from Mrs. Buck, Principal
Welcome to the 2010-2011 School year!!
“We know that education is everything to our children’s future. We know that they will no longer just compete for good jobs with children from Indiana, but children from India and China and all over the world.” ~~ Barack Obama
Dear Parents:
In an article titled, “The Quiet Crisis,” Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), talks about the gap that exists between the nation’s growing need for scientists, engineers and other technically skilled workers, and its production of them. She explains that our colleges and universities are not graduating enough scientific and technical talent to step into the required high-tech jobs; and urges us, as a nation, to address this shortfall, so we can remain competitive.
We cannot ignore this gap! We must develop the talents of our children, so they become problem solvers, innovators and inventors…people who are self-reliant and able to think logically. The key to developing these skills is to strengthen our science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competencies.
For the past several years, our focus at McAuliffe Heights has been STEM. We have developed valuable partnerships with members of the community: engineers, environmental scientists, and college professors, just to name a few. Our children have participated in project-based learning, and solved real-world problems. They have learned about the value of “going green,” and realized that one person can make a difference. They have investigated alternate fuels such as: solar & wind power, and seen first-hand how electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells operate. Exciting things have been happening (and will continue to happen) at McAuliffe Heights!
In the fall, a group of students will be recruited for the First Lego League (FLL) competition, and after-school engineering clubs will once again be offered. Grade level field trips are being planned for the Penn State Altoona Campus, and the Learning Lamp will present great hands-on opportunities for STEM in each classroom!
I am excited to announce that our sixth graders have been selected to partner with the Blair County Conservation District and the Altoona City Council on a project that will investigate the flood plain that exists along Mill Run stream (Kentucky Avenue), and will install a riparian buffer zone to help correct the present situation. Talk about solving a “real-world problem!”
McAuliffe Heights continues to post excellent DIBELS as well as PSSA scores! Our academic success is a result of the true partnership that exists between school and home. Our conscientious teachers start addressing study skills and the need to “do your best” in kindergarten. Students encourage and motivate each other, as each classroom of intermediate students partners with a primary class in reading and technology (Book Buddies & Tech Buddies).
I would like to congratulate our students, their parents and staff, for their diligence; and ask for your continued support and teamwork again this year, as the PSSA goals increase: Reading - 72% and Math - 67%.
Our 2010 scores are as follows:
Reading (AYP requirement 63%)
McAuliffe Heights’ score in Reading ~ 85%
Math (AYP requirement 56%)
McAuliffe Heights’ score in Math ~ 90%
Grade 4 Science score ~ 96%
Grade 5 Writing score ~ 96%
Parents, thank you for encouraging your children to develop a positive attitude toward learning, and for stressing the importance of attendance and good behavior!
Teachers, thank you for your tireless efforts to deliver a challenging curriculum and for creating child-centered classrooms where students are actively engaged. You meet each child at their level and work to help them succeed!
And students… thank you for trying your best, completing assignments to the best of your ability and for respecting yourself and others. Please continue to strive to become the best student you can be!
It’s no wonder that here at McAuliffe Heights,
WE ARE BLUE RIBBON PROUD!
I’m looking forward to a great year!
Respectfully
Mrs. Buck
