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Marietta City Schools Shows Unprecedented Growth on Georgia Milestones

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Marietta City Schools Shows Unprecedented Growth on Georgia Milestones
MCS demonstrates growth across grade levels and content areas

Marietta, GA – Marietta City Schools (MCS) demonstrated unprecedented growth across grade levels and content areas, as measured by student performance on the Georgia Milestones. For the first time since the implementation of the Georgia Milestones, the district surpassed or matched the state in English Language Arts (ELA) for all grade levels tested (grades 3-10; refer to Table

Table 1
Table 1.jpg

District elementary school performance in ELA, as measured by students scoring “proficient” and “distinguished”, showed gains across all grade levels. The same pattern of success was achieved at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Marietta Middle School, and Marietta High School – every grade level had more students scoring in “proficient” and “distinguished” (compared to previous school year; refer to Table 2).

Table 2
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Of particular note, relative to mean scale score, double-digit gains in the mean scale were achieved for students in English Language Arts at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (10-point increase) and Ninth Grade Literature at Marietta High School (17-point increase).

Additionally, MCS continues to close the achievement gap for students identified in the following subgroups: Black, Hispanic, Students with Disabilities (SWD), and English Learners (EL).

  • Black students – demonstrated positive gains in 18 out of 24 assessments (grades 3-12; all content areas)
  • Hispanic students – demonstrated positive gains in 20 out of 24 assessments (grades 3-12; all content areas)
  • Students with Disabilities – demonstrated positive gains in 14 out of 23 assessments (grades 3-12; all content areas)
  • English Learners – demonstrated positive gains in 16 out of 22 assessments (grades 3-12; all content areas)

The most improved MCS schools include:

  • L. Burruss Elementary School
  • Dunleith Elementary School
  • Hickory Hills Elementary School
  • Sawyer Road Elementary School
  • Marietta Sixth Grade Academy
  • Marietta Middle School
  • Marietta High School

As the MCS elementary school demonstrating the highest gains in achievement, Hickory Hills Elementary School achieved an average double-digit gain across all grade levels and content areas. Principal Kristen Beaudin stated, “Our staff has been relentless in their efforts to support the academic and social-emotional needs of every child. We focus on the whole child, encouraging each to reach their fullest potential.”

In comparison to the previous school year, A.L. Burruss Elementary School showed an increase of 15 percentage points for students identified as “distinguished” on the third grade ELA End of Grade assessment. Dunleith Elementary School increased fifth grade student performance in “proficient” and “distinguished” across three content areas: 11 percentage points in ELA, 17 percentage points in math, and 22 percentage points in science. Sawyer Road Elementary School demonstrated a 15-percentage point gain in third grade math and an 18-percentage point gain for fifth grade science in students scoring “proficient” and “distinguished”.

Marietta High School posted gains of 12 percentage points (compared to the previous school year) for students scoring “proficient” and “distinguished” in each of three End of Course assessments: 9th Grade Literature, Algebra I, and Physical Science.

Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera acknowledged the continued achievement gains of MCS, “In looking at student achievement over the last two years, we see unprecedented growth across grade levels and content areas. This does not happen without the phenomenal dedication and talent of our staff who work each and every day to support our students and families.”

Board of Education Chair Jason Waters said, “Marietta is committed to providing the resources that every teacher needs to be successful. Our success demonstrates these resources are having an impact in the classroom.”

What is the Georgia Milestones Assessment System?
The Georgia Milestones is a comprehensive summative assessment program for grades three through twelve. Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state content standards in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Students in grades three through eight take an End of Grade (EOG) assessment in each content area. High school students take an End of Course (EOC) assessment in eight courses.

How are the results of the Georgia Milestones scored?
Your student’s performance on the assessment is reported in one of four achievement levels: (1) Beginning Learner, (2) Developing Learner, (3) Proficient Learner, or (4) Distinguished Learner. Students also received a scale score for each test. Using the scale score, you can compare a student’s performance with the average student in the school, district, and state. A student’s performance in each subject is described in greater detail using domain categories for each subject area.

Where do I obtain more information about the Georgia Milestones?
The Georgia Department of Education has provided school-by-school results for the Spring 2019 administration for Marietta City Schools and other schools/districts in the State of Georgia. To access this information, visit this link.

 

 

 

MCS Communications Team Earns Ten National Awards from NSPRA

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The Marietta City Schools Communication Team earned 10 awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). For more than 50 years, NSPRA has recognized exceptional work in school communications, and is currently the national governing body for school district communicators.

NSPRA’s Publication and Digital Media awards recognize exceptional work in educational communications: print, digital, video/TV/radio programs, audio, e-newsletters, websites, social media, infographics, and blogs. The submissions are judged on overall excellence, including quality as compared to other entries in each category. Top awards are Award of Excellence, Awards of Merit, and Honorable Mention.

