CMS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REPORT
School:
River Gate Elementary School
Principal:
Kimberly C. Odom
Title I Specialist:
N/A
Address:
15340 Smith Road
Charlotte, NC 28273
Courier Number:
590
Phone:
980.344.1000
Learning Zone:
Southwest
Zone Superintendent:
Kit Rea
CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
We, the undersigned, have been actively involved in the process to develop this plan. We agree that it addresses our school’s goals and is reflective of our
school’s profile, mission statement, and beliefs. We will initial at each quarterly review of the plan.
Principal Kimberly Odom
____________________________
Name (Please Print)
Signature
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS
Name (Please Print)
Position
SIP Quarterly Reviews (initial)
Signature
Oct
Jan
Mar
June
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
MISSION STATEMENT
District: Maximize academic achievement by every student in every school.
School: River Gate understands the challenges that our students will experience in the future; therefore, our mission is to create a
rigorous learning environment that promotes high expectations and meets the needs of our diverse learners, while preparing them
to compete globally.
BELIEFS
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VISION
We believe in creating motivated life-long learners.
All children can learn.
Failure is not an option.
Technology enhances learning opportunities for our students.
High expectations are a requirement for both teachers and students.
All students will make progress toward their individual academic goals.
Parental partnership is essential in the academic success of a child.
Students learn best when engaged with hands-on learning opportunities.
We celebrate and embrace diversity.
A variety of instructional practices are used to support the unique learning style
of each individual student.
Employ a great teacher for every child at River Gate.
District: CMS provides all students the best education
available anywhere, preparing every child
to lead a rich and productive life.
School: River Gate will be a place where learning is
fun and students are constantly engaged. Through
our efforts, we will value our diversity and promote
high standards for all learners. Collaborative efforts
amongst all staff members and continuous
professional development will equip our staff to
ensure that students experience the best educational
opportunities that will prepare them for their future
endeavors. It is essential that we have a great
classroom teacher for every single child.
SMART GOALS
Based upon analysis of data and Self Evaluation, our focus will be upon the following outcomes:
 At least 85% of our students will be proficient in reading as measured by the North Carolina EOG reading test
 Decrease the achievement gap between the two largest ethnic groups, African American and Hispanic students, and Caucasian students by 7% on the North
Carolina End-of-Grade test
 100% implementation of school-wide behavior plan that is aligned with our character education/RTI initiative, incorporating bully prevention
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School - 600590
School Composite
2009-2010 School Year
Subgroup
2010-2011 School Year
2011-2012 School Year
2012-2013 School Year (Target)
Perf.
Avg.
AYP
AYP Grad.
Perf.
Avg.
AYP AYP Grad.
Perf.
Avg.
AYP AYP Grad.
Perf.
Avg.
AYP AYP
Composite Growth Reading Math Rate Composite Growth Reading Math Rate Composite Growth Reading Math Rate Composite Growth Reading Math
AfricanAmerican
72.8
0.161
Met
Asian
91.2
0.310
Insuf
Data
Hispanic
79.9
0.350
Met
MultiRacial
84.2
0.206
Insuf
Data
Native
American
100.0
0.024
Insuf
Data
White
94.7
0.289
Met
LEP
70.0
0.141
Insuf
Data
SWD
56.2
0.324
Insuf
Data
ED
76.1
0.279
EOG Total
84.6
0.257
EOC Total
~
~
School
Composite
84.6
0.257
Grad.
Rate
Met
~
80.5
0.011
Met
Met
~
78.0
0.037
Met
Met
~
85.0
~
Insuf
Data
~
76.7
0.240
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
91.4
0.095
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
95.0
~
Met
~
78.9
0.181
Met
Met
~
75.9
0.053
Met
Met
~
82.0
~
Insuf
Data
~
82.4
0.128
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
96.9
0.131
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
98.0
~
Insuf
Data
~
~
~
~
~
~
100.0
~
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
100.0
~
Met
~
91.7
0.078
Met
Met
~
93.1
0.118
Met
Met
~
95.0
~
Insuf
Data
~
66.7
0.187
Met
Met
~
64.6
-0.04
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
70.0
~
Insuf
Data
~
55.6
-0.07
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
56.6
-0.21
Insuf
Data
Insuf
Data
~
65.0
~
Met
Met
~
77.7
0.084
Met
Met
~
78.0
0.044
Met
Met
~
85.0
~
Met
Met
~
85.2
0.086
Met
Met
~
84.4
0.078
Met
Met
~
86.0
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
Met
Met
~
85.2
0.086
Met
Met
~
84.4
0.078
Met
Met
~
~
86.0
~
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary was built in 2009. The school is located in southwest Charlotte near the South Carolina state line. River Gate
met 21 of 21 AYP targets and we made expected growth according to the 2012 End of Grade results. The school has grown
tremendously and it serves a very diverse population of students. Student enrollment is at 790.
