School Improvement Plan
2014-2015
2013-2014 through 2014-2015
School Improvement Plans remain in effect for two years, but a School Leadership Team may amend as often as necessary or appropriate.
Draft Due: September 26, 2014
Final Copy Due: October 24, 2014
2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Hickory Grove Contact Information
School:
Address:
Learning
Community
Courier Number:
410
6709 Pence Road
Phone Number:
980-343-6464
Charlotte, NC 28215
Fax Number:
Northeast-Garinger
School Website:
Hickory Grove
Elementary
Principal:
Jessie Becker
Learning Community Superintendent:
Charity Bell
980-343-6517
http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/hickorygroveES/Pages/Default.aspx
Hickory Grove School Improvement Team Membership
From GS §115C-105.27: “The principal of each school, representatives of the assistant principals, instructional personnel, instructional support personnel, and teacher assistants
assigned to the school building, and parents of children enrolled in the school shall constitute a school improvement team to develop a school improvement plan to improve student
performance. Representatives of the assistant principals, instructional personnel, instructional support personnel, and teacher assistants shall be elected by their respective groups by
secret ballot....Parents serving on school improvement teams shall reflect the racial and socioeconomic composition of the students enrolled in that school and shall not be members
of the building-level staff.”
Committee Position
Principal
Assistant Principal Representative
Teacher Representative
Teacher Representative
Teacher Representative
Teacher Representative
Inst. Support Representative
Inst. Support Representative
Teacher Assistant Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Name
Jessie Becker
ShaQuenna McLaughlin
Amanda Phelan
Nicia Wright
Chelsea Brown
Shaniekia Moore
Pamela Petry
Judith Strickland
Elaine Richardson
Veronica Spikes
Email Address
jessicaa.becker@cms.k12.nc.us
shaquennam.mclaughlin@cms.k12.nc.us
amanda1.phelan@cms.k12.nc.us
nicial.hoffman@cms.k12.nc.us
chelseal.smeader@cms.k12.nc.us
shaniekia.moore@cms.k12.nc.us
pamelak.petry@cms.k12.nc.us
judith.strickland@cms.k12.nc.us
elaine.richardson@cms.k12.nc.us
keta704@gmail.com
Date
Elected
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
8-20-14
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Vision Statement
District: CMS provides all students the best education available anywhere, preparing every child to lead a rich and productive life.
School: The mission of Hickory Grove is to enable every student with the essential tools for success today, tomorrow and beyond.
Mission Statement
District: The mission of CMS is to maximize academic achievement by every student in every school.
School: Our vision at Hickory Grove is to provide an innovative and nurturing learning environment in which all students reach their full potential
as life-long learners in a diverse global community.
Hickory Grove Elementary Shared Beliefs



Students will learn in a positive learning environment where
individual learning styles are supported through differentiation of
instruction
Student diversity and talents will be identified, valued, nurtured,
and celebrated
A safe and orderly environment promotes learning



Students will learn when actively engaged in authentic hands on
tasks that develop higher level thinking
Highly effective teachers work as a team with open
communication to develop efficient solutions to problems
The school will provide support for all teachers and support staff
through mentoring and professional development
Hickory Grove Elementary SMART Goals





Provide a duty-free lunch period for every teacher on a daily basis.
Provide duty-free instructional planning time for every teacher under G.S. 115C-105.27 and -301.1, with the goal of providing an average of at least 5
hours of planning time per week, to the maximum extent that the safety and proper supervision of students may allow during regular student contact
hours.
Provide a positive school climate, under CMS regulation JICK-R, by promoting a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassing behaviors.
Decrease student referrals by 20% through consistent procedures, a focus on character education and meeting the social developmental needs of the
students. (Goal=410, 2013-14=513)
Increase the percent of students who are college and career ready in reading, math, and science by 15% as measured by the North Carolina EOG
assessments from Spring 2014-Spring 2015. (Reading Goal=41%, Math Goal=50.8%, Science Goal=65.4%)
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Hickory Grove Elementary Assessment Data Snapshot
Measure Value
ALL
AMIN
ASIA
BLCK
HISP
MULT
WHTE
EDS
LEP
SWD
AIG
Reading
Participation Denominator
436
4
11
262
134
5
20
386
79
36
4
Reading
Participation Percent
100
0
0
100
100
0
0
100
100
100
0
Reading
Participation Status
Insuf.
Insuf.
Reading
Proficiency Denominator
3
10
231
Reading
Proficiency Percent
Reading
Goal Percent
Reading
Proficiency Status
Math
Met
392
Met
Met
Insuf.
125
Insuf.
5
Met
Met
Met
18
350
66
Insuf.
34
4
26
0
0
22.5
28
0
0
24.6
13.6
8.8
0
49.5
Not
Met
36.1
65.4
33
51.1
60.9
Insuf.
Met/CI
21.6
Not
Met
91.6
Insuf.
35.8
Not
Met
18.5
Insuf.
35.9
Not
Met
Insuf.
Participation Denominator
436
4
11
262
134
5
20
386
79
36
4
Math
Participation Percent
100
0
0
100
100
0
0
100
100
100
0
Math
Participation Status
Insuf.
Insuf.
