April 4, 2019
Dear Socrates Parents/Guardians:
We are excited about the wonderful things that are happening at Socrates Academy this school year! During the 2017-18 school year, we experienced success in several areas. For the 2017-18 school year, we earned the National Blue Ribbon for Exemplary High Performance. We received this recognition for performing in the top 15% of schools in the state!
We are on a journey of continuous improvement, and are actively in the process to receive accreditation from AdvancEd. In January of 2020, we expect a visit from the AdvancEd review team. Socrates Academy has been designated as a Targeted Support & Improvement Additional Targeted Support (TSI-AT) school by the North Carolina State Board of Education. Schools in North Carolina with this designation have groups of students who are under-performing (TSI-AT subgroup). The intent of this designation is to improve educational outcomes for all students, close achievement gaps, increase equity, and improve the quality of instruction.
Our school is committed to ensuring all students experience higher achievement levels, but it will require hard work on the part of staff, students, and families. Here are some strategies we are implementing:
Differentiated instruction in all classes
Intervention and Enrichment provided through multi-tiered system of supports
Before school tutoring in math in grades 3, 6-8
Focus on providing ongoing professional development on most up-to-date research on evidence-based approaches to teaching Literacy, Math, English Language Learners, and Academically & Intellectually Gifted
Reading Foundations professional development for teachers in grades K-2 and EC
Continued focus on Data Teams to analyze EOGs, EOCs, MAP assessments, Schoolnet assessments, classroom formative assessments, and mCLASS assessments to better meet students’ needs
After school reading tutoring for targeted students in grades K-3 in 4th quarter
Parent Engagement is at the heart of our school improvement efforts. Here are some ways we can work together:
Make sure that both you and your child are aware of academic expectations.
Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher.
Make sure that your student is prepared and attends school each day.
Monitor your child’s progress and attend meetings with your child’s teacher(s).
Utilize school resources such as websites and social media
Volunteer.
You can review the NC School Report Cards at https://ncreportcards.ondemand.sas.com/src.
We’re excited about this school year and are working to make it a success for your child.
If you have questions about the content of this letter, please contact me at sbrighton@socratesacademy.us or a member of the leadership team by contacting the school office at (704) 321-1711.
Sincerely,
Sandra Brighton
Principal