November 17, 1997
Volume 4, No. 9
Because of a persistent painful back problem, Summit Principal Boyd Dressler has requested a reduction in his duties at Summit. Dr. Dressler will participate in hiring an interim principal and will continue to work on staff development. The Search Committee will interview candidates in the Spring for a permanent principal for Fall 1998. The Summit Board of Directors has expressed its full support of Dr. Dressler.
It is with regret that I announce that my role as Principal of Summit Middle School must change. Because of a continuing severe back problem, I need to curtail the amount and level of activities associated with fulfilling the responsibilities of my job. However, once an interim principal is in place, I intend to remain connected with Summit.
With wonderful students, supportive parents, and an outstanding staff, Summit is, and will continue to be, a model for what is possible in public education. This was a very difficult decision for me to make, primarily because of my appreciation of Summit's vision and mission.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of this outstanding school.
— Boyd E. Dressler
The district open-enrollment period for the 1998-99 school year is January 5 through February 6, 1998. Parents interested in applying to Summit may call the school, 499-9511, and request an application and information packet. Alternatively, an application form for 1998-99 is now available on Summit's web pages, http://bcn.boulder.co.us/univ_school/summit/.
Re-enrollment forms will be sent to parents of current 6th- and 7th-graders in a few weeks. Siblings of current Summit students or of Summit graduates will also have to apply during the open-enrollment period.
Summit will hold two open houses on Wednesdays, December 10 and January 21, 7-8 PM, in the auditorium and cafeteria. Prospective students and parents will meet teachers, staff, board members, committee members, and student representatives. They will hear about the Summit curriculum and have an opportunity to examine textbooks and view student work. As a school of choice, we depend on parents taking the initiative to apply for admission. Spread the word.
Students who do not live in the Fairview High School attendance area who wish to attend Fairview in 1998-99 must apply for open enrollment. Pick up an application form in the Fairview office beginning January 5, 1998.
Call 938-9090 and enter the appropriate category number:
| Ammon | Math | 0669 |
| German | 0670 | |
| Avallone | English | 0671 |
| Blakemore | Spanish | 0683 |
| Brakhage | English | 0672 |
| Burkhart | Bands | 0678 |
| Choir/Silver Rain | 0667 | |
| Strings/Orchestra | 0668 | |
| Cox | Social Studies | 0673 |
| Dozeman | English | 0674 |
| Frohbieter | Math | 0676 |
| Hanckel | Beginning French | 0679 |
| French I/III | 0666 | |
| Koch | Social Studies | 0680 |
| Molenaar | Science | 0677 |
| Mueller | Computer Programming | 0684 |
| Novotny | Biology | 0686 |
| Sikora | Science | 0681 |
| Stough | Spanish | 0682 |
| Thompson | Math | 0675 |
| All About Summit | 6167 | |
| School News | 6168 | |
| School Weather-Related Closings | 7669 | |
Median anticipated scores for the 1996-97 Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills Terra Nova achievement test were recently reported to the district. A comparison of actual to anticipated scores ("anticipated difference scores") is one of several measures of value added by a school. Anticipated difference scores may be positive or negative. The following table gives the actual ("Act.") national percentile score for a median ("average") Summit student in all areas for all three grades, along with anticipated ("Ant.") scores and differences ("Dif.").