Marietta City Schools Communication Team earned the following awards.

  • Award of Merit – E-Newsletter (internal audience) – Board Notes
  • Awards of Honorable Mention:
    • School District Blog – for Blue Devil Blog
    • Branding/Image Package – for Park Street Elementary
    • Branding/Image Package – for Mayor’s Award
    • Marketing Materials (electronic) – for Welcome to Marietta City Schools
    • Excellence in Writing – for MHS Exceptional Students Manage Successful Coffee Cart for More Than a Decade
    • Social Media – Keeping the Community “In the Know” Using Instagram Stories
    • Special Purpose Publication – Technology Plan 2018 -2020
    • Video (produced in-house) – for Marietta Honors Veterans in Its Classrooms
    • Video (produced in-house) – for Musical Theatre at Marietta High School

 “An award from the National School Public Relations Association is the highest honor that can be received by communications offices that work on behalf of school districts,” said Tammy Garnes, the district’s outgoing Executive Director of Communications. “During the 2018-2019 school year, our office made an effort to broaden the district’s social media reach with Instagram posts and stories, increase storytelling through video production, and communicate to stakeholders using a new blog and newsletter. Being recognized with ten awards was unexpected, but a testament to the hard work of our communication and public relations team.”

To see all of the award winners and to find out more about the NSPRA, visit their website at www.nspra.org.

BOE_July_2019_NSPRA_00042

Susan Coviello, Natalie Roush, Tammy Garnes

Charles “Chuck” Gardner Selected as New Chief Operations Officer

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Chuck Gardner is a career educator committed to ensuring that every child receives a high quality education that prepares them for the life they choose. He served as Principal of Riverwood High School, Sandy Springs Middle School, and Frank McClarin High School in Fulton County Schools. Prior to being appointed principal, Chuck held positions as an assistant principal, and teacher including 8 years in the Cobb County School District.

Chuck grew up in the Marietta area and is a graduate of Lassiter High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s degree and Specialist in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University.

Additionally, he is a regular presenter at national conferences, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Most recently, as Principal of Riverwood High School, Chuck oversaw the construction of a multi-phase new school construction project totaling more than, $100 million.Chuck and his wife, Kelly are excited to join the Marietta City Schools family. He assumes his role as Chief Operations Officer, July 1, 2019.

StoneBridge Church Donates $50,000 to Park Street Elementary

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Marietta City Schools appreciates the contributions of community businesses and organizations that help make our schools a better place to learn and work.

StoneBridge Church serves as a wonderful partner, providing ongoing volunteerism and financial support for Park Street Elementary School.

As a partner with Park Street, StoneBridge encourages and supports the hard-working Park Street staff, students, and families.

StoneBridge Church staff and members raised and donated $50,000 to provide K-5 classroom libraries. Their employees and members help staff the Park Street PTA, implement the Soccer in the Streets program, coach basketball, and volunteer in classrooms.

Additionally, StoneBridge provides mentoring programs where volunteers spend time in classrooms doing various activities and interacting with students; gardeners to tend to the school’s sensory garden; reading opportunities; and prepares and gives teachers gifts and tokens of encouragement throughout the year.

We are so grateful for the continued support of StoneBridge Church, one of our valued partners in service to our students, families, and staff. View Video

The Future Home of Lemon Street Campus

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Marietta City Schools (MCS) announced plans to relocate its Central Office to the site of the old Lemon Street High School, creating a new educational campus for the District (coming in 2021).

  • Central Office designed to replicate the c. 1930 Lemon Street High School building, which had been demolished in 1967.
  • Plans for Central Office include a new museum, developed in conjunction with Kennesaw State University’s Department of Museums, Archives,and Rare Books, to tell the story of MCS from 1892 to the present, including the segregation era, with a special exhibition on the surrounding community.
  • Marietta Performance Learning Center relocates into the c. 1950 Lemon Street Grammar School across the street.
  • The new Performance Learning Center will preserve the building’s exterior and key architectural features while rehabilitating the interior, making it conducive for today’s learning.

“We have always known, due to its unique history, that the Lemon Street Grammar School was worth saving. The question was whether we could afford to save the building while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. We are pleased to say that,

after careful study, we will be able to do both.”

-Grant Rivera, Superintendent

Marietta City Schools Celebrates Teachers & Employees, Names 2020 Teacher of the Year

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Marietta City Schools (MCS) honored teachers and school employees during its annual awards celebration, Tuesday, May 28. Barbie Esquijarsoa English to Speakers as Other Languages (ESOL) teacher at A.L. Burruss Elementary School, was named the 2020 System Teacher of the Year by MCS Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera.