Math
Proficiency Denominator
392
3
10
231
125
5
18
350
66
34
4
Math
Proficiency Percent
36
0
0
30.3
45.6
0
0
35.4
19.7
2.9
0
Math
Goal Percent
34.3
74.1
30
39.4
47.8
58.4
34.9
25.7
Proficiency Status
Insuf.
Insuf.
Met/CI
21.2
Not
Met
92.5
Math
48.1
Not
Met
Insuf.
Science
Participation Denominator
128
0
2
83
37
2
4
110
15
8
0
Science
Participation Percent
100
0
0
100
100
0
0
100
0
0
0
Science
Participation Status
Science
Proficiency Denominator
111
0
2
70
33
2
4
96
10
8
0
Science
Proficiency Percent
54.1
0
0
57.1
45.5
0
0
52.1
0
0
0
Science
Goal Percent
57
0
73.5
39.3
45.6
58.7
68.2
43.8
24.8
28.5
0
Science
Proficiency Status
Attendance
Rate
Attendance
Status
Met
Met
~
Met/CI
97.4
Met
Insuf.
Not
Met
Met
Met
Met
Insuf.
Met
Met
Insuf.
Met
Insuf.
Insuf.
Insuf.
Insuf.
Insuf.
Met
Met
Met
Met
Met
Insuf.
Insuf.
Insuf.
~
~
Insuf.
Met
Met/CI
Insuf.
Insuf.
Met
Insuf.
Insuf.
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Hickory Grove Elementary Profile
Hickory Grove Elementary is a traditional school that is located in an eastern suburban community in Charlotte, North Carolina. The historical
information for Hickory Grove dates back to 1923. This academic institution is unique in that it is considered two schools in one with a diverse and
transient population of students ranging from grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. In terms of classrooms, we have two EC separate setting
pre-kindergarten, 16 pre-kindergarten (4 inclusion and 12 general education), 10 kindergarten, 10 first grade, 8 second grade, 9 third grade, 7
fourth grade, and 7 fifth grade classrooms. Our average class size is 20. We have more than 1200 students enrolled for the 2014-2015 school year.
Of these students 52% are African American, 36.5% are Latino/Hispanic, 1% are American Indian, 6% are white, 2.0% are Asian and 2.6% are
other. At Hickory Grove, approximately 87% of students are considered economically disadvantaged, 16% are LEP, 7.8% are classified EC and
.9% are academically gifted. Despite the challenges we face, we are committed to a learning environment that promotes high learning expectations,
a nurturing environment, a collaborative culture, strong parental involvement and overall academic achievement in all subject areas in grades prekindergarten through five.
The administrative team includes a principal, two assistant principals and two deans of students. In addition to our administrative team, we have six
facilitators working to support and develop the effectiveness of classroom teachers. Two facilitators are dedicated to 2-5 literacy, two are dedicated
to 2-5 math, one is dedicated to K-1 reading and math, and one focuses her work with our pre-kindergarten team. We have numerous individuals
on staff to support our pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students, including two school counselors, a social worker, two family advocates, a
translator/interpreter, four ESL teachers, three EC teachers, two psychologists, a pre-kindergarten literacy support teacher, one behavior
modification technician, and two speech pathologists. There are sixty-nine pre-kindergarten-fifth grade homeroom teachers on staff as well as
nineteen assistants dedicated to pre-kindergarten, thirteen assistants and two title one tutors dedicated to kindergarten through fifth grades. Our
kindergarten-fifth grade students engage in cultural arts classes daily. In terms of cultural arts staff, we have two technology associates, a media
specialist, 1.5 art teachers, 1.5 physical education teachers, and 1.5 music teachers. Our school also serves the community at large through two
drive-in speech pathologists. All of our staff members are highly qualified and dedicated to meeting the needs of our students.
During the 2013-2014 school year, our school met 78.8% of the AMO targets. Our overall proficiency for college and career ready was 33.4%, and
46.1% for grade level proficiency. Our overall math college and career proficiency rate was 35.8, with 3rd grade at 32.4, 4th grade at 37.3 and 5th
grade at 37.8. Our overall reading college and career proficiency rate was 26, with 3rd grade at 23.4, 4th grade at 27.8 and 5th grade at 26.8. Our
overall science college and career proficiency rate for our fifth grade students was 50.4. There is still much work to be done, particularly for our LEP
and SWD population, to ensure that every student receives a high quality academic experience.
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
In the 2013-2014 school year, teachers at Hickory Grove worked in Professional Learning Communities to increase their effectiveness in meeting
the needs of students through the use of data. A variety of data sources were considered including: EOG results, common assessments, DIBELS,
TRC, MAP, PPVT, and PALS. In terms of balanced literacy, a large focus was placed on effectively implementing the Teacher’s College mini
lessons during reader’s workshop. This also included having students independently reading while teachers conducted 1-1 conferences. In
addition, TRC data was utilized during guided reading, where teachers taught guided reading groups and students rotated through literacy centers.
In terms of math, a large focus was placed on implementing the Investigations program with fidelity.
