September 4, 2009

 Dear Parents and Friends of Blackwell: 

This week, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the WASL, Without long years of hard work by students, parents, and staff, our students would not be achieving consistent successes on the WASL year after year.  With this in mind, we would like to congratulate last year’s 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders on demonstrating the application of their knowledge with the following rates of proficiency on last April’s WASL.

As you can see from our results, our students, parents, and staff all continue to work together to create an outstanding learning environment for all.  Over the past few years, we have had many discussions and dedicated ourselves to providing students with a comprehensive learning experience from kindergarten through sixth grade.  This year we will continue to strive for excellence.  We plan to grow our skills as a professional learning community through the implement of new Social Studies curriculum.  This curriculum focuses on the integration of reading and writing skills into each lesson.  We will also dedicate a considerable amount of time to using common grade level assessments in reading, writing, math, and science to help us ensure the success of each student.  Through these initiatives we can continue ensure our students on-going success.   

Please remember the WASL is only a small measure of a school’s success.  There are many factors that go into a school’s success, and it is unfair to compare one school to another solely on the school’s WASL scores.  Great schools embrace their students and families, ensure all of their students are challenged to grow academically and socially, and strive to add value by ensuring their students grow each year both academically and socially.  We are fortunate to be one of many great schools.   

Stephen D. Bryant

Principal