“Barbie Esquijarosa, who has overcome many adversities in her life and persevered to become a teacher, wanting to better, not only herself and family, but all those around her.” said Dr. Rivera. “She has impacted the lives of all the children she has touched, holding high expectations for them and watching them excel. I am proud to name Barbie Esquijarosa Marietta City Schools 2020 Teacher of the Year.”

The event Platinum Sponsor was Ed Voyles Automotive Group. Gold Sponsors were Houze &

Associates, Marietta Power & Water and Zaxby’s; the Silver Sponsors were the Credit Union of Georgia and LGE Community Credit Union.  Marietta Schools Foundation sponsored and presented the Douglas A. Holder Awards to the Teachers of the Year for each school.

The Board of Education chair, Jason Waters, presented Board Appreciation Award to Sarah Martin, “Parent Liaison for Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) Drama Program,” for her consistent selfless dedication to MSGA and MCS.

The Board Appreciation Award was also presented to StoneBridge Church for their generous donation to purchase books and ongoing volunteer support of Park Street Elementary School. John Silvey, owner of Zaxby’s, also received the Board Appreciation Award for being a key partner to MCS who “never says no.” The Georgia PTA, Middle Grades President, Krissty Foster also made a special presentation to John Silvey and presented him with an Honorary Georgia PTA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms. Rose Wing Jr. presented the Rose Wing Teacher of Promise Award to Blaise Bowman, a teacher at A.L. Burruss, in honor of her late mother Mrs. Rose Wing who taught for 42 years at Marietta City Schools. The award established in 2013 recognizes young teachers with two to five years of teaching experience who embody the extraordinary ability and spirit that Ms. Wing brought to the profession.

Other Award categories included the Customer Service Excellence Award presented to Marietta Middle School, Superintendent’s Awards, presented to Rachel Brown-Miller, Assistant Principal at Dunleith Elementary, Russ Henry, Technology Support Specialist at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Marsha Durham, Front Office Clerk at Marietta High School, and Kim Ellis, Director of Transportation for the district.  The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Christine Ramirez, Director of the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center.

Marietta City Schools honors retirees with over 600 total years of service

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Marietta City Schools (MCS) held its annual Retirement Luncheon, Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at the Chicken and the Egg Restaurant in Marietta, Georgia, honoring 31 retirees with a combined 635 years of service.

Of the 31 staff members retiring, more than half were able to attend the luncheon, along with a guest of their choice, each staff member was joined by his or her supervisor that shared stories of their years at Marietta City Schools.

“It’s important to honor those who serve the community and, in many cases, gave their entire careers to the school system,” said MCS superintendent, Grant Rivera.

“It’s not only their years of contributing to our classrooms and our schools, but it’s the sense of family that we have in Marietta,” Rivera said. “Today is about us coming together to honor and celebrate them, and I think equally as important is inviting their family and including them in the celebration.”

Markus Hood: April Employee of the Month

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Markus Hood serves as a PE teacher and Head Boys’ Basketball coach at Marietta High School.
Markus has worked in education for more than 19 years, and this is his first year at Marietta City Schools. Markus loves working with students and is committed to developing and building up the young men involved in the basketball program.
During the 2018-19 season, Coach Hood led the Blue Devils to the first Sweet 16 appearance in 7 years. If you ask Coach Hood if that is the most significant accomplishment in his first season, he would say “no way.”
What is most significant and why Coach Hood is being recognized as an MCS Employee of the Month is because of his positive impact on the lives of people. All students and staff benefit from Coach Hood.
“What I love most about my career is the people,” he said. “I enjoy the students and the people that I work with every day and seeing people do things they did not originally believe they could do.”
What Markus is most committed to is impact and having a positive impact on his students. He loves people and wants to see people smile and laugh, and he is passionate about finding ways to always enrich the lives of others.
The MHS boys’ basketball program strives to mold its players into responsible men. Markus does his very best to influence MCS student-athletes encouraging them to take their academics seriously and make good choices in life.
Together, Markus and his incredible coaching staff lead a book study with the basketball players, and the players read “Pound the Stone” by Joshua Medcalf. The young men have been thoroughly enjoying the book and are engaged with the text, leading to robust discussions and deep connections on and off the court. The philosophy of Markus and his staff is to “teach the game of life through the game of basketball.”
“There are so many tremendous employees and teachers at MCS, and it is very humbling and surprising to be selected for this honor,” he explained.
Markus is a man of integrity, honor and he exemplifies what it means to ‘Pound the Stone’ every day. Coach Hood is selfless and does all he can to be an example of goodwill at Marietta. Marietta City Schools and Marietta High School is Special, Different and Better because of Markus Hood.
We congratulate Markus Hood for being recognized as the April District Employee of the Month!