A broad range of socio-economic levels, ethnicity, and geographic locations are represented within the student population.
Demographics are as follows: Caucasian 44%, African-American 31%, Hispanic 22, other 3%. Approximately 39% of the students
qualify for F/R lunch. Our student population includes 39 TD students, 52 SWD students, & 75 LEP students.
River Gate’s staff is experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic, and includes 36 classroom teachers, 12 instructional assistants, 1
assistant principal, 1 dean of students, 1 counselor, an art, music, and physical education teacher, one Academic Facilitator, an 1.5 EC
teachers, 1 Talent Development teacher, 1.5 English as a Second Language teachers, and a Behavior Management Specialist. All
teachers and instructional assistants are highly qualified. In order to attract and retain quality teachers, we utilize a team approach to
interviewing potential candidates and require candidates to model a lesson with a group of students. Once teachers are hired, they are
strategically placed on teams based on students’ needs and the strengths of the teacher. Classes that need more intensive instruction
have fewer students assigned to better ensure they receive the targeted instruction needed.
During the 2012-2013 school year we will continue to implement instructional programs that promote student growth with Response
to Instruction (River Gate is an RtI pilot school), a Balanced Literacy Approach, Investigations Math, Being a Writer, Inclusion, and
Remediation and Enrichment.
Our students are our first priority, and it is our goal to provide the best instructional programs/teaching strategies that promote
increased student learning. Technology is infused in the classroom with the use of SMART technology, Discovery Education video
streaming, smooth boards, iPads, and other tools that make learning engaging and relevant for our 21st century learners. In addition to
our focused instructional program, we promote character education, the Accelerated Reading Program, the Do the Right Thing
program, Student Council and Girls on the Run.
River Gate is fortunate to have numerous volunteers and many corporate, church, and business sponsors who partner with the school
to enhance and maintain academic programs and initiatives.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
SMART GOAL (1): At least 85% of our students will be proficient in reading as measured by the state EOG reading test
Data Used: North Carolina End-of-Grade Test , MAP assessments, common assessments, progress monitoring tools
SP 2014 Tactic: (# 1 ) – Effective Teaching and Leadership
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
Example:
1. Differentiate instruction for students experiencing target
deficit reading skills as determined by 3D assessments
 Use PALs
 Use Orton Gillingham Strategies
 Use flexible, small group instruction based upon
teacher observations and student work products
 Training teachers on Orton Gillingham strategies
1. Continue to expand and monitor an effective
literacy program
 Create a master schedule that has a 120 minute
block for literacy instruction
 Create and complete literacy checklists of
CCSS that have been taught.
 Develop lesson plans that include the
components of a balanced literacy program
 Create a master schedule that has a 90 minute
planning block each week for each grade level
 Create and monitor daily fluency practice for
students who are struggling
 Create and monitor an effective AR program
 Provide staff opportunities to attend quality
literacy professional development training at
the local, state, and national levels
 Create quarterly common literacy assessments
for each grade level
Point Person
(title/name)
Academic
Facil/Smith
Evidence of Success
(Student Impact)
-On DIBELS less than 5% of students
will be below benchmark by EOY
measures
-On Running Records all students will be
above a level H
-On DRA, less than 5% of students will
be below a 10
Funding
(estimated
cost and
source)
-$500 training
faculty on OG
strategies
-Source: PD
allotment
Personnel
Involved
Timeline
Start–End
 Interim Check
Dates
Faculty
8/1 – 6/10
 8/1/11
 11/2/11
 2/3/12
Quarterly/
Ongoing
Academic
Facilitator Duncan
85% of all students will achieve
their RIT goal in reading as
measured by the MAP assessment
Classroom &
Support
Teachers
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
Administrative
Team
Literacy
Committee
85% of students meet AR goals.
