August 14, 2009
Dear Hammond Middle School Family:
Welcome to a new year at the Hammond Middle School Campus (FH1, FH2, and FH3). Preliminary estimates of the spring
2009 Standards of Learning (SOL) results show that FH1, FH2, and FH3 have met state accreditation benchmarks and are
fully accredited this year! Also, for the first time, the schools have made AYP in both English and math!
Schools in Virginia have two accountability systems. The state uses SOL tests to determine accreditation, and the federal
government uses the same tests to assign AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) status. Accreditation is based on combined pass
rates for all students in four subject areas. AYP is based on pass rates for seven different subgroups in two subject areas:
English/reading and math. Because there are different requirements, it is possible for a school to be fully accredited and not
make AYP. More information on these two accountability systems is available on the Virginia Department of Education web
site at www.doe.virginia.gov/ under School Report Cards.
The No Child Left Behind regulations require the AYP pass rates to be raised each year. By 2014, 100 percent of students in
each subgroup will be required to pass the SOLs in order for a school to make AYP. Attached is a fact sheet that compares
the preliminary AYP performance of all Alexandria City Public Schools.
These early AYP performance estimates also indicate that FH1, FH2, and FH3 met all of the 2009-10 AYP English/reading
and math benchmarks. Based upon these preliminary results and results from the previous year, all three schools are placed
in year one of School Improvement for the next school term (2009-10). Schools must make AYP for two consecutive years to
exit school improvement.
Because FH1, FH2, and FH3 will be in Title I School Improvement during the 2009-10 school year, eligible students will be
offered free tutoring (Supplemental Educational Services, or SES). SES is being offered in lieu of public school choice for
two reasons. First, the school division has requested that these schools participate in a pilot program that allows them to
provide SES in lieu of public school choice. A decision from the federal government is expected this month. Second, none
of our neighboring school divisions have space for ACPS students. Parents of all eligible FH1, FH2, and FH3 students will
be mailed an SES Application. First priority for SES will be given to the lowest-achieving and most disadvantaged students.
I urge you to assist the school division and your middle school in our efforts to improve student achievement by attending
curriculum nights and parent involvement activities. Beginning this year, the middle schools will proceed with plans to apply
to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year. All three schools will
be receiving Title I school improvement funds to implement strategies to enhance student performance. Also, these schools
will be participating in VDOE school improvement training and activities. At a PTA meeting in September or October, each
principal will provide parents with an overview of these and other major undertakings that will take place during the 2009-10
school term to increase student achievement.
If you would like further information about middle school efforts to improve student achievement, last year’s FH School
Improvement Plan is available on the school’s web site at www.acps.k12.va.us/hammond/.
If you have any questions about SES or Title I School Improvement, please contact either Mary Alice Bassa
(mbassa@acps.k12.va.us or 703-824-6679) or myself (jgrymes@acps.k12.va.us or 703-824-6679).
Sincerely,
John A. Grymes, Ed.D.
Title I Director
Preliminary AYP Summary Fact Sheet: 2006-07 – 2009-10 (created: 08/12/09)
2009-10 Title I schools : John Adams, Patrick Henry, Jefferson-Houston, Cora Kelly, Mount Vernon, Ramsay, Samuel Tucker, Hammond
1, Hammond 2, Hammond 3, George Washington 1, and George Washington 2.
2009-10 Title I schools preliminarily in School Improvement: Jefferson-Houston, Cora Kelly, Mount Vernon, Patrick Henry, Ramsay,
Hammond 1, Hammond 2, Hammond 3, George Washington 1, and George Washington 2.
Preliminary AYP Summary Fact Sheet: 2006-07 – 2009-10 (created: 08/12/09)
Preliminary Preliminary 2009-10
2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009
School/Division 2009-2010 AYP Sanction(s)
AYP Results AYP Results AYP Results
Results
Did not make
Did not make
John Adams Made AYP Made AYP AYP in English None
AYP in English
and Math
Charles Barrett Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
Did not make
Did not make
Patrick Henry Made AYP AYP in English Made AYP SES Pilot
AYP in English
and Math
Did not make Did not make Public School Choice, SES, decrease
Jefferson- Houston Made AYP AYP in English Made AYP AYP in English authority of school-level management,
and Math and Math and plan for alternative governance
Did not make
Did not make Did not make
Cora Kelly Made AYP AYP in English Public School Choice and SES
AYP in English AYP in English
and Math
Lyles-Crouch Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
Douglas Did not make
Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
MacArthur AYP in Math
George Mason Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
Did not make
Maury Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
AYP in English
Did not make
Did not make Did not make
Mount Vernon Made AYP AYP in English SES Pilot
AYP in English AYP in Math
and Math
James K. Polk Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
Did not make Did not make
William Ramsay Made AYP Made AYP AYP in English AYP in English SES Pilot
and Math and Math
Samuel Tucker Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP Made AYP None
Did not make Did not make Did not make
Hammond 1 AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English Made AYP SES Pilot
and Math and Math and Math
Did not make Did not make Did not make
Hammond 2 AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English Made AYP SES Pilot
and Math and Math and Math
Did not make Did not make Did not make
Hammond 3 AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English Made AYP SES Pilot
and Math and Math and Math
Did not make Did not make
Did not make
George Washington 1 AYP in English AYP in English Made AYP SES Pilot
AYP in English
and Math and Math
Did not make Did not make
Did not make
George Washington 2 AYP in English AYP in English Made AYP SES Pilot
AYP in English
and Math and Math
Did not make Did not make Did not make Did not make
TC Williams AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English Additional Corrective Action
and Math and Math and Math and Math
Did not make Did not make Did not make Did not make
School Division AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English AYP in English None
and math and Math and Math and Math
For additional information on Title I or AYP please contact Cheryl Ross Audley, Mary Alice Bassa, or John Grymes at (703) 824-6679.