Dear
Students and Parents,
WOW!!! I can't think of a better word to express what
occurred on our campus last week during FCAT testing! I can't
remember a time during my 31 years in education that I have been
more proud of a group of teachers and students than last Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday. The students were more focused than I
have ever seen them, and there was so much school spirit evident
in their attitudes. The confidence and enthusiasm from the student
body and staff was contagious. I want to share a few examples of
what we saw with you:
97% of 1,400+ students taking the test in attendance on the FIRST
DAY
Students
getting off of the bus in the morning singing the FCAT songs
150+
students everyday in the cafeteria with extended time working
until dismissal
Almost
100% of the students using the test taking strategies
Students
holding each other accountable ("Give up your cell phone. We
don't anything to mess up the test."; talking to the person
sitting with them during break and telling them to stay awake,
etc.)
Students
and teachers "dressed for success"
Students
approaching staff members out on campus in the afternoons wanting
to share with the adults what they did on the test - a general
excitement and positive attitude
PRIDE
We will
not receive the results of the testing until late June or early
July. However, as I told the staff and students: We could not
have asked more from our faculty and students than what they
gave this year academically and behaviorally. Everyone stepped
up to the plate and came together as a team. Regardless of what
school grade we receive from the state, our students truly
behaved like "A" students, not "F" students, and they are all
WINNERS!!!
To reward our success, we will host a multicultural celebration
on April 11, 2008. Following the week of celebration and events,
it's back to work. What we do from now through the end of the
year will determine our success next year. Thank you for sending
us such awesome students to work with at HCHS. We are truly
blessed to have the privilege of educating the best students in
Polk County, and we could not have achieved our goals this year
without the support of the parents and community.
Have a
wonderful and safe Spring Break!
Deborah Elmore
