2010-2011 also brings some new changes to Banks Road Elementary. The start time has changed from 9:05 to 9:15 and there are no more early dismissal Wednesdays. We will have six early release days which will all be on Fridays. Students will be dismissed at 1:15 on these days. Early release dates are posted on our school website. There has also been a change in the cafeteria. Students will be using scan cards in the cafeteria to pay for breakfast and lunch. This will help our cafeteria operate more efficiently. We are fortunate to have gained additional instructional support through a Title 1 literacy program. This year, we will have two additional literacy teachers to support students through supplementary reading instruction during the school day. We have also added some fantastic classroom teachers to our staff this year. I look forward to their many contributions to Banks Road Elementary.
We have a lot to accomplish this year if we are to exceed the standards set last year by our students, teachers, and parents. Student achievement levels increased significantly in all grade levels last year. Preliminary results indicate that Banks Road achieved High Growth due to the strong performance of students on NC End-of-Grade tests. Last year, we also had over 300 registered volunteers to spend time supporting learning and teaching at Banks Road Elementary. This is ratio of 1 volunteer to every 2 students! Way to go volunteers!
While these are impressive achievements, I am confident that these are just the first steps that we have taken to establish a positive and collaborative learning community where students are prepared for success in the 21st Century. 2010-2011 promises to be another successful year for our school. I thank you in advance for all that you will do this year to help our students blaze their trails to success at Banks Road!