Due to privacy regulations we cannot comment on the specifics of a 15 year old student that has received a lot of media attention. But, should a student ask to pump breast milk at school, this is what our response would be.
Lake Forest High School has many female staff members who have personal experience with breast feeding their own children and managing that goal after returning to work. They are wonderful resources for teen moms wishing to do the same. We encourage any teen mom to seek their advice.
We have no specially designed room for that purpose but we would do our best to accommodate that student’s request. The student would be responsible for providing her own cooler for storage. Any refrigerators in school are in use for other purposes. To use them to also store a student’s pumped breast milk would risk contamination.
Our teen moms have access to the DAPI program in Camden which is specifically designed to support pregnant teens. There they can take their classes, take their baby with them, breast feed and pump whenever necessary. A student who chooses to leave that environment and return to regular school also chooses to leave behind a certain level of support.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
2012 in Review
Everybody has their version of the year in review. Although our school years always straddle two calendar years, I thought it would be interesting to review 2012 in Lake Forest. We'll not go month by month but lay out some of the seasonal events. I’m going by memory here so this is not a comprehensive list - just those things that I remember. It was a very good year.
Winter:
• It was a very mild winter with no snow days and little accumulated snow due to the fact that I bought a new snow blower. Weather was great but snow blower would’ve been fun.
Spring:
• We launched the Spartan Sprouts – a home visiting program where parents of new born babies would get some coaching and assistance in the development of their children in order to help them be prepared for school when the time comes.
• Spring testing in DCAS yielded some of the best scores ever seen in Lake Forest. In grades 3-10, Lake Forest Students exceeded state averages in reading and math in all but two categories. In those they tied the state average. All schools met AYP (adequate yearly progress).
Summer:
• Early College School District. At Lake Forest High School Graduation it is announced that 90% of the class of 2016 will graduate from high school with college credit in hand.
• All incoming high school freshmen get a home visit by one or more of the teachers at Lake Forest High School. The goal is to get all freshmen off to a good start.
• Lake Forest Board of Education decides to ask voter for approval of 2 referendums – one for operating funds and one for capital expenditures.
• Vision 2015 identifies 24 schools in Delaware that are beating the odds. These are schools with higher than average poverty levels and much higher than average student performance. Four on the list are Lake Forest Schools. W.T.Chipman Middle would be on the list because it has consistently been among the highest achieving middle schools. The poverty level is average so that's why it's not included.
Fall:
• Spartan Strength and Conditioning Center is open to the public and announced to all district households by an accidental 5a.m. Saturday morning phone call.
• Lake Forest is one of only two districts to pilot “College Application Week” which leads to 90% of our seniors having successfully submitted applications to college by late November.
• Expected partial approval from the state causes the Lake Forest Board of Education to postpone plans for a capital referendum.
• Operating referendum passes on December 4.
2012 was a very good year in Lake Forest.
Winter:
• It was a very mild winter with no snow days and little accumulated snow due to the fact that I bought a new snow blower. Weather was great but snow blower would’ve been fun.
Spring:
• We launched the Spartan Sprouts – a home visiting program where parents of new born babies would get some coaching and assistance in the development of their children in order to help them be prepared for school when the time comes.
• Spring testing in DCAS yielded some of the best scores ever seen in Lake Forest. In grades 3-10, Lake Forest Students exceeded state averages in reading and math in all but two categories. In those they tied the state average. All schools met AYP (adequate yearly progress).
Summer:
• Early College School District. At Lake Forest High School Graduation it is announced that 90% of the class of 2016 will graduate from high school with college credit in hand.
• All incoming high school freshmen get a home visit by one or more of the teachers at Lake Forest High School. The goal is to get all freshmen off to a good start.
• Lake Forest Board of Education decides to ask voter for approval of 2 referendums – one for operating funds and one for capital expenditures.
• Vision 2015 identifies 24 schools in Delaware that are beating the odds. These are schools with higher than average poverty levels and much higher than average student performance. Four on the list are Lake Forest Schools. W.T.Chipman Middle would be on the list because it has consistently been among the highest achieving middle schools. The poverty level is average so that's why it's not included.
