September 20, 2004

From the Principal's Desk
 
Welcome back to school year 2004/05.  We have had a week of preparation
for school filled with meetings and greetings.  We've also had our first
three days of school and a visit from our Superintendent.  His email to
all of us - stating his recognition of our dedication and commitment to
our students - is a testament to our hard work.

The preliminary GED numbers for school year 2003/04 indicate an increase
in the number of students receiving their GED with us.  This is
particularly significant as in school year 2002/03 our numbers were higher
than in any previous year (adding the results of the three schools that
comprise now Island Academy).  We are clearly on the right track to help
our students with reentry and academic success.  Of course, by raising
numbers it gives us a higher bar to meet this year. The Math teachers and
I have begun to dialog about ways to increase these scores (many of our
students who do not pass, fail only the Math section).  We have agreed to
familiarize the teachers with the GED and to take advantage of PD offered
by the Math CIS (Curriculum Instructional Specialist).

The other area of the GED that presents particular difficulty to our
students (and students around the state) is the Writing section.  This
section requires the writing of an essay of 200-250 words on a given
subject.  To pass one must write an introduction, body and conclusion and
remain on the subject.  Of course sentence structure, grammar and spelling
are included in scoring.  All teachers in all subjects share in the
responsibility to help our students become better writers.  In-class
writing assignments should include use of complete sentences and focus
upon the writing of paragraphs.

On the first day of school, Mayor Bloomberg visited Thomas Jefferson High
School and told the students that, "School is a serious business." This
message may be even truer for our students for whom education may be the
only way out of what appears to be an inevitable cycle of incarceration.  
We are joined in a difficult but rewarding struggle to help our students
see themselves as students.  We received recognition from our
Superintendent, will receive recognition when the independent film is
produced and must give our recognition to our students when they complete
our assignments.

This year we will work closely with the Correctional Education Association
(CEA) to become an accredited correctional education school.  This will
involve all staff to clarify and articulate what we do and how we are
benefiting our students.

We have hired a few new staff members who are finding support and
assistance from colleagues.  The school year is off to a great start!

Again, welcome back - and thanks for your continued dedication to our
students.