(from the minutes of the October 17, 2006 B-CC PTSA meeting)
VISION
“All B-CC students WILL graduate ready to continue their education
to become productive citizens of the world.” Our students are
citizens of the world because of our unique proximity to DC and its
international community.
ABOUT US
There are 1700 students in a building with a capacity of 1552. There
are 114 professional staff and 157 total staff equivalents. 62% of the
students are white; 16% African American; 15% Hispanic and 7% Asian.
The FARMS rate is 10%. There is an 80/20 split between high level achievers
and underachievers. Last year’s MAP-R test had 20% of incoming
9th graders reading below grade level (includes non-native speakers).
The class size ratios are as follows: English is capped at 28, other
classes, except PE, are capped at 32. This year B-CC added four new
courses which put pressure on staffing rations. The MCPS average ratio
requirement for high school is 28.5 to 1.
IB and AP data show similar trends: increased enrollment in both types
of programs/courses. From 2000 to 2006, IB enrollment has increased
from 76 to 301 students. During the same period, AP enrollment rose
from 180 to 601 students with the number of tests taken rising from
246 to 1, 043. Average scores have been maintained even with the increased
enrollment: IB average scores are around 4; AP average scores are 3.5.
SAT scores have increased (using only the Math and Reading scores) from
1139 to 1193. The average writing score (new test) was 592.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The SIP goal developed by a team of teachers and parents reads as follows:
“The staff, students and parents of the B-CC community will work
collaboratively to ensure that students are explicitly instructed in
the essential skills required to improve student learning.”
Some of the focus involves giving students the coping skills to make
successful transitions in the critical passage years from middle school
to 9th grade and then from 10th to 11th grade. Essential skills include
organizing and inquiry skills.
ONLINE GRADING
Several years ago, MCPS modified grading policies to emphasize consistency
in grading practices. Last year several schools were pilots for the
EDLINE/PINNACLE on line grading and reporting system. This year, many
(more than expected) high schools volunteered to transition to the system
– including B-CC. Teachers received training for PINNACLE which
is the input portion of the system. The grades are access via EDLINE
after the data from PINNACLE are uploaded. Teachers have not received
training in EDLINE or in the many non-grading aspects of the system.
MCPS expectations are that teachers should keep records updated within
3 weeks. B-CC’s goal is for updating within 2 weeks. Due to heavier
use than expected by MCPS, the system crashes frequently. Mr. Bulson
requests that parents and students be patient as the staff and MCPS
work out the kinks in the system.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance (or lack thereof) is the biggest deterrent to achievement.
This year, B-CC has started using automated ConnectEd calling to notify
parents of absences. The Security and Safety Team also make phone calls
as necessary in particular with respect to late returns from lunch.
Parents should always send in notes for absence, tardy or early dismissal.
There is a sample note on the website. Parents should also be clear
on what the rules for excused and unexcused absences are.
HSA PLAN
High School Assessments will not deter students from graduating at B-CC.
Last year’s results show that 28 students need to repeat Algebra
to graduate. In Biology, all 9th graders passed the test, although others
in higher grades didn’t (however, they are not required to pass
for graduation). In 10th grade English 81.3% passed, 87.6% passed the
NSL, and the 10th graders who took these HSAs are not required to pass
them in order to graduate. Last year’s 8th grade class at WMS
had an Algebra pass rate of 94.7%. Reading and NSL remediation plans
are being worked on to ensure that all students can pass these tests.
There is a part-time literacy coach who will address the need of the
bottom 20% of students.
IB/MYP
Middle Years Program encompasses grades 6-10. It is not as rightly structured,
as not every test or individual is scored. The IB goal is to make the
program accessible to all students. Samples only are sent for scoring.
Emphasis in the program is to view information across content areas;
student centered learning; teach students to take responsibility for
their learning; 10th grade personal project; and getting a world view
into the classroom.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Three types of drills are conducted regularly: evacuation, code red
and code blue. There is a new staff ID policy in effect.
Traffic is a major issue. There are proposals submitted by the State
Highway Administration to build a fence along East West Highway in front
of the school and move the existing sidewalk to force pedestrians to
use the crosswalks at either end of the block.
There is an active Theft committee in place. So far this year, thefts
are down, possibly due to higher awareness that belongings need to be
locked or watched.
FUNDRAISING
A primary source of funds for on-going projects is the B-CC Educational
Foundation. This year the principal’s request is about $90,000.
Projects include TAP, Summer Academy, mentoring, professional development
(IB, AP and special ed training), and technology.
The PTSA is also an important resource for school projects. Please continue
to support it via Giant cards, Used Book Sale and Dues and Contributions.
All the Booster organization provide student support as well as physical
plant support; for example, the Sports Boosters spent $50,000 on field
maintenance. Finally, all on-line store purchases benefit the Cyber
Café.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Discussion of extracurricular activities focused on Community, Action
and Service. These are the activities and programs that students will
remember about high school. Many educators believe that involvement
in these types of activities have a positive connection to student achievement.