During the 2014-2015 school year, we will continue to work in Professional Learning Communities to increase our effectiveness in meeting the
needs of all students through the use of data. In all grades, we are focusing on structuring our weekly planning sessions to include a focus on data
in order to drive our daily small group instruction. Each grade has time in their daily schedule to allow for small group instruction based on student
data. In grades kindergarten-fifth, students take weekly common assessments in core reading and math, and that data is utilized to drive skill
groups in daily reading and math workshop times. In addition to skill groups based on weekly common assessment data, teachers are also
utilizing TRC, Dibels, MAP, PPVT, and PALS data to inform small group instruction. During daily reader’s workshop, teachers form and instruct skill
groups as well as guided reading groups in order to improve our proficiency levels in reading. In order to effectively plan on a weekly basis utilizing
this data, teachers have 90 minute as well as 50 minute planning sessions each week with a focus on reading, math or science. We are also
implementing quarterly data cycles. Each quarter, teachers provide a quarterly common assessment on all the standards that were taught in core,
and then they pace out the next quarter based on the data from the common assessment as well as new standards that students need to be taught.
This planning for the upcoming quarter will take place during all day planning sessions each quarter for each grade. Through the use of a variety
of assessments and dedicated time in the master schedule for small group instruction and teacher planning, we will remain focused on data driven
instruction throughout the year. In addition to data, our focus is also on effectively utilizing the standards to drive our instruction. So, our planning
sessions and our lessons are closely aligned to the standards and the rigor of the essential standards and common core.
In terms of balanced literacy, we are focusing on using data and the standards to drive our daily core reading, reader’s workshop, and word work
times in our master schedule. Literacy serves as the foundation of the academic program and every grade level has at least 120 minutes for
literacy instruction. Core reading is the time when students are exposed to grade level text and are focusing on a specific English Language Arts
Common Core comprehension standard. Word work is the time focused on the English Language Arts Common Core language and reading
foundational standards. Reader’s workshop is the time when students are reading texts based on their individual text level data and working on
individual reading goals. Teachers and support staff are working in small groups based on their skill level as well as their text level. During this time
teachers have additional support from instructional assistants, EC teachers, ESL teachers, literacy tutors and other support staff. Assistants, EC,
and ESL teachers support students during this time. Teachers also work to integrate literacy across the social studies/science content areas to
continue to build a strong foundation of literacy in students. Students receive forty-five minutes of science or social studies instruction daily and
participate in at least one science lab per week.
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
In terms of math, we are focusing on using data and the standards to drive our daily core math and math workshop times in our master schedule.
Math core is the time when students are focused on developing their skills and knowledge with the Math Common Core. Every grade level has at
least 90 minutes for math instruction. Math workshop is the time when students are grouped to focus on specific grade level and above/below
grade level skills that individual students may need. During math workshop, teachers are provided with the extra support of an instructional
assistant to help them meet individual student needs.
Through all of these efforts, professional development is key to our plan for success. Our professional development focus for the 2014- 2015 school
year includes Data Driven Instruction. Teachers will continue to receive professional development in the use of ongoing assessment tools such as
Reading 3D and MAPs and utilizing technology to enhance their instruction. These professional development opportunities will assist classroom
teachers in showing students how to transfer and apply knowledge while enhancing learning opportunities in all subject areas. Our six academic
facilitators will also be instrumental in coaching and developing our teachers. They provide regular feedback, conduct learning walks and co-teach
lessons. They utilize teacher-level data to target classrooms that need the most support and provide extra mentoring for beginning teachers.
For students that need additional support, outside of our regularly scheduled core and workshop times, we hold regular intervention team meetings.
Through these meetings our team is able to plan, implement and monitor interventions for students. Our facilitators provide input to suggest
additional academic supports and our counselor provides input in regard to supports with social/emotional needs. Outside of the intervention team,
we also provide additional supports for our students with Individual Education Plans as well as English Language Learner Plans through our
Exceptional Children and our English Language Learner teams. In terms of transitions, our pre-kindergarten teachers collaborate with our
kindergarten teachers to ensure that students transition smoothly from pre-kindergarten to kindergarten. Additionally, our counselor works closely
with middle school staff to transition our fifth grade students. Through these various supports, our students are able to get the support they need to
meet their fullest potential.
At Hickory Grove, our staff works to create a positive and nurturing school environment. We hold quarterly awards assemblies to honor student
academic progress. We have several programs for students to develop leadership qualities. Hickory Grove News Network is our student run
closed-circuit TV station. We have Men of Distinction for young men in fourth and fifth grade led by our deans, counselor and BMT. Fifth grade girls
have the opportunity to develop their social leadership through Ladies of Excellence. Fourth and fifth grade students have the opportunity to serve
as Safety Patrol, Step Team members, percussion and chorus members. We are working to establish an active Student Council and provide
regular incentives for students who do the right thing. Our school is taking part in the Achieve 225 grant, which provides our students with active
choices during daily recess.
Parental support is an important part of our school. We maintain open communication with parents through regular newsletters, ConnectEd
messages, conferences and events. Due to the high population of Spanish-speaking families at Hickory Grove, we utilized Title 1 funding to hire a
full time translator/interpreter. This person ensures that all of our communication with families is provided in English and Spanish. Parents are
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
encouraged to join our Parent Teacher Organization and School Leadership team. Through these organizations they provide input on school
improvement initiatives, help plan events, raise money for the school, volunteer and engage with the school community as a whole. In addition,
school committees plan several other events throughout the year to increase parental involvement. In 2014-2015, the following events are
scheduled to encourage parental involvement: Curriculum Night, Family Math and Literacy Night, Science Expo, Third Annual Talent Show, EOG
Night, Muffins for Moms, Donuts for Dads, Chick-Fil-A night, etc. These events are designed to get families into the school to learn about how they
can best support the academic and social development of their children. We have two full-time family advocates who serve as liaisons between
families and the school. They form and maintain partnerships with area organizations that can provide additional services for our families. We look
forward to increasing opportunities for parents to engage in the learning process moving forward.
