a positive relationship with the parents of their students (Info Works 2008).

=District Summary= // “The mission of the South Kingstown School Department is to educate the children of South Kingstown in partnership with families and community, so that each student becomes a responsible individual who possesses the knowledge and skills for full productive citizenship” // (South Kingstown Public School 2009).

There are eight schools in the South Kingstown School District, one high school, two middle schools, four elementary schools, and one inclusionary preschool. There are a total of 3,845 students in the entire district and 405 teachers. The student to teacher ratio is 1:9, close to Rhode Island’s average of 1:10 (Info Works 2008). The South Kingstown District receives $53,479,000 and spends $49,678,000. When broken down, the school district is spending $12,200 on one student’s education. The average amount spent in the state of Rhode Island on a student is $13,412, so South Kingstown spends $1,212 less than the state average (Public School Review 2009). In 2008, the number of students enrolled in Special Education programs was 18%. South Kingstown has full day kindergarten. In South Kingstown only 15% of the teachers have been teaching in the field of education for 25 or more years (Info Works 2008).

The suspension rate per 100 students enrolled in the elementary schools is 2.2, middle school is 9.1, and high school is 42.1(Info Works 2008). The majority of the students attend school daily because South Kingstown has a 93% attendance rate compared to Rhode Island’s 91%. The high school graduation rate for South Kingstown is 86% ( Rhode Island Kids Count 2009). The dropout rate is 4% for this school district, the state of Rhode Island has a dropout rate of 11% (Info Works 2008). The diversity of the school district is not much different from the diversity of the town. The dominate race in the district is Caucasian with 88%, 4% Native American, 3% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 3% African American (Info Works 2008).

The Elementary School students in South Kingstown exceeded the 2007 No Child Left Behind scores set in Mathematics with a 91.7 and English Language Arts with a 91.3, when the state requirement was 68.1 in Mathematics, and 80.1 in English Language Arts. The results show that students with disabilities did not meet any of the required scores. The Middle School students also reached the state targets as well as the students with disabilities. In High School the students overall passed the targeted score too, but the students with disabilities were not able to pass the required scores in either subject (Info Works 2008).

=School Analysis= Peace Dale Elementary School, offers grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Peace Dale Elementary is located in Washington County and is part of the South Kingstown school district. The principal of the school is Mrs. Pauline Lisi, and the assistant principal is Ms. Jennifer Enck. There are a total of 520 students, 22 regular classroom teachers, 16 teacher assistants, 4 resource teachers, 2 self-contained classroom teachers, 1 inclusion room teacher, 4 literacy teachers, a schoo nurse, school psychologist, and a social worker (SALT Report Visit 2005). In this school, 83% of the children are eligible for free lunch or reduced lunch (Info Works 2008). The language of the school is 100% English. This school's performance progress has proficiently passed the Rhode Island school averages in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing (Info Works 2008). 16% of the students receive special education in a regular classroom with supports, and 3% of the students are self contained with other students receiving special education services. There is hardly any diversity in Pace Dale Elementary School. The majority of the students are Caucasian (87%), 3% Asian, 3% Hispanic, 4% Native American, and 3% African American.

Peace Dale has a 96% attendance rate. This school’s report falls short to the Rhode Island average on the SALT report in the school climate category, but passed Rhode Island School average for parent involvement (Info Works 2008). There have been a total of 20 incidents that required students to be suspended from school. 17 have been out of school, and 3 in school, but some of the reasons for suspension are Insubordination/Disrespect, Fighting, Disorderly Conduct, and Assault of Student (Info Works 2008).

According to the Salt Report Visit in 2005, every morning rain or shine at Peace Dale Elementary School, the students are greeted by the principal and vice principal. This promotes a postivie and supportive atmosphere for the day. The students at Peace Dale Elementary School feel safe and free to take risks (SALT Report Visit 2005). A good aspect for a child receiving a good education is them having a good motivating teacher. According to the SALT Report, 2% of the classes are not taught by highly qualified teachers. Only 6% of the teachers at this school have been in the teaching field for more than 25 years and 18% of the teachers have been at the building for 3 or less years (Info Works 2008).

