Dear Cheltenham Community,
We hope this message finds you well. You may have seen the recent formal notification regarding Cheltenham's rating on the state accountability system. We acknowledge the challenges we face and we are eager to address them. At the same time, we want to take this opportunity to emphasize our growth and highlight the many strengths of our community.
Ways We've Grown
Our daily attendance is at 91%, up 4% from the previous year at this point, and we are on track to meet our district target.
Our chronic absenteeism rate is currently 33%, which is down 21% from the previous year to date. This is the 2nd highest decrease in all of DPS!
Our CMAS literacy scores increased from 16% meeting and exceeding expectations to 19% meeting and exceeding expectations in 2023-24. Our median growth percentile was 54, which meets state expectations.
Our Black Excellence Plan has set a goal to identify 15 students of color for Gifted and Talented Programs. As of November 2024, 13 students of color have been identified with Advanced Learning Plans or are in the talent pool.
We are supporting growth for Multi-Language Learners, with 48.3% of our multilingual students on-track to English proficiency. The number of students on track to proficiency has been increasing yearly.
Strengths Not Reflected in the Accountability System
While the state accountability metrics are important, they do not capture the full picture of Cheltenham's success. Here are a few key areas where we excel:
Strong Community Involvement: Our school has a vibrant community of parents, volunteers, and local organizations who actively contribute to our programs and events. This support enhances the educational experience for our students, and we are so grateful!
Diverse and Inclusive Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all students feel welcome. Our commitment to diversity enriches our school culture and promotes understanding and respect among our students.
Dedicated Staff: Our educators are passionate and committed to the success of every superhero. Their hard work and dedication are evident in the relationships they build and the personalized attention they provide.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we will continue to focus on our growth areas while leveraging our strengths to enhance the educational experience for all of our superheroes. We appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration as we strive to provide the best possible learning environment.
Thank you for being an essential part of our Chelty community!
Warmly,
The Cheltenham Leadership Team