Community partners join with the school to help meet the academic and social needs of the students. Our largest continuing partnership is with
Hickory Grove Baptist Church. This partnership has supported and continues to support our school in a variety of ways to include: beautifying the
school grounds, volunteering, fundraising, classroom buddies, celebrating the staff’s work, Fall Festival, and much more. In addition to the
partnership with Hickory Grove Baptist Church, we are partnered with Thompson’s Child and Family Services, A Child’s Place, and Hickory Grove
Methodist Church to help meet the needs of our students. Hickory Grove Methodist Church provides daily snack bags for 50 families on a weekly
basis, food and gifts for families during the holidays, and volunteers to support childcare during PTO meetings. Area restaurants, including Papa
John’s Pizza and Chick-fil-A, partner with the school to host evenings that raise money to support our efforts. In 2014-2015 we will continue to
develop these partnerships and expand our impact.
We are excited about the progress at Hickory Grove Elementary School and the direction we are going. Over the course of the next year, our goal
is to ensure that each and every student that walks through our doors is receiving an excellent education, focused on individual needs. It is
important that we continue to grow our staff through professional development and leadership opportunities. We look forward to strengthening our
parental involvement and community partnerships to ensure we are addressing the social and emotional needs of our students. Though we face
many challenges and our students are still behind their middle class peers academically, we are committed to overcoming the obstacles and
closing the achievement gap. Every child deserves access to an education that will prepare them to accomplish any goal they set and be prepared
to be productive citizens.
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Strategic Plan 2018: For a Better Tomorrow
Goal 1: Maximize academic achievement in a personalized
21st-century learning environment for every child to
graduate college- and career-ready
Four focus areas:
I.
College- and career-readiness
II. Academic growth/high academic achievement
III. Access to rigor
IV. Closing achievement gaps
Goal 3: Cultivate partnerships with families, businesses,
faith-based groups and community organizations to provide
a sustainable system of support and care for each child
Three focus areas:
I.
Family engagement
II. Communication and outreach
III. Partnership development
Goal 5: Optimize district performance and accountability by
strengthening data use, processes and systems
Four focus areas:
I.
Effective and efficient processes and systems
II. Strategic use of district resources
III. Data integrity and use
IV. School performance improvement
Goal 2: Recruit, develop, retain and reward a premier
workforce
Five focus areas:
I.
Proactive recruitment
II. Individualized professional development
III. Retention/quality appraisals
IV. Multiple career pathways
V. Leadership development
Goal 4: Promote a system-wide culture of safety, high
engagement, cultural competency and customer service
Five focus areas:
I.
Physical safety
II. Social and emotional health
III. High engagement
IV. Cultural competency
V. Customer service
Goal 6: Inspire and nurture learning, creativity, innovation
and entrepreneurship through technology and strategic
school redesign
Four focus areas:
I.
Learning everywhere, all the time
II. Innovation and entrepreneurship
III. Strategic school redesign
IV. Innovative new schools
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
SMART Goal (1):
Provide a duty-free lunch period for every teacher on a daily basis.
Duty Free Lunch for Teachers
Strategic Plan Goal:
Strategic Plan Focus Area:
Navigator Pathway:
Goal 2: Recruit, develop, and retain a premier workforce.
Teacher Retention
Enter Kindergarten ready
At/Above Grade Level in
Math Grades 3-5
Data Used:
Advanced Reading in K-2
Successful completion of
Math I in grade 9
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 3
Take and pass at least 1
AP/IB/Post-Secondary class &
exam
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 7
Score 1550 on SAT or 22
on ACT
Statutory Reference: 115C-105.27 (b) (6)
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
1. Lunch coverage will be provided by
lunch monitors and volunteers for
supervision of students in K-5 in both the
Annex and the Main building.
 Parent Advocates will recruit
volunteers to monitor daily lunch
times in order to support the
work of the lunch monitors
 Provide training for volunteers
several times per year.
2. Master Schedule: The schedule for
lunches in both the Annex and the Main
building has been arranged to manage
the number of students in the cafeteria at
any given time. Additionally, the schedule
has been organized to utilize TA
supervision during student lunch while
still providing a designated lunch time for
teacher assistants.
Point Person
Evidence of Success
Funding
(title/name)
(Student Impact)
(estimated
cost / source)
Admin
(Woodruff,
Dermott)
Submission of applicant names;
hiring of lunch monitors;
Attendance of monitors
CMS
Parent Advocate
(Walker and
Alhassan)
Cafeteria Manager
(Evelyn Ennis,
Lisa Hall)
N/A
Timeline
(Start—End)
 Interim
Dates
Admin
(Sept-June)
Parent
Advocates
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Lunch
Monitors
Lunch Schedule
Admin
(Woodruff,
Dermott)
Personnel
Involved
Admin
(Sept.-June)
Cafeteria
Manager
(Evelyn,
Ennis)
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
3. School Behavior Matrix: The behavior
matrix, posted throughout the school and
the cafeteria sets clear behavioral
expectations for students and
incentivizes positive behaviors.
