June 3, 2013

Alvin L, Crawley, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent of Schools

Dear Parenl/Guardian:

Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Request, granted to the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland is required to identify Title I schools that are struggling with overall student achievement. These schools, called Priority Schools, require extra support from the school system and the State.  According to Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility guidelines, Drew Freeman Middle School was identified as a Priority School during school years 2012-2013.

Priority Schools are schools that are part of the five percent of the lowest achieving of all Title I schools. These schools have not reached adequate performance standards in reading and mathematics for all students, not just for low-performing subgroup populations. Schools or school systems can decide to use one of the USDE approved "turnaround models" or they can develop their own plan, which aligns to the United States Department of Education’s Turnaround Principles, to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the school. Drew Freeman Middle School has adopted the USDE approved Turnaround model and additionally engages students and teachers in multiple strategies to increase student achievement for all students.

Priority schools receive additional support from the school system and the State. Local school systems with priority schools, set aside a portion of their Title I funding from the federal government to implement their turnaround interventions. These schools have already begun to implement multifaceted plans for restructuring the whole school including recruiting staff, enriching instructional programs, professional development, and developing a system of accountability that will help turnaround models and intervention measures.

As a parent or guardian, you can help the school raise students’ performance by attending parent school meetings, serving on the School Planning and Management Team (SPMT), volunteering to help with school functions and classroom activities, supporting and reinforcing your child’s good study habits, reviewing your child’s homework and test results, and setting goals with your child for continued academic improvement.

I strongly encourage you to support your school through involvement and volunteer opportunities. If you have more questions about how you can be involved, please contact your child’s principal. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our schools

Sincerely,

Alvin L. Crawley, Ed. D
Interim Superintendent of Schools