1997 CTBS |
6th Grade |
7th Grade |
8th Grade |
||||||
| Act. | Ant. | Dif. | Act. | Ant. | Dif. | Act. | Ant. | Dif. | |
| Reading | 87.2 | 85.6 | 1.6 |
91.1 | 84.3 | 6.8 |
84.1 | 86.0 | -1.9 |
| Vocabulary | 88.7 | 82.0 | 6.7 |
90.7 | 82.0 | 8.7 |
85.7 | 81.0 | 4.7 |
| Reading Composite | 90.8 | 86.1 | 4.7 |
94.0 | 87.0 | 7.0 |
87.0 | 85.3 | 1.7 |
| Language | 88.4 | 85.2 | 3.2 |
87.7 | 83.1 | 4.6 |
84.6 | 84.0 | 0.6 |
| Language Mechanics | 78.5 | 83.8 | -5.3 |
79.5 | 84.0 | -4.5 |
72.8 | 83.7 | -10.9 |
| Language Composite | 87.3 | 86.6 | 0.7 |
86.6 | 86.6 | 0.0 |
85.5 | 87.6 | -2.1 |
| Mathematics | 87.9 | 83.7 | 4.2 |
87.1 | 83.8 | 3.3 |
88.2 | 86.8 | 1.4 |
| Math Computation | 64.6 | 74.0 | -9.4 |
84.4 | 79.3 | 5.1 |
80.8 | 83.0 | -2.2 |
| Math Composite | 80.5 | 81.2 | -0.7 |
88.2 | 82.6 | 5.6 |
88.0 | 86.8 | 1.2 |
| Total Score | 90.0 | 86.7 | 3.3 |
92.8 | 87.1 | 5.7 |
89.5 | 86.7 | 2.8 |
| Science | 91.1 | 84.0 | 7.1 |
88.3 | 83.6 | 4.7 |
91.0 | 87.7 | 3.3 |
| Social Studies | 86.6 | 84.5 | 2.1 |
92.4 | 84.4 | 8.0 |
84.5 | 85.5 | -1.0 |
| Spelling | 83.3 | 80.3 | 3.0 |
78.8 | 80.0 | -1.2 |
72.3 | 76.3 | -4.0 |
| Number of Students Tested * | 98 |
105 |
39 |
||||||
* The scores reported in Summit News on August 10, 1997, were based on 107 seventh graders and 40 eighth graders. Those median scores differ slightly from the "Act." scores listed above, because these include only those students who completed both the test of cognitive skills and the achievement test.
Below is a table of 1997 7th-grade CTBS scores for all Boulder Valley middle schools. "Total" scores — which are a composite of reading, language, and mathematics — are shown for each school's own 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile students, along with the number of students tested.
School |
No. |
25th |
50th |
75th |
||
| Act. | Act. | Ant. | Dif. | Act. | ||
| Angevine | 242 |
22.5 | 41.0 | 52.1 | -11.1 |
64.0 |
| Base Line | 140 |
51.5 | 76.0 | 74.0 | 2.0 |
90.2 |
| Broomfield | 322 |
35.8 | 61.0 | 62.9 | -1.9 |
79.2 |
| Burbank | 124 |
33.7 | 65.3 | 61.0 | 4.3 |
84.0 |
| Casey | 107 |
41.3 | 70.3 | 72.5 | -2.2 |
84.8 |
| Centennial | 169 |
55.4 | 74.4 | 65.8 | 8.6 |
87.2 |
| Horizons | 21 |
64.3 | 92.3 | 82.3 | 10.0 |
96.3 |
| Louisville | 257 |
44.1 | 73.0 | 73.1 | -0.1 |
87.2 |
| Nederland | 55 |
38.5 | 68.5 | 63.5 | 5.0 |
84.0 |
| Platt | 219 |
48.1 | 73.4 | 69.3 | 4.1 |
88.2 |
| Southern Hills | 128 |
57.4 | 75.0 | 73.1 | 1.9 |
92.6 |
| Summit | 107 |
80.7 | 92.8 | 87.1 | 5.7 |
97.4 |
| District | 1891 |
42.4 | 69.2 | 68.5 | 0.7 |
86.6 |
The spread in Summit scores (75th minus 25th percentiles) is 16.7, whereas it is 44.2 for the district. Summit compares very favorably with the district in terms of spread, actual scores, and positive difference.
Another way to gauge value added with standardized tests is by tracking each student's national percentile scores from year to year. We plan to do that; Summit is the only district school that tests all grades.
Please consider these points: (1) The CTBS tests basic skills at the indicated grade levels. Additional types of assessments are appropriate for many Summit students. (2) Students taking the test in April 1997 had less than one year of education at Summit, then in its first year of operation. Thus, to some extent, performance on the test is reflective of students' prior education. (3) Anticipated difference scores are not likely to be very positive for highly capable students. For example, a hypothetical student with an anticipated score of 99 cannot have a positive difference score.