$3,000
PTAfundraising
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
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Provide students with a variety of reading
genres
Purchase literacy materials
Provide research-based instructional materials
for literacy
Provide technology to enhance literacy
instruction and management of data
2. Use RTI model to monitor student progress
through universal screenings, benchmark
assessments, and on-going progress monitoring
 Use AIMSweb to progress monitor
 Implement effective intervention programs
(RTI)
 Purchase and provide training on researchbased intervention programs
 Provide staff with training on RTI components
 Provide students who are strategic an additional
30 minutes a day of intensive small group
instruction based on individual student need
 Provide students who are intensive an
additional 45 minutes of instruction with a
supplemental reading program
 Use all available staff for intervention
instruction
PTA- book
fair proceeds
$6,000
Quarterly/
Ongoing
Classroom
&Support
Teachers
Dean of
StudentsPhommavongsay
Instructional
Assistants
PTAfundraising
Academic
Facilitator –
Duncan
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
Students demonstrate at least one
year’s growth on end-of-year MAP
assessments.
RtI Team
Administrative
Team
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
3. Analyze data to determine needs of students
 Weekly meeting of teachers to analyze data
 Provide staff development opportunities on
data analysis
 Provide opportunities for staff members to
attend training on effective reading strategies at
the local, state, and national levels.
4. Tutoring
 Hire a tutor for students in grades 3-5
 Use students from Johnson C. Smith &
Winthrop
5. Differentiate instruction to ensure all K-1
students are reading at or above grade level in
2nd grade
 Use Fry’s Sight Word Lists
 Create and implement lesson plans that include
components of a balanced literacy program
 Provide students who are strategic an additional
30 minutes a day of intensive small group
instruction based on individual student need
 Provide students who are intensive an
additional 45 minutes of instruction with a
supplemental reading program
 Maintain classroom literacy libraries
 Provide reading buddies for all K-1 students
Quarterly/
Ongoing
Academic
FacilitatorDuncan
Classroom
&Support
Teachers
RtI Team
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
Administrative
Team
Dean of
Students-
100% of students will demonstrate
growth on NC End-of-Grade Test.
Extended
Day Funds
Phommavongsay
Academic
FacilitatorDuncan
100% of students will score at the
Benchmark level on Reading 3D
Classroom
&Support
Teachers
Instructional
Assistants
Administrative
Team
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
SMART GOAL (2): Decrease the achievement gap between the two largest ethnic groups, African American and Hispanic students, and
Caucasian students by 7% on the North Carolina End-of-Grade test.
Data Used:
North Carolina End-of-Grade Test
SP 2014 Tactic: (# 1) – Effective Teaching and leadership
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
1. Differentiate Instruction
 Develop PEP for students not performing on
grade level
 Provide book study on the topic of closing the
achievement gap
 Create PLC to discuss strategies and
intervention for students not performing on
grade level
 Group students for targeted skills instruction
 Provide instructional time for
remediation and enrichment during the
literacy and math block
2. Use RtI model to monitor student progress
through universal screenings, benchmark
assessments, and ongoing progress monitoring
 Utilize universal screening programs to
determine grade-level goals and student
deficiencies
 Use AIMSweb to progress monitor
 Give teachers release time to create and
administer common grade level assessments
Point Person
(title/name)
Academic
Facilitator –
Duncan
Evidence of Success
(Student Impact)
Funding
(estimated
cost and
source)
85% or more of African American
and Hispanic students will earn a 3
or 4 as measured by the NC End of
Test.
Personnel
involved
Timeline
Start–End
 Interim Check
Dates
Classroom &
Support
Teachers
Administrative
Team
Quarterly/
Ongoing
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
Grade Level
Chairs
Dean of
StudentsPhommavongsay
85% of all students will achieve
their RIT goal in reading as
measured by the MAP assessment
Dean of
StudentsPhommavongsay
Classroom &
Support
Teachers
Quarterly/
Ongoing
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
3. Implement effective intervention strategies
and programs
 Provide training on researchinterventions
 Provide time for small group re-teaching
 Use all instructional assistants and support staff
for small group intensive instruction
Academic
FacilitatorDuncan
Identified students will participate
in small instructional groups and
increase proficiency by 5 percentage
points evidenced by post tests
administered.