Peace Dale Elementary school’s parent participation rate in the SALT Report was about 40%, while the parent participation for the state of Rhode Island was 55%. An overwhelming 95% of the parents strongly agree that the community supports the school. The parents also rate Peace Dale at 90% when it comes to teachers responding to them within a reasonable time (Info Works 2008). 85% of the parents have a parent teacher conference with the teacher, and about 60% usually volunteer at the school when needed (Info Works 2008).

The school has numerous before and after school activites for the students. Art and Soul, World Language, Sponge Hockey, Journalism, and CLASS //Creative Learning After School Specials.// The SMILE program, an enrichment program for minority and disadavantaged students. The program provides activites for students in math, science, and technology (SALT Report Visit 2005).

The school has successfully met its standards for the 2007 No Child Left Behind report card. In English-Language Arts, the target score was 80.1% and the school scored 89.3%. This school's score was a little lower than the district but passed the score for the state. In Mathematics the target score was 68.1%, and the school score was 90.9%. The score was still a little lower than the district but surpassed the score for the state. This school is classified as "High Performing with Caution" (Info Works 2008).

=Conclusion= Peace Dale Elementary School is a school that provides a safe, friendly, and comfortable learning environment for students. It is in good standings and has met all the requirements for the 2007 No Child Left Behind report card, and scored relatively high scores for the SALT Reports. The attendance rate at a school is important because it plays a big part in a student’s education. Peace Dale has a high attendance rate which shows that the parents and teachers are dedicated and involved in the students' education. Overall the community is very supportive of the school and many well educated adults live in this town. They are a good example for students to look up to as they embark on their academic career. The information found on the district shows that there is a high graduation rate, so students do strive to get to the next level of education. Peace Dale Elementary School has teachers who are passionate about their work with children and bettering their education. This school is on the right path for enabling students to reach their full academic potential.



=References=

__“Census 2007 Data for the State of Rhode Island.”__ U.S. Census Bureau. __2007. U.S. Census__ __Bureau. 19 Oct. 2009 <[]>.__

__“Engaging Family and Communities.”__ Information Works. __2008. RIDE. 19 Oct. 2009__ __.__

__“Mission Statement”__ South Kingstown Public Schools. __2009. 19 Oct. 2009 South Kingstown Public Schools [|http://www.skschools.net].__

__“Public School Review: Peace Dale School.”__ Public School Review. __2009. Public School__ __Review. 19 Oct. 2009 .__

__“Rhode Island Kids Count: Indicators of Child Well-Being, 2009.”__ Rhode Island Kids Count. __2009. Rhode Island Kids Count. 19 Oct. 2009 [|.__

"__The PeaceDale Elementarty School, SALT Visit Team Report."__ Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. __2005 Rhode Island Department of Education 30 Oct. 2009. <[]>.__

__“Using Information: District Demographics and Indicators.”__ Information Works. __2008. Ride. 20 Oct. 2009 .__

__“Using Information: Family and Poverty Indicators.”__ Information Works. __2008. RIDE. 19 Oct. 2009 [].__

Introduction = 5 / 5 pts.
Constructive comments about report's introduction: maybe add another sentence about the district?
 * 5 - Intro provides an overview of the upcoming analysis, including what school/district/community is being analyzed, what aspects are being analyzed, and who the report is intended to inform. || 4 - Intro names the school/district/community and previews the scope of the report, but does not describe who the report is intended to inform. || 3 - Intro names the school/district/community but not much else. || 2 - Intro fails to name the school, district, and community. || 0 - No introduction section is apparent. ||

Organization = 5 / 5 pts.
Strengths and constructive comments about report's organization: looks good :)
 * 5 - Report includes an Introduction, a Conclusion, and sections for the School, District, and Community. Within each section, paragraphs logically group the information presented. || 4 - Report includes all of the sections mentioned previously, but does not break down information into paragraphs within each section. || 3 - Report is missing one of the sections. || 2 - Report is missing more than one section. || 0 - Report does not include any sections. ||

Mechanics = 5 / 5 pts.

