Miles Lane School K-3  Back to Education Miles Lane School School Community Report, 1997 Miles Lane School Report, 1998-1999 Miles Lane School  A Community Report, 1997 Here at Miles Lane School, we lay the foundation for all learning. And what an exciting challenge it is! We have made several significant changes in recent years to our effort to provide an environment in which "All students can and do learn". WE recognize that every child learns in a unique way and at an individual rate. Our challenge is to provide learning activities that will enhance the growth of all children, regardless of their background knowledge, ability to comprehend and apply new knowledge, and their willingness to accept the educational process. It is essential that our students become independent readers and confident learners by the time they leave our school. We recognize and accept our responsibility in achieving this goal, and welcome the support of families in this endeavor.   Learning Expectations: We have recently developed "Learning Expectations" for all students, in both literacy and math. Parents will be hearing more about these this Spring.   Reporting to Parents: Simultaneously, we are developing better ways of assessing student progress toward meeting those expectations and reporting results. WE are using a combination of locally developed "Benchmarks", standardized tests, portfolios, and observation surveys. We currently keep parents informed about individual student progress through report cards, parent-teacher conferences, and portfolios. We report about school progress monthly to the Bucksport School Committee and annually, to the School Improvement Team. Top of page  Miles Lane School Principal's Report Bucksport Town Report, 1998-1999 Student enrollment continued to decline last year with a closing count of 312. In order to balance our class sizes, two first grade teachers taught combination classes of grades one and two. This reassignment of teachers allowed us to meet our goal of having 20 or fewer students in kindergarten and grade one, while maintaining classes of 22 or fewer in grades two and three.  Technology at Miles Lane took a giant leap last year. With the purchase of 16 new computers, we now have all but three of our classrooms connected to the Internet. Though reading, writing and math continue to be our major focus, we recognize the importance of exposing our students to technology at an early age.  We are continuing our Reading Recovery program and find that it is having a very positive impact on student achievement. The accompanying staff development is helping to increase early reading skills of all students. Although Reading Recovery doesn’t meet every need, it is making a significant difference. Our approach to assessing the Learning Results is most visible through our "Benchmarks" in grade two. Every child takes a reading, writing, and math test. The scores help us to monitor student progress and identify areas of need. Students who have difficulty with the assessment are encouraged to attend summer school.  One of the greatest capital improvements was the second phase of a three-year carpeting project. It makes the building look brand new! Miles Lane serves as a valuable community center. More than a dozen groups hold regular activities here. Cooperation is the key to the successful use of our facility by so many groups. Much appreciation is extended to the Bucksport Recreation Department, Bucksport Area Child Care Center, Bucksport Middle and High Schools, Bucksport Adult Education, P.T.A., Boy and Girl Scout Troops, and all others who use Miles Lane. A special thanks goes to our secretarial and custodial staff!  Though a beautiful facility certainly contributes to the overall success of a school, it is the staff that has the greatest impact on a school’s success. The Miles Lane staff is committed to their year and during the summer. Last year, three teachers earned Master’s Degrees. Congratulations to Ellen Almquist, Milissa LaLonde, and Cheryl Peters.  As Maine’s 1998 National Distinguished Principal, I was honored to represent Miles Lane School, Bucksport, and the State of Maine at a recognition ceremony in Washington D.C. in October. This recognition was truly a reflection of the outstanding staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive, parents, and citizens that make up our school community. We can all take great pride in the Miles Lane School. I extend my appreciation and gratitude to everyone who supports the education of our children. Respectfully submitted, Carol MacRae, Principal Miles Lane P.O. Box 310  Bucksport ME 04416 (207) 469-6666  E mail: Cmacrae@mileslane.bucksport.K12.me.us  Top of page   Revised: Cassandra Caton, 07/2000