MACDONOUGH CELEBRATES ITS SUCCESS/Dr. Seuss's Birthday!

Friday was Read Across America Day and at Macdonough School it was a great excuse to celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday!

I was a guest reader in a third grade class and got to read Bartholomew and the Oobleck...definitely a treat.

After reading adult, kids and guest dignitaries went down to the gym for the school's monthly assembly to recognize students and faculty. This month was special, though, because representatives from ConnCAN, a statewide education group, were in attendance to present the school with a wonderful award. Macdonough School is one of number three school in the state in achievement gains and is considered a "Success Story" school. You can click here to watch a video about the school or, click these links to read about this week's celebration at Macdonough School in the Middletown Press and the Hartford Courant.

Macdonough Success Story

The Macdonough Elementary School, which serves the North End of Middletown and is the last neighborhood school and only downtown public school,has been honored by ConnCan, a statewide education organization, as one of a handful of "Success Stories" in the state. This is quite an honor for the school and speaks to the tremendous gains that have been made in student achievement and community collaboration over the last few years.

ConnCan produced this great video about the school. It's really inspirational and quite amazing to hear the teachers and parents talk about the school's importance.

Well Worth Saving...

It's been a whirlwind year for Macdonough Elementary School, the North End's main school for K-5. Earlier this year, budget problems faced the school board, and teachers, parents and neighborhood leaders fought successfully to keep the school open. Now, we have more cause to celebrate.

ConnCAN, a non-profit organization, and leader in the field of education has named Macdonough to be the third most improved school in the state. The 2008 CMT scores showed an average of 21% increase in students "at goal" across the board. Also, ConnCAN highlights 10 schools state-wide as "success stories", with a video and spotlight on their website, and Macdonough was chosen for this honor, as well. The video will be filmed in the coming weeks.

Just a few years ago, Macdonough struggled to keep pace within the district. Now, it is in line with the district and state averages in math and reading and exceeds them in writing. The school has new leadership, dedicated teachers and a community that believes it can succeed. 

Congratulations to Teachers, Staff, Students, Parents and community members for proving that this school is well worth saving.