I'm writing all of you to let you know how PROUD I am of your hard work this year. The State of Florida releases school grades each summer that don't always show the true impact that has been made on a campus. We had a setback this year, and dropped a letter grade, missing the "C" by just 2%. We will not let this define who we are! We will grow stronger, work harder, and thrive. We have made our best efforts with our lowest students to make gains, and we fell just short as a school, which cost us the momentum we have built in so many other areas. However, this will not change our course and our destiny. We are Little Indians, and this is just part of a bigger journey that we will take together on our way to an "A!"
Do not let this school grade discourage you. Hold your head up high Little Indians, because you accomplished amazing things this year, including going up on the Science FSA and increasing in reading. Just know there is so much that was not measured on that particular test, on that particular day. For example, our entire school showed over a year and a half of growth through our iReady diagnostics in reading! Our fourth grade accomplished almost 2 years of growth alone! We read over 10 million words, just in the month of April. Our tribe has become a literacy legend and we will continue our love of reading into next year. Our math proficiency on iReady went up 10% and we are building the foundation for huge gains next year. You also surpassed the goal of doing 5,000 acts of kindness in just 15 days and earned our school the honor of being recognized as the school of the month by the national Think Kindness organization. You were recognized as one of only twenty schools nationwide doing innovative activities to earn us a grant from Crayola to continue our project based learning. YOU are more than a test!
What that score does not show is the change in our school climate. Each day we start off giving high fives, fist bumps, and hugs to start us off strong. As we enter our classes we share our Pledge of Allegiance and our Kids at Hope pledge. The test score will not show that we believe, now more than ever, that we are talented, smart, and capable of success. Remember, a test will not measure your potential!
What the letter grade will not show is that we have become a campus of caring and kindness. We have lowered our discipline, learned to self-regulate, built meditation and social skills training for those of us that need extra reminders, and have become a true tribe of compassion. It will not show how many students open doors for others, help each other when we are down, hold each others hands when we are scared, or comfort each other when we are sad. The test doesn't show how many students are now earning our awesome PBIS glow parties and exciting celebrations we have each month. They certainly don't show the fun that comes along with the improvements here at Vero Beach Elementary.
The test will not show how so many 5th graders chose to challenge themselves this year by starting band in 5th grade. It doesn't recognize how many of you are finding paths now, through exploration and choice, to passions that will lead you to life long learning. It doesn't represent the amazing triumphs I witnessed as you explored technology, learning about coding, ozobots, spheros, virtual reality, bee-bots, and Lego robotics.
Finally, the test scores will not ever show the amount of love on our campus. Our teachers and staff truly care about each and every single one of you. We recognize you are more than a test score.
Students, I want you to know that as a principal, I'm committed to making this the best school in the entire district. Your teachers and I are spending time this summer learning and growing while you are on break. We are committed to constantly improve so you can get the best education as possible, regardless of your zip code, income level, or current situation. As a kid who went to Title-One schools myself, I will tell you that this grade is just one measure of a school, but does not reflect potential of the kids for becoming successful in life! We will show the entire community that we are one tribe, committed to VBE!
Most Sincerely,
PROUD Principal
Cindy Emerson
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