Instructional
Assistants and
Support Staff
Quarterly/
Ongoing
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
 SMART GOAL (3): 100% implementation of school-wide behavior plan that is aligned with our character education/RtI initiative,
incorporating bully prevention
Data Used:
Discipline Referrals for previous school year
SP 2014 Tactic: (# 3 ) - Increasing the Graduation Rate
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
11. Emphasize educational programs that promote
positive student behavior
 Implement Anti-bullying plan
 Provide instructional lessons to help
identify bullying behaviors and teach
strategies to avoid being a victim and
bystander.
 Promote character education
 Continue to implement character education
awards
2. Implement Safe School Plan
 Clearly outline safe school
practices
 Train all staff members and
students regarding safe practices
3. Implement RTI Behavior Plan/Matrix
 Use GNN to discuss Respectful,
Responsible and Safe behaviors
 Provide each classroom with a behavior
matrix poster
 Classroom teachers receive PD on how to
handle discipline issues based on the
matrix
Point Person
(title/name)
Evidence of Success
(Student Impact)
Funding
(estimated
cost and
source)
Number of office referrals for
bullying reduced by half.
Personnel
involved
 Interim Check
Dates
All Faculty
School
Counselor Huntley
Assistant
Principal Moran
School
CounselorHuntley
Timeline
Start–End
Quarterly/
Ongoing
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
95% Students report feeling safe on
Student Survey
95% of students report feeling safe
on Student Survey
$100- school
funds
RtI Team
Quarterly/
Ongoing
RtI Team
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
Quarterly/
Ongoing
October 26
January 18
March 28
June 7
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
CMS School Improvement Plan 2012
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
Bullying Prevention Individual School Action Plan
River Gate Elementary School
Bullying Prevention Outcome: To develop positive individual character along with the collective character of the school, yielding a safe and
positive learning environment that is free of bullying and harassing behaviors.
Task
Contact Person
Outcome Measures
Targeted Students
Dates
of Implementation
“Do The Right Thing”Character Program
*Students are nominated via
www.DoTheRightThingchar.org
School Counselor
Students are nominated by
exhibiting good character
and making good behavior
choices. Students will be
rewarded by receiving a
certificate, T-shirt, etc. The
top students selected will
attend a special ceremony.
K-5
Nomination Deadlines:
Character Education
Lessons/Activities
School Counselor
Character Education
lessons/activities will
support and enhance a
positive school environment
amongst all students.
K-5
2012-2013
School Year
Peaceful Dragon Martial Arts
Bullying Prevention
Presentation
Peaceful Dragon staff and
School Counselor
Students will learn to handle
a person exhibiting bullying
behaviors in a responsible
manner.
K-5
October 2012
(Bullying Prevention Month)
September 28, 2012
December 7, 2012
February 1, 2013
April 12, 2013
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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CMS School Improvement Plan 2012-2013
River Gate Elementary School 2012-2013
School-Wide Character
Education to develop
intellectual character, moral
character, civic character,
and performance character,
along with the collective
character of the school
School Staff and
School Counselor
*Monthly Character Traits
presented on GNN the first
day of each month
(Gator News Network).
*Monthly Character Traits
presented on Bulletin Boards
throughout the school.
*Monthly Character Traits
presented on the schools
newsletter each month
(The Gate).
K-5
2012-2013
School Year
School-Wide implementation
of the “Purple Hands Project”
School Staff and School
Counselor
“Purple Hands Project”Hands/Words Are Not For
Hurting Myself or Others
K-5
2012-2013
School Year
School-Wide Response to
Instruction (RtI)
Behavior Plan
All School Staff
All students will be taught
the River Gate Elementary
Behavior expectations in all
settings. The Behavior Matrix
will be posted in each
classroom and school-wide.
Be Responsible…
Be Respectful…
Be Safe…
K-5
2012-2013
School Year
School Liaison:
Sharymar Huntley, School Counselor
SMART: S – Specific; M – Measurable; A – Attainable; R – Realistic; T – Time-bound.
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