Dear Parkwood Community,

Parkwood Middle School is very excited to welcome you to the 2022-23 school year! At Parkwood Middle School, we are intentionally focusing on safety, positive culture, literacy and student well-being across the community and we believe that every student can learn. It is our goal to create a challenging learning environment which allows students to reach their full potential and become respectful, responsible, future ready students.

As defined in G.S. 115C-105.37: “The State Board of Education shall design and implement a procedure to identify low-performing schools on an annual basis. Low-performing schools are those that receive a school performance grade of D or F and a school growth score of "met expected growth" or "not met expected growth" as defined by G.S. 115C-83.15.”

The School Performance Grades are based 80 percent on our school’s achievement score (student proficiency) and 20 percent on students’ academic growth. At Parkwood Middle School, our achievement score for the 2021-22 school year is based on how well our students’ performed in Grades 6–8 Mathematics, Grades 6–8 English Language Arts/Reading, and Grade 8 Science.

Parkwood Middle School received a school performance grade of D (54) and school growth status of" not met expected growth" and as a low performing school, is required to develop an improvement plan that specifically addresses how the school will improve both the school performance grade and school growth score. As a strong family first community, we will work together with a common goal of student growth and success and it is also our goal to raise the school report card grade.

It is important to remember that end of grade tests is just one way to measure accountability and neither does it tell you everything about the performance of a great school, the many other factors that characterize the qualities of a great school or the opportunities that our school provides. At Parkwood Middle School, we also offer student interest clubs after school and during the day to increase talent and interest. We are a Leader in Me School and are committed to acquiring Lighthouse distinction status.

At Parkwood Middle School, we will start with our 6th grade ELA classes as we train staff to use instructional tools that teach fundamentals but also challenge students to get to their highest potential. Selected 6th grade students will be invited to the first “Parkwood Powerup Academy” focusing on literacy through STEM projects and experiences. 7th grade math has 3 math tutors to allow for extra instructional support and small group instruction as well as teacher tutors across grade levels working with students during the school day. All students will receive Tier 1 instruction and students that need extra support outside of Tier 1 will be a part of instructional interventions that will reteach information needed to move forward. More time with students is important as we analyze attendance trends to maintain consistency. Parkwood Middle School staff are continuously planning lessons and instructional experiences structured around the individual student needs, meaningful experiences, and small group instruction. These are just some of the many instructional practices that are in place at Parkwood Middle School to make certain that students are being supported.

Our school is focused on continuous improvement and I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to focus on providing the best education for our students. We will work together to improve not only how well our students perform individually, but how our school performs as a whole.Please closely follow your student’s academic progress and work with teachers and grade level administrators to help ensure academic success. It is extremely important to administrators and teachers at Parkwood Middle School that students are ready for the next step in their academic career.

As a strong family first community, we will work together with a common goal of student growth and success. We ask for community support and collaboration to maintain fidelity and to build a positive learning environment where we all can celebrate success together. I look forward to working together with students, parents, family, and community members to continue to build on the school’s long-standing tradition of excellence. I am confident that the students at Parkwood Middle School will have a great educational experience in the 2022-2023 school year.

We are here to support each other and the students. Lead by example throughout the school and build relationships with all students and community members.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our School Performance Grade and how we plan to improve, please don’t hesitate to contact the team of administrators at 704-296-0655.

Sincerely,

John DeLucia

Principal, Parkwood Middle School