It is with great pleasure and honor to be the new Principal of Effingham Elementary School. My first year is a fabulous one, despite all of the snow we have gotten this winter. I am loving the professional change that I have made and deeply enjoy working with the students, staff, and families of Effingham. The entire staff and I have been focusing on increasing test scores, school climate, and more importantly, getting to know one another.

To boost pride and spirit at Effingham Elementary School, the students and staff were invited to participate in selecting a school mascot and school colors for the first time. On Election Day, ballots were filled out in a private, student-created voting booth. Each person anonymously made their selections and placed their sheet of paper into a ballot box. History was in the making as everyone participated, and we will soon be known as the Effingham Tigers and associated with the colors of black and white.

There has been a great deal of emphasis placed on data as it allows teachers to hone in on specific strengths and weaknesses of students. The NWEA MAP Test is just one of the tools that our teachers use as both a formative and summative assessment to guide their instruction. The spring of 2007 MAP data was used in creating flex groups this fall as teachers tried to ensure mastery of skills prior to students taking the NECAP. The data gave individualized snapshots opposed to a whole class synopsis.

The Every Day Math program has been embraced with open arms. Teachers focused on aligning their new text with the current Grade Level Expectations during our first Delayed Opening. They have also mapped out a timeline of when they will teach each GLE through collaboration with a vertical team approach. The dialogue between professional staff has been invaluable.

A new learning opportunity is being offered to many students before school this year. We have a Title I Tutorial offering students in kindergarten through grade six additional academic support in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The classroom teachers work together with Title I personnel to create learning opportunities for students to enhance skills through the use of technology, complete homework assignments, or play educational games.

Academic growth for individual students is the primary mission of our school, yet we continue to focus on the physical and social realms as well. Through the help of our PTO and as the recipients of two sizeable grants, we are able to increase the physical fitness of our students through curricular and extra-curricular activities. We are offering an after school program for all students to participate in, as well as a nutritious cooking program for students in kindergarten through grade two. We continue to provide opportunities to increase social development through community building. Our first Family Fun Night for the year was a huge success! Students and their families came for a night of enjoyment with the local police and fire departments.

On behalf of the staff at Effingham Elementary School, I would like to thank the School Board, Superintendent of Schools, and community members for their continued support.

Lisa Clegg