Parsons Sun (Kansas)
April 16, 2011
HEADLINE: Public Mind

Community steps up for students To The Sun:I'd like to use this forum to publicly thank some people who have made generous donations to a cause we have at Parsons Middle School.

For several years our students have been required by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to take state-generated assessments in math and reading. Under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, each year we are required to have a certain percentage of our students pass these tests for us to be accredited in good standing.

NCLB requires that by 2014 100 percent of our students pass both tests. Each year we get closer to that ultimate target, the bar is raised. When we began in 2002, the targets were 46.8 percent in math and 51.2 percent in reading. When schools meet the target, they are labeled as meeting adequate yearly progress (AYP). Obviously we met those targets, and made AYP.

However, as the target climbed each year it has become more difficult for us to make it. The targets for this school year are 86.7 percent in math and 87.8 percent in reading. We scored 88.8 percent in math, and 89.6 percent in reading. This is a result of a lot of hard work from our students and staff. But we also had help in the community.

We preach to our kids about the "Viking way," and to do what's right all the time. We are proud of the way they respond. But, one must understand that the rules say we are not allowed to count these assessments as part of a student's grade. Therefore, pride and accomplishment is the only reward kids get.

Well, even as adults we like to have something for our efforts.

This is where the community stepped in and helped. Our students who passed the test, or improved over their score from last year, will have their name put in a drawing to win $2, 000 worth of cash and prizes. We've received donations not only from our Parent Teacher Organization, but also Ernesto's, Wayne and Tracy Gilmore, Country Mart, Eyecare Associates, Tucker and Markham and Commercial Bank to make this possible. To them, we are extremely grateful.

With their help we have made AYP for the last two years.

Thank you very much! - TERRY SMITH, principal, Parsons Middle School.