Fall:
• Spartan Strength and Conditioning Center is open to the public and announced to all district households by an accidental 5a.m. Saturday morning phone call.
• Lake Forest is one of only two districts to pilot “College Application Week” which leads to 90% of our seniors having successfully submitted applications to college by late November.
• Expected partial approval from the state causes the Lake Forest Board of Education to postpone plans for a capital referendum.
• Operating referendum passes on December 4.
2012 was a very good year in Lake Forest.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Talk With Your Kids about School Shootings
Principals and counselors in the Lake Forest School District have a wealth of resources and advice for parents who ask how to talk to their children about the most recent tragedy in Newton, Connecticut.
What they would say if you asked is, "Talk with your child, not to your child." When you talk with your child you ask them questions. You can't know what to say until you know what they know, what they've heard, what they think of that and what questions they have. Listening to your child is included when talking with your child.
The story unfolded on Friday, so we don't know what parents may have decided to share through the weekend. We don't know if some children sat and watched TV news coverage. We don't know if some parents made it a point to not discuss it at all. We don't know, child by child, if they have been personally affected.
At the school level what we do offer is assurances that children are safe. We provide counselors and other caring adults for those who have questions or want to talk about what they've seen and heard. We tell them that we know that such incidences are extremely rare. We know that we have good, solid safety practices.
Such events as this compel each school to get out their safety plans, review with faculty and discuss what, if any, drills and practices need to be implemented. We were safe on Friday.
We will be safer tomorrow.
What they would say if you asked is, "Talk with your child, not to your child." When you talk with your child you ask them questions. You can't know what to say until you know what they know, what they've heard, what they think of that and what questions they have. Listening to your child is included when talking with your child.
The story unfolded on Friday, so we don't know what parents may have decided to share through the weekend. We don't know if some children sat and watched TV news coverage. We don't know if some parents made it a point to not discuss it at all. We don't know, child by child, if they have been personally affected.
At the school level what we do offer is assurances that children are safe. We provide counselors and other caring adults for those who have questions or want to talk about what they've seen and heard. We tell them that we know that such incidences are extremely rare. We know that we have good, solid safety practices.
Such events as this compel each school to get out their safety plans, review with faculty and discuss what, if any, drills and practices need to be implemented. We were safe on Friday.
We will be safer tomorrow.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Thanks
On behalf of the Lake Forest Board of Education and all of the employees, I want to say thank you to the community for approving the operating referendum this week.
Passage helps to assure a certain degree of financial security for many years. We'll have no problem sustaining some programs that are critical to student success. Not only that, but it will allow us to move forward with some of our newest initiatives.
Just this week, we have taken the first steps to form a committee, which will be charged with planning a one to one computer initiative, with hopes to launch in the 2014-2015 school year. They need time to work on such questions as: At what grade level will we begin? Laptop or tablet? Is our infrastructure sufficient? What instructional materials and programs will be delivered via the technology? What and how much training will our teachers need to maximize the use of this tool? How much will we save in textbooks not purchased?
Finally, we now have some funds to open up negotiations with our employees to adjust the compensation package to bring them out of the cellar and into the middle of Kent County school districts. That's a pretty modest goal, but ours is a modest community.
So, it's been a great couple of weeks to be a Spartan. Lake Forest children, staff and activities have been all over the media for the past few weeks. We're proud to have so many successes.
We can't be successful with out a supportive community. Thanks again.
Passage helps to assure a certain degree of financial security for many years. We'll have no problem sustaining some programs that are critical to student success. Not only that, but it will allow us to move forward with some of our newest initiatives.
Just this week, we have taken the first steps to form a committee, which will be charged with planning a one to one computer initiative, with hopes to launch in the 2014-2015 school year. They need time to work on such questions as: At what grade level will we begin? Laptop or tablet? Is our infrastructure sufficient? What instructional materials and programs will be delivered via the technology? What and how much training will our teachers need to maximize the use of this tool? How much will we save in textbooks not purchased?
Finally, we now have some funds to open up negotiations with our employees to adjust the compensation package to bring them out of the cellar and into the middle of Kent County school districts. That's a pretty modest goal, but ours is a modest community.