Admin
(Becker,
McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Reduced number of student
discipline referrals
N/A
Admin
(Sept-June)
Discipline
Committee
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Lunch
Monitors
BMT
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
SMART Goal (2):
Duty Free Instructional Planning Time
Strategic Plan Goal:
Strategic Plan Focus Area:
Navigator Pathway:
Provide duty-free instructional planning time for every teacher under G.S. 115C-105.27 and 301.1, with the goal of proving an average of at least five hours of planning time per week, to
the maximum extent that the safety and proper supervision of students may allow during
regular student contact hours.
Goal 2: Recruit, develop, and retain a premier workforce.
Professional Development, Retention, Leadership
x
Enter Kindergarten ready
At/Above Grade Level in
Math Grades 3-5
Data Used:
x
Advanced Reading in K-2
Successful completion of
Math I in grade 9
x At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 3
Take and pass at least 1
AP/IB/Post-Secondary class &
exam
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 7
Score 1550 on SAT or 22
on ACT
Statutory Reference 115C-105.27
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
Point Person
Evidence of Success
Funding
(title/name)
(Student Impact)
(estimated
cost / source)
1. Master Schedule:
 Create a Master Schedule allowing
duty free instructional planning for
every teacher for 90 minutes once
a week and 50 minutes four times
a week.
 Implement 80 minute
planning/lunch common planning
time daily for Cultural Arts
Teachers
Principal (Becker)
Master Schedule
N/A
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff, Dermott,
Phillips)
Classroom Observations
2.Arrange Class Coverage:
 Cultural Arts team covers
classroom teachers for 50 minutes
daily and 90 minutes 1 day per
Admin
(Woodruff, Dermott,
Phillips)
Master Schedule
Team Minutes
Classroom Observations
N/A
Personnel
Involved
Timeline
(Start—End)
 Interim
Dates
Admin
Facilitators
Classroom
Teachers
EC/ESL
Teachers
Cultural Arts
Teachers
Teacher
Assistants
(Sept-June)
Admin
Facilitators
Classroom
Teachers
(Sept-June)
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report

week
Teacher Assistants cover as
needed
3. Maximize planning effectiveness through
the use of 50 and 90 minute planning
templates
 Templates represent focus on
standards and data
 Admin and Facilitator attendance
in every single planning session
for reading and math
 Provide resources to understand
standards and effectively utilize
data in planning sessions
4. Establish other means of communication
to ensure that planning time is focused on
instruction (data and standards)
 Wildcat Word: weekly staff
newsletter
 Sending emails instead of
conducting meetings
 Monthly Staff Meetings
 Removing all non-instructional
items from planning agendas
Team Minutes
Principal (Becker)
Planning Agendas
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Dermott, Phillips)
Resources for Planning: Question
Stems, Unpacking documents,
Data Spreadsheets/Analysis Tools
Facilitators (Giers,
Ricks,
Kreutzberger,
Hakeem)
Teacher Feedback on Planning
Principal (Becker)
Wildcat Word
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Dermott, Phillips)
Staff Meeting Agendas
Planning Agendas
N/A
N/A
EC/ESL
Teachers
Cultural Arts
Teachers
Teacher
Assistants
Admin
Mar. 16
May 11
Facilitators
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Admin
(Sept-June)
Facilitators
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
(Sept-June)
Facilitators (Giers,
Ricks,
Kreutzberger,
Hakeem)
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
SMART Goal (3):
Anti-Bullying / Character
Education
Provide a positive school climate, under CMS regulation JICK-R, by promoting a safe learning environment free of
bullying and harassing behaviors.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 4: Promote a system-wide culture of safety, high engagement, customer service, and
cultural competence.
Physical Safety, High Engagement, Cultural Competency, Social and Emotional Health
Strategic Plan Focus Area:
Navigator Pathway:
Enter Kindergarten ready
At/Above Grade Level in
Math Grades 3-5
Data Used:
Advanced Reading in K-2
Successful completion of
Math I in grade 9
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 3
Take and pass at least 1
AP/IB/Post-Secondary class &
exam
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 7
Score 1550 on SAT or 22
on ACT
Statutory Reference: 115C-105.27 (b) (2) School Safety Audits; Teacher/Parent/Student
Surveys; Suspension Rates
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
Point Person
Evidence of Success
Funding
(title/name)
(Student Impact)
(estimated
cost / source)
1. Bully Liaison / Bully-prevention
 School Leadership Training:
School leadership is aware of
CMS district wide plan, provided
with the Safety and Respect of
All BP manual, and provided with
train the trainer materials.
