UFRSD Letter & Parent Compact - Parent Meeting Scheduled for October 24, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Newell Elementary School Media Center, 27 High Street, Allentown, NJ 08501.
What is ESSA?
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our nation’s schools. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.
The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country.
For example, today, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs. Dropout rates are at historic lows. And more students are going to college than ever before. These achievements provide a firm foundation for further work to expand educational opportunity and improve student outcomes under ESSA.
The previous version of the law, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, was enacted in 2002. NCLB represented a significant step forward for our nation’s children in many respects, particularly as it shined a light on where students were making progress and where they needed additional support, regardless of race, income, zip code, disability, home language, or background. The law was scheduled for revision in 2007, and, over time, NCLB’s prescriptive requirements became increasingly unworkable for schools and educators. Recognizing this fact, in 2010, the Obama administration joined a call from educators and families to create a better law that focused on the clear goal of fully preparing all students for success in college and careers.
What is Title I?
ESSA provides funding to schools through several types of grants or "titles." Title I monies are awarded to schools based on their percentage of students who meet the federal guidelines for being "economically disadvantaged."
What is the district doing this year with its Title I funding?
The district is using the funding to support innovative programs at all three schools, each of which is designed to enhance the proficiency levels of students in language arts and mathematics
- At the Newell Elementary School, the funds are supporting an extended school year program entitled, Summer Interventions for Success. The program will provide instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics for selected students for three weeks in July. The funds are also being used to purchase instructional supplies to support reading interventions in gradesK-4. In addition, part of staff members salaries are also being funded through Title 1.
- At the Stone Bridge Middle School, the funds are being used to purchase instructional supplies to support reading & math interventions for students throughout the year.
- At Allentown High School, the funds are being used to purchase instructional supplies to support reading & math interventions for students throughout the year.
How can parents be involved?
Parents are encouraged to be involved in many ways! We have listed just a few below.
- See that your child regularly attends school and arrives on time.
- Make sure your child gets adequate sleep and has a healthy diet.
- Provide a quiet time and place for homework.
- Ask questions about what your child is learning and communicate the importance of education.
- Maintain current telephone numbers, contact information, and medical information.
- Communicate regularly with your child's teachers through email, phone calls, and in-person conversations.
- Attend Back-to-School Nights, Parent-Teacher Conferences, PTA meetings and other school events
- Regularly review the school's website and check on your child's progress through the RealTime student records system.
How can I get more information or communicate my ideas about Title I services?
Parents can contact their child's principal or reach out to Patrick Leary, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction at 259-7292 extension 3200.