Test scores may be used to identify subject areas in need of greater emphasis. For example, this year, Summit has stressed language mechanics and, for current 7th graders, math computation, based on the test results first reported in August.
Jackie Ross cheerfully reports that Summit families who bought King Soopers grocery certificates this year have raised over $1,400 for the school. Approximately one out of five Summit families take part in this program, which is being expanded to include Wild Oats/Alfalfa Markets. To get your certificates and help Summit, just turn in or mail your order in the envelope that comes with your newsletter. Buying certificates costs you nothing, yet allows you to help support Summit. Because of Thanksgiving, there will be no orders taken on November 25. The next order dates are December 2 and 16. Questions? Call Jackie Ross, 499-3629.
Cold and flu season is upon us. If your student is ill, please keep him or her home instead of trying to "tough it out" while spreading pathogens to other students.
Elective choices for second semester are being made now. A selection sheet went home with all students on Thursday, November 13. Please read the form carefully and return it to the Summit office for processing no later than Friday, November 21. Thanks.
Parents who want to exempt their students from P.E. or Health must submit a formal letter of request, to be approved by the principal. P.E. exemptions must be renewed each semester, since the level of a student's extracurricular physical activity tends to change with the season. If parents request a Health exemption because of personal beliefs, one letter is sufficient for their students' entire time at Summit.
On electives forms returned so far, it appears that some enterprising students have re-numbered their elective requests on the form after obtaining their parents' signatures. Parents who might have concerns may call the school to verify requested electives. Electives request forms will be kept on file in case there are any questions.
Tools for Learning donation cards are coming in, and they demonstrate strong support for Summit among our parents. You should have received a Tools packet by now. Please fill out and return the enclosed card, even if you cannot contribute this year. That will save our volunteers from having to call you. If you have already returned your card, thanks very much.
Report cards were sent home with students on Thursday, November 6. Parents should review and keep them. The envelopes, however, need to be signed and returned to the office as soon as possible. Please contact the office immediately if you have not received your student's report card.
The past month has been very busy for students, staff and parent volunteers alike. Special thanks and recognition this time go to: Sally Benjamin, for single-handedly covering entire classroom sets of books for Ms. Cox and Ms. Hanckel; Janet Christensen, Jenny Evans, Rita Kungel, Joan Nagel, and Margaret McKibbin for helping cover books; Judy Demarest, for scheduling parent volunteers for science labs as needed; Chris King, for agreeing to coordinate parent volunteers for the Science Fair coming in February; Linda Cowan, Judy Hart, Rita Kungel, and Debra Ford for helping with parent-teacher conference sign-ups; Susan Bruggeman, Joan Harig, Linda Koivuniemi, Margaret McKibbin, Joan Nagel, and Mary Carole Smartt for working with teachers and students on "Friday Fun and Learning Afternoon" on November 7; the food and kitchen clean-up crew who provided meals and a well-deserved break for Summit teachers on conference days: Sally Benjamin, Janet Christensen, Susan Clough, Linda Cowan, Susan Crocker, Judy Demarest, Harriet Fox, Connie Harmon, Judy Hart, Barbry Hogue, Chris King, Ann Kitayama, Linda Koivuniemi, Jenny Lucas, Bonnie Mettler, Jackie Ross, Sally Scott, and Mimi Yanus; Lea Kovac for her continuing help in the heath room; parent music coordinator Mary Kay Wilson; those of you who offer help as needed even when you have not specifically been asked.
We believe that Summit's parent community is the best around. We have a terrific response every time the call for volunteer help goes out. Our teachers and staff greatly appreciate all of the time and effort we provide, so let us keep up the good volunteer work!
Students are invited to submit articles to KGNU Community Radio, 88.5 MHz FM, through their Summit English teachers. Submissions may include fiction, essay, poetry, and nonfiction, and should not exceed about one page in length.