 * 5 - All information in the report is cited using APA styled- citations after the information and in a Reference section at the end of the report.

and

There are extremely few typos and misspelled words in the report. || 4 - Most information is cited using APA style.

and/or

There are a noticeable number of typos or misspellings. || 3 - Some citations in the References section are not in APA style, e.g. URLs are listed without the title of the website.

and/or

There are many typos, misspellings, or other writing errors. || 2 - Most of the report's information is not cited, or APA style was not used. || 0 - Report does not include a Reference section. || Strengths and constructive comments about report's organization:

Conclusion = 5 / 5 pts.
Strengths and constructive comments about conclusion: add a sentence or two about the district overall and the community and it'll be all set
 * 5 - Conclusion reviews analysis of school, district and community and describes why findings should be important to reader. || 4 - Conclusion reviews analysis of school, district and community. || 3 - Conclusion does not refer back to report findings. || 0 - No conclusion section is apparent. ||

Creativity = 5 / 5 pts.
Strengths and constructive comments about presentation:
 * 5 - Report is written in an engaging style. || 4 - Report has some interesting sections. || 3 - Report generally reports information without seemingly without purpose. ||

Thoroughness = 10 /10 pts

 * 5 - Report includes at least ten different facts in each section (school, community, district) and

compares each figure with another relevant figure (e.g. state or national average) and

states whether or not the school is meeting NCLB standards. || 4 - Report includes at least eight different facts in each section and

compares most figures with relevant values and

states whether or not the school is meeting NCLB standards. || 3 - Report includes at least six different facts in each section and

compares some of the figures to other relevant figures || 2 - Report includes at least four different facts in each section and

compares some of the figures to other relevant figures. || 0 - Report includes less than four different facts for any section or

fails to compare any figures with other relevant figures. ||

Introduction = 4 / 5 pts.
Constructive comments about report's introduction: Just add another sentence or two about the district and community in your intro.
 * 5 - Intro provides an overview of the upcoming analysis, including what school/district/community is being analyzed, what aspects are being analyzed, and who the report is intended to inform. || **4 - Intro names the school/district/community and previews the scope of the report, but does not describe who the report is intended to inform.** || 3 - Intro names the school/district/community but not much else. || 2 - Intro fails to name the school, district, and community. || 0 - No introduction section is apparent. ||

Organization = 5 / 5 pts.
Strengths and constructive comments about report's organization:
 * ** 5 - Report includes an Introduction, a Conclusion, and sections for the School, District, and Community. Within each section, paragraphs logically group the information presented. ** || 4 - Report includes all of the sections mentioned previously, but does not break down information into paragraphs within each section. || 3 - Report is missing one of the sections. || 2 - Report is missing more than one section. || 0 - Report does not include any sections. ||

Mechanics = 5 / 5 pts.

 * ** 5 - All information in the report is cited using APA styled- citations after the information and in a Reference section at the end of the report.

and

There are extremely few typos and misspelled words in the report. ** || 4 - Most information is cited using APA style.

and/or

There are a noticeable number of typos or misspellings. || 3 - Some citations in the References section are not in APA style, e.g. URLs are listed without the title of the website.

and/or

There are many typos, misspellings, or other writing errors. || 2 - Most of the report's information is not cited, or APA style was not used. || 0 - Report does not include a Reference section. || Strengths and constructive comments about report's organization:

Conclusion = 5 / 5 pts.
Strengths and constructive comments about conclusion: just add a little more to conclude ur district and community
 * ** 5 - Conclusion reviews analysis of school, district and community and describes why findings should be important to reader. ** || 4 - Conclusion reviews analysis of school, district and community. || 3 - Conclusion does not refer back to report findings. || 0 - No conclusion section is apparent. ||

Creativity = 5 / 5 pts.
Strengths and constructive comments about presentation:
 * ** 5 - Report is written in an engaging style **. || 4 - Report has some interesting sections. || 3 - Report generally reports information without seemingly without purpose. ||

Thoroughness = 10 /10 pts

 * **5 - Report includes at least ten different facts in each section (school, community, district) and

compares each figure with another relevant figure (e.g. state or national average) and

states whether or not the school is meeting NCLB standards.** || 4 - Report includes at least eight different facts in each section and

compares most figures with relevant values and

states whether or not the school is meeting NCLB standards. || 3 - Report includes at least six different facts in each section and

compares some of the figures to other relevant figures || 2 - Report includes at least four different facts in each section and

compares some of the figures to other relevant figures. || 0 - Report includes less than four different facts for any section or

fails to compare any figures with other relevant figures. ||