So, it's been a great couple of weeks to be a Spartan. Lake Forest children, staff and activities have been all over the media for the past few weeks. We're proud to have so many successes.
We can't be successful with out a supportive community. Thanks again.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Capital Referendum Postponed
In August the Lake Forest Board of Education approved the pursuit of two referendums and established an election date of December 4, 2012. Last night, the Board decided to postpone the capital referendum but continue with pursuit of the operating referendum.
Why? The Capital referendum, which is for buildings and grounds improvements, was a small one by most standards – totaling $6.5 million in improvements around the district. The Lake Forest share would come from the Kent County funds and would require no tax increase. Plans had been submitted to the Delaware Department of Education requesting approval of a Certificate of Necessity, but that approval has been slow coming.
We were advised by state staff that requests for funds from the bond bill exceeded the amount available and that not even all priority 1 requests would be approved. It became clear that our CN would not be approved any time soon and that, if approved, it would likely be reduced, so we decided to hold off on those projects and resubmit next year.
The district will continue with plans for an operating referendum on December 4 that will request public approval for funds aimed at:
• Technology upgrades – essential equipment replacement and maintenance of student computers
• Student safety – support for the School Resource Officer and other safety programs
• Extra instructional time – homebound instruction, after school tutoring and transportation
• Transportation support – to fill the gap created by a 10% reduction in state support
• Attracting and retaining quality staff – move compensation for staff from the bottom to the middle of other area school districts
Why? The Capital referendum, which is for buildings and grounds improvements, was a small one by most standards – totaling $6.5 million in improvements around the district. The Lake Forest share would come from the Kent County funds and would require no tax increase. Plans had been submitted to the Delaware Department of Education requesting approval of a Certificate of Necessity, but that approval has been slow coming.
We were advised by state staff that requests for funds from the bond bill exceeded the amount available and that not even all priority 1 requests would be approved. It became clear that our CN would not be approved any time soon and that, if approved, it would likely be reduced, so we decided to hold off on those projects and resubmit next year.
The district will continue with plans for an operating referendum on December 4 that will request public approval for funds aimed at:
• Technology upgrades – essential equipment replacement and maintenance of student computers
• Student safety – support for the School Resource Officer and other safety programs
• Extra instructional time – homebound instruction, after school tutoring and transportation
• Transportation support – to fill the gap created by a 10% reduction in state support
• Attracting and retaining quality staff – move compensation for staff from the bottom to the middle of other area school districts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
What does the Public think of Public Schools?
Highlights of the Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll on Public Schools
In this Kappan article, William Bushaw (of PDK International) and Shane Lopez (of Gallup) present the results of the 44th annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll of American attitudes and beliefs about the public schools. Some excerpts:
- 35% of this representative slice of Americans say lack of financial support is the biggest problem in their community’s schools, followed by lack of discipline, named by only 8%.
- 50% say the Common Core State Standards will improve the quality of education, versus 8% who say they will decrease the quality of education (40% say they will make no difference).
- 89% say it is very or somewhat important to close the racial achievement gap, and 84% think this can be done while maintaining high standards for all children.
- 62% say they are willing to pay more taxes to provide funds to improve the quality of the nation’s urban public schools (37% are unwilling).
- 58% oppose providing free public education, school lunches, and other benefits to the children of illegal immigrants (41% favor it).
- 52% are in favor of requiring that teacher evaluations include how well a teacher’s students perform on standardized tests (47% are opposed).
- 48% give a grade of A or B to their community’s public schools, versus 19% giving a grade of A or B to the nation’s public schools.
- 63% say students should be required to stay in school till they are 18 years old.
- 66% favor the idea of charter schools.
- 70% favor laws that allow parents to petition to remove the leadership and staff of failing schools.
- 45% say they were bullied by another student when they were in school; 16% confess to bullying another student.
- 58% say schools should investigate and discipline students involved in bullying incidents outside of school, including over the Internet.
- 71% say they have trust and confidence in the people who are teaching children in the public schools.