Students in 4th grade and higher may participate. The authors of selected writings will be taped reading their material, and the tape will be broadcast on a new program, "In Other Words," 8-9 AM, Monday through Friday.
The school district allows the public to examine and comment upon learning materials being considered for adoption. On display at the Education Center Curriculum Office, 6500 East Arapahoe, Boulder, are texts for all grade levels of mathematics and for 10th-grade world literature. The review period is November 17 - December 5, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM. For information, call Carol Thompson, 447-5177.
Although Summit, as a charter school, selects its own textbooks, Summit parents should be interested in the materials being considered for other grade levels.
Parents, please check around your home for missing textbooks from our classroom sets. We are looking for several physics books and one American history book. Books from classroom sets are clearly marked. Thanks.
All students who arrive at school late or leave early for appointments must sign the log in the office. This includes students who leave before the end of 7th-period mandatory study period.
Collage Children's Museum, Boulder Dance Alliance, and The Studio are sponsoring a New Year's family dance at Space for Dance, 2696 30th Street, 5-8:30 PM on December 31. You can learn popular dances and participate in dance contests. Ticket prices are $3 for individuals or $10 for families for members of the sponsoring organizations; $4 for individuals or $14 for families for nonmembers. Food and beverages will be available. Call 440-0053 for tickets or more information.
The Studio Performing Arts Center at 2010 14th Street, Boulder, offers after-school programs in dance, theater, and music. Call Scott Kiekbusch or Kris Sutton, 442-1908.
Summit parents who closely followed newspaper accounts of the school board election might have been surprised to notice the name "Summit" listed as a contributor to one of the candidates. A woman, claiming to be a reporter for the Boulder Planet, called the school and asked our secretary why Summit Middle School contributed money to an election campaign.
Shortly after, when our office manager called the newspaper to follow up, she was told that no one at the newspaper ever called the school! After investigating, we learned that the "Summit" in question was a private mountaineering company.
Boulder Valley School District voters elected four new members to the school board: Jean Bonelli, Bill de la Cruz, Stan Garnett, and Julie Phillips. Each of them pledged in their campaigns to support programs of choice and to not disrupt successful choice programs operating in the district. In particular, they assured Summit that any fears that they would act to the detriment of Summit or the International Baccalaureate program at Fairview were unfounded. Summit plans to continue to work with district administrators and the school board in offering options for middle-school students within the public-school system. In these efforts, it will be important for Summit parents, especially those who supported the winning candidates, to keep in touch with board members to ensure that the needs of Summit students are given fair and appropriate consideration.
Summit would like to thank outgoing board members Stephanie Hult, Dorothy Riddle, and Kim Saporito for their tireless efforts on the board and their support of, and belief in, school choice and Summit. They gave Summit the opportunity to exist. Summit also recognizes retiring board member Sally Kingdom for her many years of service to the school district. We wish all school board members, old and new, the best for the future.
The 21st annual University of Colorado Wizards program is an informal introduction to astronomy, chemistry and physics, intended primarily for students in grades 5 through 9. Each program lasts about an hour and includes several lively demonstration experiments. No reservations are required, but come early to get a seat.
Shows are usually on the last Saturday of each month, September through June. All shows begin at 9:30 AM, except the June show, which begins at 10 AM. Parking is available for $1 in the Euclid parking structure. Free parking may be available east of Folsom Stadium and east of the Engineering Center.
Prospective students who wish to shadow a student at Summit may do so on December 3 and 17. Parents must call the office, 499-9511, one week in advance and speak with either the principal or the counselor to schedule a shadowing. Sorry, we cannot allow prospective students to shadow students without prior scheduling.
Summit and Mr. Mueller will offer a beginner class in e-mail, the Internet, and word processing for parents. There seems to be a preference for classes during school hours. If you are interested in participating, please call Janet Christensen, 499-5786.
An expensive jacket has been found. Please inquire in the Summit office.
If you are planning a vacation, the office must be notified in writing well before the date of your student's absence. The principal must approve all pre-arranged absences.