 School Staff Training: School
Leadership will provide
information to all teachers and
support staff selected by the
principal regarding the district
wide program, school efforts and
BP awareness
Principal (Becker)
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Guidance
Counselor (Diggs,
Massey)
SLT will lead bullying prevention
efforts of Hickory Grove
Elementary
School Staff will have an
understanding of Hickory Grove’s
bullying prevention efforts and
expectations
Discipline/Behavior Committee
establishes clear objectives as
indicated in the CMS district plan
N/A
Personnel
Involved
Timeline
(Start—End)
 Interim
Dates
Admin
(Sept-June)
Guidance
Counselor
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11-June
SLT members
Discipline/
Behavior
Committee
BMT
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report

Discipline/Behavior Committee:
encompasses character
education and anti-bullying
curriculum
2.Character Education
 Guidance conferences
 Intervention time: character
education curriculum is
mandated school wide every day
for the first two weeks of school
and continuing character
education lessons/teaching
points are developed through the
discipline committee
 Implement monthly character
traits
 Incorporate character education
into Health Curriculum
3. Healthy Active Child 30 min.
 Implement moderate to rigorous
30 minute structured physical
activity daily in all classroom
schedules
 Implement 45 minutes per week
with the certified PE teacher
 PE teachers will support
classroom teachers by providing
guidance and ideas on activities
and athletic equipment
 Achieve 225: Participate in a
federal grant that will focus on
students getting the appropriate
amount of physical activity during
daily as well as getting education
on healthy nutrition
Lesson plans
Guidance
Counselor (Diggs,
Massey)
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Classroom observations
Admin
Announcement of monthly class
character trait winners on the
morning news or announcements
Guidance
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11-June
Bulletin board of Character Trait
winners
BMT
Counselor
PTO
Principal (Becker)
Classroom Schedules
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Classroom Observations
Admin
Master Schedule
PE Teachers
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
PE Teachers (Wix
and Doster)
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
4. School Health Team
 Establishes a school Health
Advisory Committee-Action for
Healthy Eating
 The committee plans,
implements and monitors the
implementation of the healthy
food plan
 The committee will meet monthly
 The committee will include the
following members:
o School Nurse
o Cafeteria Manager
o Parent
o Classroom Teacher
o Administrator
o Social Worker
Principal (Becker)
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
School Nurse
(Zusin)
Minutes from the committee
meetings
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Admin
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Schedule of meetings
School Nurse
Cafeteria
Manager
Social Worker
Cafeteria Manager
(Ennis)
Social Worker
(Joslin)
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
SMART Goal (4):
Strategic Plan Goal:
Strategic Plan Focus Area:
Navigator Pathway:
Decrease the number of student discipline referrals by 20% through a focus on character
education and meeting the social development needs of each student. (Goal=410, 201314=513)
Goal 4: Promote a system-wide culture of safety, high engagement, customer service, and
cultural competence.
Physical Safety, High Engagement, Cultural Competence, Social and Emotional Health
Enter Kindergarten ready
At/Above Grade Level in
Math Grades 3-5
Data Used:
Advanced Reading in K-2
Successful completion of
Math I in grade 9
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 3
Take and pass at least 1
AP/IB/Post-Secondary class &
exam
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 7
Score 1550 on SAT or 22
on ACT
Suspension Rates, Incident Reports
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
Point Person
Evidence of Success
Funding
(title/name)
(Student Impact)
(estimated
cost / source)
1. School-wide behavior plan/Discipline
Committee:
 Wildcat Bucks: students receive
bucks as incentives for
demonstrating positive behavior
 School Consequences as well as
Expectations provided to staff
from discipline team in order to
provide clarity around referrals
as well as student expectations
 Wildcat WOW Chart: Color Clip
System used in every classroom
to support positive behavior
 Character Education Curriculum:
written curriculum for character
education lessons provided to
Principal (Becker)
Grade level classes with the most
Wildcat bucks will receive an
incentive at the end of each
quarter
N/A
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Guidance
Counselor (Diggs,
Massey)
Classroom Walkthroughs/
Informal and formal observations
Personnel
Involved
Timeline
(Start—End)
 Interim
Dates
Principal
(Sept-June)
Admin
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Guidance
Counselor
BMT
Observational data
Lesson Plans
Discipline
Committee
BMT (Bradley)
Classroom
Teachers
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
teachers by the counselor to be
taught by the counselor or the
homeroom teacher throughout
the year
 Modified Behavioral Plans:
implemented for students who
have difficulty following
classroom and school
expectations
 Student Services Team
Referrals: Teachers complete
Student service team referrals
via the Google form to refer
students they need more support
with and then the student is
given a case manager from the
student services team to work
with the teacher to design
interventions
2. In School Suspension:
 Managed by the school Behavior
Management Technician and
Deans of Students/Assistant
Principal
 Intended to re-teach positive
behaviors in the instance that
students have repeatedly failed
to meet behavioral expectations
 Constructive alternative to out of
school suspension
3. Mentor/ Lunch Buddies

Utilize community volunteers from
local civic and faith based
organizations as well as local
institutions of higher education to
establish relationships with at-risk
students through weekly meetings.
