Submitted by Mr. Ethan Sickels, Rock Port R-II

Darkness has set in earlier each day and the temperatures sure have dropped. That also signifies the school year is flying by, as we are already 1/3 of the way done. Hard to believe, but we are into winter sports and activities season as well. It has been a great year so far at Rock Port R-II, and I’m provided the opportunity to brag on us a little bit more during this article.

We finally received our scores from spring 2019 testing along with the state averages. I am proud to report that out of the 18 assessments that were scored, 17 scored higher than the state average. On many of those assessments, we absolutely crushed the state average! There are four categories a student can score in: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient and Advanced. In the three subject areas, here is how we compared on average to the state in the top two categories, which are Proficient and Advanced:

Rock Port average State average

English 71.7% 50.1%

Science 71.7% 41.8%

Math 64.8% 41.1%

This was the second year of using the new state assessments. Government scores were not available to us as it was a field test year. This spring it will count along with all the others. Next year’s results will also be helpful as we will have three years of similar data and can start to note some trends. Although waiting for the results can be stressful, it was exciting to see how well we did.

Unfortunately, the “old” way of giving every district a score out of 100% is out the door, and the “new” graphs are how we are to present data. If you haven’t heard any discussion on these new graphs, I can sum it up in three words: not user friendly. Hopefully the above information at least gives you a brief snapshot of how we did, although the state evaluates us in many areas other than just assessment scores.

Based on all of our district results, I put pencil to paper and figured that we scored a perfect 100% again this year. If you are bored and have a couple hours, feel free to stop by the school and let me share our graphs with you. I would also encourage you to bring a caffeinated beverage to keep you awake. My hope is that the state will see the error of their ways and go back to our old scoring system . . . but I am certainly not holding my breath!

My whole point in sharing this information is making sure you realize how hard our students, teachers, staff and principals work to perform each day. If you get the chance, please give them a huge pat on the back . . . it takes everyone from preschool to senior year to ensure that Rock Port scores well in these assessments and overall as a district.

I hope this article finds you doing well and looking forward to the holiday season. Keep supporting your Blue Jays; we are very blessed with the success we see in our classrooms, in our activities, and in our athletics. As always, I leave you with three important words . . .

GO BIG BLUE!