North Shore Hebrew Academy
General Studies Goals for the
2015– 2016 School Year
WHERE HAVE WE
BEEN?
WHERE WOULD WE
LIKE TO GO?
How did we do last year?
 NY State Test scores – grades 3,4,5, 6, 7
 Achievements of 2014-2015
2014 – 2015 Achievements
 Implementation of new Common Core reading program (Wonders) and new
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Common Core Math program (Go! Math) in grades 1-5
Improved reading growth as measured by running records and 2014-2015 state tests
On 8 out of 10 Common Core State exams students did better than the year before
We did better or the same as JFK and North Middle on 7 out of 10 exams
New writing program emphasizing writing with detail
Every middle school students had full group, small group, and one-on-one writing
instruction
Interdisciplinary assembly program and family history project for third grade
Implementation of new computer instruction software
Additional math and science enrichment in lower grades and math remediation
Math/science enrichment in kindergarten
Increased academic support for children that included more experienced teachers
Assemblies and trips for all grades, special assemblies, speakers for holidays,
commemorations, etc.
Student Govt. spirit events (e.g. pajama day), Spirit Week, student internships
Upgrade Phys. Ed program
Revised ASA program
Achievements (continued)
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Expansion of Smart Boards to grade 1 and 2, document cameras
Upgrading of computers – instructional technology plan developed, and new director of
educational technology hired
New improved and simplified school management system – Parent Locker very positively
received
Literary Magazine, school newspaper, memory book, yearbook, writing competition
Increased reading support at Cherry Lane
Grant from district for Literacy Coach
Exciting competitions including Word of the Day, Spelling Bees,word searches, rebuses,
calcutrivia, art, etc.
Improved behavior of students, especially on buses
Anti-bullying groups and Same but Different program
Effective Child Study Teams and support services
Success in accelerated programs for exceptional math students – 3 geometry students
More personalized 6th grade orientation program
Improved parent communication, regular newsletters
Increased instructional links and activities on web site
Championship Debate Team.. Again!
School painted, new roof, new bathrooms, refurbished auditorium, new awning, new
classroom, etc.
Where Do We Want To Go?
2015-2016 GOALS
Goal 1: To Improve Academic Achievement
at All Levels
 To continue to improve our
student performance on the
Common Core NY State exams
without excessive test prep
 To improve all student reading
levels (by at least 3 letters) from
September to June in grades 1 - 5
 To once again have 85% of all
students grades 5 and 8 achieve
mastery level on the computer
competency checklist
Goal 1 (continued)
 To offer writing labs in grades 6, 7, and 8
 To emphasize and encourage independent reading
at all levels
 To improve student knowledge of current events,
especially related to our theme of tolerance
 To continue support for science fair students
 To individualize programs for exceptional math
students
 To expand after-school programs at Old Mill
Goal 2: To Continue to Develop Instructional
Initiatives Across the Grades and Curriculum
 To develop pilot programs in 5th
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and 6th grade English and Soc.
Studies using iPads
To develop a metric to measure
student writing abilities/levels
Relook at our “boot camp” program
in 6th and 7th grade English classes
Prioritize individualized writing
conferences for middle school
students
To increase word processing skills
of student writers
GOAL 2 (continued)
 Continue Independent Reading Fridays and
book groups with all middle school English
classes
 Train faculty to use ESL techniques for
students who speak other languages at home
 To revise Reading Wonders program in grades
1 – 5 based on last year’s experience
 Increase science instruction through our tech
specials (STEM)
 Expand remediation and enrichment
opportunities in math and reading
Goal 2 (Continued)
 Refine our policies related to awards at Old Mill
 To improve how students communicate
mathematical solutions to problems
 To increase use of mathematical manipulatives
Goal 3: To More Fully Integrate
Technology as a Tool for Learning and
Management of Information
 Expand our STEM instruction to include coding,
teaching science via technology, and introduce
chrome books in 5th and 6th grade
 Improve functionality of NSHA’s website
 Improve abilities of students as word processors
 Develop the role of our new Director of
Educational Technology
 Upgrade our Smart Boards
 Increase and improve lesson planning using Smart
Software
 Implement new curriculum materials and software
in our K-8 programs
 Introduce new Piano lab program for 6th and 7th
grade
 To work closely with our Tech committee to develop
initiatives
GOAL 4: To support the staff development
interests and needs of the faculty and staff
 Support and mentor
teachers and staff new to
the Academy
 Continue the role of our
Literacy Coach
 Make best use of
instructional time by
reducing interruptions
 To bring in experts to
address faculty staff
development needs and
interests, especially in
implementing the common
core curriculum
Goal 4 (continued)
 To increase faculty visitations to
outstanding school programs and
encourage participation in conferences and
coursework
 To focus on how lesson plans evolve and
are an invaluable tool for teachers
 To support our new librarian, learning
center staff, Food Director, Tech Director,
School psychologist, new assistant
teachers, and enrichment teachers
Goal 4 (continued)
 To focus budget priorities on improving instruction,
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acquiring common core materials, and developing
innovative programs, especially in tech, library, and
ELA
To focus on how we speak to each other about children
and to review privacy issues related to students, their
behavior and records
To continue to set and achieve goals with each member
of the faculty
To increase teacher tech skills and increase publicity of
class activities and achievements on Parent Locker
To support our new Early Childhood initiatives
Goal 5: To promote the support of all
students, especially those who are having
academic difficulties or have special talents
 To continue to minimize pull-out of students
with special needs
 Make best use of the Child Study Teams, social
groups and Advisory groups at Cherry Lane and
Old Mill
 To continue to improve the nutrition of students
and improve the quality of school lunches and
food choices for parties and celebrations
 To implement our yearly theme related to
tolerance and positive intergroup relationships
GOAL 5 (continued)
 To continue programs that address safety and good
behavior on school buses and on the playground
 Continue to expand anti-bullying programs,
especially related to social media and technology
Goal 5 (Continued)
 Improve supervision at recess and develop “time out”
penalties that are effective
 To support teachers to develop strategies to manage
poorly behaved students
 Improve all security procedures and implement all
safety drills
GOAL 6: To improve school-
home and intra-school
communications
 Increase parent participation in the progress
of their children, especially in the Learning
Center
 Continue our reach-out efforts to prospective
parents
 Work with PTA to provide workshops to help
parents
 To regularly and consistently keep parents
posted about their children – no surprises
 To increase positive publicity
Goal 7: To develop and manage a responsible
and successful school budget
 1. To work with Board to provide resources to run a
high quality instructional program
 2. To manage all budget codes so that we end year in
the black
 3. To handle budget exigencies related to personnel,
buildings and grounds, capital improvements,
technology, and program development
 4. To support and supervise the Director of Finance,
and work closely with the Executive Director, Head
of School, and Board on budgetary matter
Goal 7 (continued)
 5. To attract and retain quality teachers
 6. To manage many changes in Health benefits due
to ACA
 7. To continue to maintain strong relationships and
acquire financial support from the school district
How do we get there?
 Set goals
 Collaborate
 Take chances
 Help each other out
 Praise good work
 Identify and fix
what’s not working
 Have high
expectations
 Enjoy the kids
HAVE A GREAT YEAR!