“Public Education in the United States: A Nation Divided” by William Bushaw and Shane Lopez in Phi Delta Kappan, September 2012 (Vol. 94, #1, p. 8-25); the full results of 44th Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools are available at http://www.pdkpoll.org.
In this Kappan article, William Bushaw (of PDK International) and Shane Lopez (of Gallup) present the results of the 44th annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll of American attitudes and beliefs about the public schools. Some excerpts:
- 35% of this representative slice of Americans say lack of financial support is the biggest problem in their community’s schools, followed by lack of discipline, named by only 8%.
- 50% say the Common Core State Standards will improve the quality of education, versus 8% who say they will decrease the quality of education (40% say they will make no difference).
- 89% say it is very or somewhat important to close the racial achievement gap, and 84% think this can be done while maintaining high standards for all children.
- 62% say they are willing to pay more taxes to provide funds to improve the quality of the nation’s urban public schools (37% are unwilling).
- 58% oppose providing free public education, school lunches, and other benefits to the children of illegal immigrants (41% favor it).
- 52% are in favor of requiring that teacher evaluations include how well a teacher’s students perform on standardized tests (47% are opposed).
- 48% give a grade of A or B to their community’s public schools, versus 19% giving a grade of A or B to the nation’s public schools.
- 63% say students should be required to stay in school till they are 18 years old.
- 66% favor the idea of charter schools.
- 70% favor laws that allow parents to petition to remove the leadership and staff of failing schools.
- 45% say they were bullied by another student when they were in school; 16% confess to bullying another student.
- 58% say schools should investigate and discipline students involved in bullying incidents outside of school, including over the Internet.
- 71% say they have trust and confidence in the people who are teaching children in the public schools.
“Public Education in the United States: A Nation Divided” by William Bushaw and Shane Lopez in Phi Delta Kappan, September 2012 (Vol. 94, #1, p. 8-25); the full results of 44th Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools are available at http://www.pdkpoll.org.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Freshman - There is Hope
For years we have recognized that the most challenging year of high school is the first year – the lowly freshman. Often when I’m dealing with a fifth-year senior it becomes clear that it was the freshman year where they stumbled. We see classes failed and more academic struggles every year from the kids in grade 9.
So, this year at Lake Forest High School, they are launching a new initiative aimed at teaching 9th graders to think about the future. If you happen to have one in your house, you may respond “My child can’t see past Friday night and you’re going to get them to think about the future?”
Yes. At least we hope so.
It’s called freshman seminar. Each 9th grader is enrolled. Ever student will be challenged to envision a future that includes:
• Graduation from high school
• Further education beyond high school
• Transition to workforce and economic self-sufficiency
They will be using the Career Choices curriculum which takes the kids through a step by step process to help them answer the questions: Who am I? What do I want? How do I get it? There will be more than 100 active-learning activities, each building upon the other. What does living on your own really cost? What does it cost to support and feed a family? How much money do I need for rent or mortgage?
The activities are designed to document the journey of self-exploration and can be used as a portfolio of sorts that can be modified as years go by.
We are excited about the introduction of Career Choices at Lake Forest High School as a part of the new Freshman Seminar. We feel confident it has the potential for creating many more successful Freshman Spartans
So, this year at Lake Forest High School, they are launching a new initiative aimed at teaching 9th graders to think about the future. If you happen to have one in your house, you may respond “My child can’t see past Friday night and you’re going to get them to think about the future?”
Yes. At least we hope so.
It’s called freshman seminar. Each 9th grader is enrolled. Ever student will be challenged to envision a future that includes:
• Graduation from high school
• Further education beyond high school
• Transition to workforce and economic self-sufficiency
They will be using the Career Choices curriculum which takes the kids through a step by step process to help them answer the questions: Who am I? What do I want? How do I get it? There will be more than 100 active-learning activities, each building upon the other. What does living on your own really cost? What does it cost to support and feed a family? How much money do I need for rent or mortgage?
The activities are designed to document the journey of self-exploration and can be used as a portfolio of sorts that can be modified as years go by.
We are excited about the introduction of Career Choices at Lake Forest High School as a part of the new Freshman Seminar. We feel confident it has the potential for creating many more successful Freshman Spartans
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