Admin (Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Reduced number in student
discipline referrals
N/A
Admin
(Sept-June)
BMT
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Assistant
Principals
(Sept-June)
BMT (Bradley)
Parent Advocate
(Alhassan and
Walker)
Feedback from weekly meetings with
students
Community Involvement
Guidance Counselor
(Diggs, Massey)
Local Partnerships
N/A
Parent
Advocates
Guidance
Counselor
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
4. School Clubs/Organizations to
increase self-esteem, self-worth and to
build student leadership
 Men of Distinction
 Ladies of Excellence
 Chorus
 Percussion
 STEP Team
 Student Council
 Girls on the Run
Success Charts
Guidance
Counselor (Diggs,
Massey)
Music Teachers
(Cipolletti and
Ventresca)
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Observational Data
Admin
Reduced number of student
discipline referrals
Guidance
Counselor
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Music
Teachers
Step Coaches
Step Coaches
Parent Advocates
(Alhassan and
Walker)
5. School Uniforms
 Consistent communication
around uniform expectations
 Parent contact/change of clothes
in the instance of students out of
compliance with uniform
 Seek out donations for uniform
closet at the school
 Continue partnership with
Operation School Bell to supply
uniforms to students in need
Parent
Advocates
Parent Surveys
Parent Advocate
(Alhassan and
Walker)
Social Worker
(Joslin)
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Student Surveys
Admin
Reduced number of student
discipline referrals
Parent
Advocates
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Social Worker
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
SMART Goal (5):
Strategic Plan Goal:
Strategic Plan Focus Area:
Navigator Pathway:
Increase the percent of students who are college and career ready in reading, math, and
science by 15% as measured by the North Carolina EOG assessments from Spring 2014Spring 2015. (Reading Goal=41%, Math Goal=50.8%, Science Goal=65.4%)
Goal 5: Optimize district performance and accountability by strengthening data use,
processes and systems.
Data Integrity and Data Use
Enter Kindergarten ready
At/Above Grade Level in
Math Grades 3-5
Data Used:
Advanced Reading in K-2
Successful completion of
Math I in grade 9
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 3
Take and pass at least 1
AP/IB/Post-Secondary class &
exam
At/Above Grade Level in
Reading/Writing Grade 7
Score 1550 on SAT or 22
on ACT
Teacher Surveys, EOG Assessment Results
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
Point Person
Evidence of Success
Funding
(title/name)
(Student Impact)
(estimated
cost / source)
1. Provide daily differentiated instruction
in the form of:
 Flexible grouping
 Guided reading groups
 One-on-one conferencing
 Skill Groups (non-mastery,
partial mastery, mastery,
enrichment)
Principal (Becker)
Daily Exit Tickets
N/A
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Grouping indicated on lesson
plans as small group instruction
Facilitators
(Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Giers,
Hakeem)
Personnel
Involved
(Start—End)
 Interim
Dates
Principal
(Sept-June)
Admin
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Facilitators
90 minute planning agenda and
minutes/notes
Timeline
Classroom
Teachers
Informal/formal observations
Master Schedule with daily
workshops
EC/ESL inclusion co-taught
groups
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
2. Quarterly Data Cycle
 Creation of quarterly common
assessments based on
classroom instruction
 Item analysis of the test
 All day planning day for all
classroom teachers
Principal (Becker)
Assessment
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Quarterly planning agenda
Admin
Analysis spreadsheet
Facilitators
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Pacing Calendar
Classroom
Teachers
Facilitators
(Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Giers,
Hakeem)
2. Professional Development driven
around daily instruction
 Driven by Data book
study with all team
leaders, admin,
facilitators
 Monthly professional
development provided
by facilitators
4. Utilize data in weekly planning
sessions
 Utilize template for weekly
workshop planning sessions that
outlines use of data for skill
groups based on core data as
well as groups based on
MAP/TRC data
 Utilize quarterly pacing based on
previous quarter’s common
assessment data to determine
daily objectives for core planning
Principal (Becker)
Learning Walks
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Implementation of Strategies from
PD
Facilitators
(Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Giers,
Hakeem)
Artifacts from Book Study
Principal (Becker)
Weekly planning agendas
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Facilitators
(Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Giers,
Hakeem)
Core independent practice that is
utilized to inform skill groups
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Admin
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Facilitators
Feedback Forms
Classroom
Teachers
Agendas/Handouts from monthly
facilitator PD sessions
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Weekly workshop lesson plans
Admin
Quarterly and weekly common
assessments
Facilitators
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Classroom
Teachers
Walkthroughs of math and
reader’s workshops
21
2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
and instruction
Have admin member as well as
facilitator in all weekly planning
sessions to support use of data
 Provide a school-wide yearlong
data tracker that all homeroom
teachers utilize to input major
assessment data throughout the
year
 Utilize quarterly data analysis
spreadsheets for teachers to
analyze quarterly common
assessment data and plan for
the upcoming quarter
5. Utilize common core/essential
standards to guide all planning
 Provide standards and daily
objectives on each planning
agenda prior to meeting
 Provide monthly professional
development in regard to
understanding the ELA and Math
Common Core
 Refer to unpacking, released
EOG’s, question stems and
standards when discussing each
lesson during planning

Yearlong data tracker
Quarterly assessment analysis
sheets
Principal (Becker)
Weekly planning agendas
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Facilitators
(Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Giers,
Hakeem)
N/A
Principal
(Sept-June)
Observations of Planning
Admin
Lesson Plans
Facilitators
Nov. 17
Jan. 19
Mar. 16
May 11
Classroom
Teachers
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Mastery Grading Procedures Plan – Required for All Schools
Goal 1: Maximize academic achievement in a personalized 21st-century learning environment
for every child to graduate college- and career-ready.
