From the Superintendent's Desk

Anchor Bay School Distruct Is Committed To Student Success

• All Anchor Bay Schools are North Central Association (NCA) accredited and meet Education YES! and No Child Left Behind requirements
• Average elementary class sizes for 2004-05: Kindergarten - 21; First grade - 20; Second grade - 22; Third grade - 24; Fourth grade - 24; and Fifth grade - 25
• Low class size assists in creating increased learning opportunities for students

Exemplary Programs

Secondary Level (Grades 6-12)

• Advanced Placement courses in English, Calculus, American History, Chemistry, American Government
• Foreign Language courses in French, Spanish and German
• Articulation Agreements with Macomb Community College and Ferris State University, Co-op Programs/Internships in Business, Marketing, Auto Technology, Health Occupations, and Eleven Career Technical Education Programs
• Secondary level transition programs to facilitate adjustments for students moving from grade 5 to 6 and grade 8 to 9
• Award Winning Air Force ROTC, band and athletic programs
• Drama, Journalism, and Broadcasting programs

Elementary Level

• Elementary before/after school child care and Extended Day Kindergarten available
• Curriculum based preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds
• All students participate in art, music, physical education, and technology classes
• After school programs in Foreign Language, Technology, Intramural sports
• After school tutoring in reading and mathematics and web-based MEAP preparation program
• Fifth grade band
• Family nights in Literacy, Math, Science, Technology, and Art

Welcome back to the 2005-06 school year! Listed above are just a few of the programs in place that demonstrate Anchor Bay Schools’ commitment to student success. Most of us are aware that over the last three years we have not seen additional financial support from the state, while the district has experienced a reduction in funding during previous school years. Along with Anchor Bay having one of the lowest foundation allowances per pupil, this has created many challenges. However, the district is committed to continuing our outstanding academic programs and providing the best facilities for student learning.

This summer we have been busy providing secondary and elementary summer school programs so students are prepared for the next grade level. We also began work on the 2003 bond project. The project includes additions to Ashley, Great Oaks, Sugarbush, and Naldrett Elementary Schools, upgraded playground equipment at the Early Childhood Center and Bloom Academy, additional classrooms at the Early Childhood Center, and a 20-classroom addition along with additional athletic fields at Anchor Bay High School. We are currently purchasing security cameras for our elementary and middle schools, and additional security cameras for our high school to create the safest learning environment for our students. Next summer renovations and additions to Anchor Bay Middle School North and to our transportation facility will begin. Great community support makes this possible.

We are proud that our district and all K-12 schools continue to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based upon Michigan Assessment Program (MEAP) results and the eleven Indicators of School Performance. These indicators are evaluations of the different components of the school program that include curriculum alignment, continuous school improvement, performance management systems, teacher quality and professional development, arts education and humanities for all students, extended learning opportunities, advanced coursework, family involvement, student attendance rate, dropout rate, and quality of school facilities. Throughout the 2004-05 school year a focus on restructuring and aligning the curriculum with the state benchmarks, an emphasis on writing in all classes, the addition of practice materials used throughout the school year along with targeted professional development led to these positive results. In addition, all of our schools meet the rigorous standards set forth by the North Central Accreditation Association (NCA).

Our schools are dedicated to preparing our students to meet the challenges of tomorrow, and we are excited to begin another successful school year.

Leonard A. Woodside
Superintendent of Schools