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Pingree School Wins Award, $10,000 Grant

Posted on: Friday, 8 July 2005, 21:00 CDT

The Patriot Ledger

WEYMOUTH - Outside the school, there is a new banner. Inside, a new display.

Both declare an achievement that has the entire Pingree Primary School community proud: the school's selection as a 2005 Commonwealth Compass School.

"It was a whole school effort. That's what makes it so special," Principal Nancy Legan said.

The state Department of Education named Pingree as one of 12 Compass schools for its significant academic progress during the last few years.

A panel that reviewed the K-4 school recognized three initiatives that led to the success: the analysis of data to inform instruction, the creation of math and literacy study groups for teachers, and the fostering of a positive school community.

"The school's staff and administration appear to have the commitment, enthusiasm and desire to continue to raise student achievement and to share the school's improvement initiatives with other educators," the panel's report read.

The school will receive a $10,000 grant, which it will use to develop and present information about its programs to school officials across the state next school year.

"I'm really happy to share our programs. They're very doable," Legan said.

Pingree is the second school in town to be selected as a Compass School. The Academy Avenue Primary School earned the distinction in 2003.

This year, the Pingree School was chosen out of a pool of 80 applicants and then 16 finalists. The review panel visited the school May 31 to interview students, teachers and parents about programs and observe classrooms.

In its report, the panel noted that the school recently exceeded the state's performance targets. MCAS scores in English language arts and math for grades 3 and 4 have improved. For example, in 2001 3 percent of fourth-graders scored at the advanced level in math and 25 percent were proficient. Three years later, 25 percent were advanced and 37 percent proficient.

"Every year, they've done a little better," Superintendent Joseph Rull said. The panel and school officials pointed to several initiatives that have resulted in improvements, including the development of a math action plan, math journals and teacher study groups.

First-grade teacher Barbara Bykowski said the study groups give teachers a place to read and discuss professional articles, examine student work and share ideas about teaching practices.

"The discussions have opened up our classroom doors. ... We're pretty much on the same page now," she said.

Bykowski gave credit to Legan for being a supportive, encouraging leader. Legan also thanked parents for their help.

"We've all worked together," Bykowski said.

Rull congratulated the students for their work and their families for their support.

"We're very proud of the Pingree School community," he said.

Despite all the progress, Legan said the school will continue working to improve student performance. To strengthen the school's ability to do that and to share its initiatives with others, the panel recommended the establishment of a instructional leadership team.

Eunice Kim may be reached at ekim@ledger.com.

Source: Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass.

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