NEW PROGRESS REPORTS

This year your child received a modifed progress report, quite different from previous years. Unless you are the parent of a newcomer to Harold Martin School, you will immediately notice the significant changes in the new progress reports. These are the result of a two-year effort from HMS teachers to improve the way we report student growth. Let me explain the changes:

NEW STANDARDS
We have added more standards from the previous progress reports, which provide more detail and insight into your child's progress and align better with our curriculum. We also have a new classification system with five levels:
* If your child receives an "E" he/she far exceeded grade level expectations in that standard area. Not many "E's will be recorded for students.
* If your child receives a "C" he/she demonstrated consistent achievement in that standard area.
* If your child receives a "U" he/she usually met that standard.
* If your child receives a "P"  he/she partially met that standard.
* If your child receives an "N" he/she has not yet met that standard.

Of course, these levels are simply guidelines for parents. They are not meant to be mathematical indicators.

COMMENTS
In the past, HMS teachers would attach an extra page to the progress report with a narrative providing more detail into each child's progress. Having a box next to each subject area will provide more consistent comments within and between grade levels.

EFFORT
Each subject area except for "Work Habits" will contain a box for effort. We are using a check system in this area. Specifically:

√+  full effort
√    satisfactory effort
√-   more effort needed

Q & A
With any new system, it will take time for both teachers and parents to get used to the changes. Teachers will be able to explain details to you in most cases, or you can contact me. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions. Feel free to email me at: bcarozza@hopkintonschools.org

I will be continuing my practice of reading all of your children's progress reports before they go out while providing my own brief comments as well. The first term I'll comment on kindergarten and first grade, the second term I'll comment on second grade, and the third term I'll comment on third grade progress reports.

Bill Carozza
Principal, HMS