Strategic Plan Focus Area: Academic growth/high academic achievement
At/Above Grade Level in
At/Above Grade Level in
Navigator Pathway:
Enter Kindergarten ready
Advanced Reading in K-2
Reading/Writing Grade 3
Reading/Writing Grade 7
Strategic Plan Goal:
At/Above Grade Level in
Math Grades 3-5
Data Used:
Successful completion of
Math I in grade 9
Take and pass at least 1
AP/IB/Post-Secondary class &
exam
Score 1550 on SAT or 22
on ACT
Summative Assessments, EOG Assessment Results, PowerSchool Grade Book
Strategies (determined by what data)
 Task
 Task
 Task (PD)
Point Person
Evidence of Success
Funding
(title/name)
(Student Impact)
(estimated
cost / source)
1. Common assessments
 Pre- and post- assessments
created in School Net aligned to
objectives
 Quarterly Common Assessments
will be created and used each
quarter
2. Data disaggregation
 Student Achievement will be
monitored by objective in order
to facilitate
remediation/intervention plans
(i.e. RTI)
Facilitators
(Giers,
Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Hakeem)
Increased achievement on post
assessments
N/A
Principal (Becker)
Lesson Plans for core and
workshop groups
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott, Phillips)
Personnel
Involved
Admin
Timeline
(Start—End)
 Interim
Dates
Sept - June
Facilitators
Disaggregated data from
common assessments
N/A
Admin
Sept - June
Facilitators
Differentiated Instruction provided
in lesson plans
Classroom
Teachers
Facilitators (Giers,
Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Hakeem)
23
2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
3. Flexible grouping

Process of grouping students
according to academic need by
objective
4. Additional learning opportunities
 Teachers will provide additional
learning opportunities and reteaching and enable students to
retake formal assessments where
they have not demonstrated
objective mastery. The re-test
grade will replace the original
grade.
 Teachers may assign an initial
score of zero to an assignment or
assessment on which a student
made no attempt or which is
missing.
 Teachers will not assign a final
score of less than fifty percent to
an assignment or assessment on
which a student made a concerted
effort.
 Students with 504, IEP or LEP
plans should receive
accommodations and modifications
on assignments and assessments
as outlined in the individual student
plan. Students will be given the
necessary supports to engage in
on-grade level content but should
Facilitators
(Giers,
Kreutzberger,
Ricks, Hakeem)
Reading and Math Workshop
Lesson Plans
N/A
Admin
Sept - June
Facilitators
Classroom
Teachers
Principal
(Becker)
Progress Reports
Report Cards
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott,
Phillips)
N/A
Admin
Sept - June
Classroom
Teachers
Teacher Gradebook
EC/ESL inclusion teaching
EC/ESL
Teachers
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
not be penalized in grading due to
performing below grade level.
5. Late and make-up work
 Late and make-up work will be
accepted by all teachers. Students
who miss work because of
absences, whether excused or
unexcused will be allowed to make
up work within five school days
and will be initiated by the teacher.
 If a student was present in class on
the due date, the work may be
given less credit. If the student was
not present on the due date
because of an excused absence,
full credit will be given. If a student
was not present on the due date
because of an unexcused
absence, work may be given less
credit.
6. Grade reporting
 Teachers will record grades in
PowerSchool within seven school
days of the assignment’s due date
 Teachers may assign an initial
score of zero to an assignment or
assessment on which a student
made no attempt or which is
missing.
 Teachers will not assign a final
score of less than fifty percent to
an assignment or assessment on
which a student made a concerted
effort.
Principal
(Becker)
Teacher Gradebook
N/A
Progress Reports
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott,
Phillips)
Principal
(Becker)
Sept - June
Classroom
Teachers
Excused/Unexcused Absence
Notes as documented in
PowerSchool
Progress Reports
Report Cards
Admin
(McLaughlin,
Woodruff,
Dermott,
Phillips)
Admin
N/A
Admin
Sept - June
Classroom
Teachers
Teacher Gradebook
Secretaries
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report


Graded assignments will be
aligned with content standards.
40% of quarter grade will include
classwork, informal assessments
and homework. 60% of quarter
grade will include formal
assessments.
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Approval of Plan
Committee Position
Name
Signature
Date
Jessie Becker
Principal
ShaQuenna McLaughlin
Assistant Principal Representative
Amanda Phelan
Teacher Representative
Nicia Wright
Teacher Representative
Chelsea Brown
Teacher Representative
Shaniekia Moore
Teacher Representative
Pamela Petry
Inst. Support Representative
Judith Strickland
Inst. Support Representative
Elaine Richardson
Teacher Assistant Representative
Veronica Spikes
Parent Representative
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Quarter 2 Review
Committee Position
Name
Signature
Date
Principal
Assistant Principal Representative
Teacher Representative
Inst. Support Representative
Teacher Assistant Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Quarter 3 Review
Committee Position
Name
Signature
Date
Principal
Assistant Principal Representative
Teacher Representative
Inst. Support Representative
Teacher Assistant Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
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2014-2015 Hickory Grove Elementary School Improvement Plan Report
Quarter 4 Review
Committee Position
Name
Signature
Date
Principal
Assistant Principal Representative
Teacher Representative
Inst. Support Representative
Teacher Assistant Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
30