STAR Student and STAR Teacher: Andy Chinuntdet and Luke Burch

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Congratulations to Anderson (Andy) Chinuntdet, a student at MHS, and Luke Burch, a teacher at MHS, for being recognized as a Georgia STAR student and teacher.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.
Since its creation in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Program has honored nearly 26,000 high school seniors who have in turn chosen their STAR Teachers to share in this recognition.
To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on any single test date of the SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.
“This award means a lot to me; it’s more than just something I can put on my resume,” Andy explained. “My favorite thing about it is that I got to honor a teacher who’s been so influential in my school work and life the past couple years.”
In addition to his academic success, Andy has also played basketball for three years, he serves as the president of the National Honor Society, he volunteers to plan and manage events for elementary students at his church, and he serves as a student leader in his youth group.
Andy plans to attend Georgia Tech next year and study aerospace engineering, as he aspires to pursue a career at NASA, SpaceX, or Lockheed after college.
Andy’s teachers describe him as a rare student who combines great intelligence with a hard work ethic while remaining humble and always willing to help anyone.
“Andy not only works hard and, through his hard work, earns incredible grades and scores on tests but he also exemplifies our MHS values,” said Mr. Burch, Andy’s physics teacher. “He is reflective; humble, willing to help others, and always striving to do his best.”
Each high school STAR student is asked to name his/her STAR teacher, and Mr. Burch, a physics teacher at MHS, was honored that Andy nominated him for the prestigious recognition.
Andy says he nominated Mr. Burch because he helped to make one of the hardest classes for students, manageable and enjoyable for students, while also caring about their wellbeing inside and outside the classroom.
“He isn’t just a good teacher; he’s an amazing man,” Andy said. “He’s taught me how to manage my time well, take good notes quickly, and think outside the box to solve difficult problems. He’s also inspired me to be a better person and a harder worker in all aspects of my life.”
Mr. Burch says that seeing the excitement and getting high fives from a physics student who didn’t understand a concept, but then worked with the concept more and got it, are his favorite moments as a teacher at MHS.
“Every day as teachers we strive to touch students’ lives and make an impact,” Mr. Burch explained. “Often times we do not get to see the fruits of our labor, but occasionally for each of us, we get a glimpse that our work is impacting students. I am no different than the rest of the teachers here in MCS, simply working hard and doing my best to help shape the future of my students. I am humbled and grateful for each moment such as this where I am able to see that what I am doing is having an impact.”
When asked what he loves most about teaching at MHS, Mr. Burch explained that he loves the diversity that MCS and MHS provide, and he enjoys working with students from all different backgrounds, in all different places educationally, all with different needs.
Locally, STAR students and STAR teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of more than 165 civic organizations and businesses that serve as local STAR sponsors.

 

Wyatt Almy: April Student of the Month

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The Marietta City Schools April Student of the Month, Wyatt Almy, is an outstanding student and a 1st grader at West Side Elementary.
One thing that shines about Wyatt is his motivation to always give his best efforts towards his work inside and outside of the classroom. When any task is assigned, Wyatt is quick to jump in and ready to participate to show what he knows. He is a MILE student and catches on easily to concepts he learns in class, but he is always eager for a challenge and to better understand the material that is presented to him.

Wyatt is always willing to take on new challenges and exhibit his leadership skills. Wyatt participates in his book club as a “book club leader.” This is where he meets with three other students each morning to read, complete tasks, and dive deeper into understanding of texts through discussion. His role is to check what the activity is for his book club and make sure all members are on task as well as cooperative. During Book Blub, he stays focused and encourages others to do their best. Wyatt is always so proud to explain to his small group in detail the strategies he is using to help him become a better reader, as well.
Outside of the classroom, Wyatt plays sports in the community and is an avid college basketball fan.
A recent time that Wyatt persevered through a challenge was when he was involved in a skiing accident during mid-winter break. He broke six ribs and punctured a lung, which left him in the hospital for days and at home recovering. He FaceTimed with his teacher several times over the span of two weeks, and he was so eager to get back to class to see his friends. He also was excited to share about his favorite college basketball team, South Dakota State.
During this time, he took on a challenge his teacher gave him to work on while he was home and resting. She suggested he try writing a letter to his favorite basketball team, introducing himself and letting them know why he thought they were incredible. Little did he know that in a few short weeks he would receive a personal letter from his favorite player and an autographed poster in the mail.
“If you saw Wyatt today in class you would barely recognize that he was recently involved in an accident,” said Christina Wagoner, principal at West Side Elementary. “He is still just as eager to learn and participate in class. We are all so very proud of his positive attitude and motivation to recover.”
Congratulations to Wyatt Almy, the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month!
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