Peshtigo School Board reviews test scores

PESHTIGO – The Peshtigo School Board held their most recent meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6. After approving the meeting agenda, the board heard a presentation regarding state assessment data from Director of Curriculum Kami Harvey.

State assessment data included three types of testing: Wisconsin Forward Exam, grades three through eight, PreACT, grades nine and 10, and ACT for grade 11. Assessment data measures for these tests were changed as cut scores, the minimum score needed for a student to be considered successful, were altered as part of a ten-year cycle.

Peshtigo’s average for Forward English Language Arts (ELA) was at 53.8% meeting or exceeding expectations, slightly above the state average of 52.5%.

Math scores were at 54.2%, just below the state average of 54.7%.

For the PreACT scores, 31.6% were meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA while the state average was 46.2%. For math, 32.9% were meeting or exceeding expectations and the state average was 40.5%. In the regular ACT, the amount meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA was 18.7% and the state average was 43.5%. Math scores had 32.9% of students at the preferred level while the state average was 40.5%.

In response to the test scores, Harvey presented Peshtigo School District’s 100 day plan. The goals for the plan are to “ensure all students will demonstrate core academic growth to be life ready” and that “all staff will function as a collaborative learning community.”

The school district will be taking a variety of steps toward achieving these goals, including using the enVision Mathematics curriculum, updating and reviewing the English curriculum and continuing professional development and observations.

Next, the board approved the hiring of Max Neuman as the JV2 boy’s basketball coach.

In donation news, the board also approved two donations from the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO). The PTSO donated $1,500 to benefit a visit from Kevin Lovegreen, children’s author, and $1,500 towards a new trophy case at the Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center.

The Peshtigo School Board then heard a contract renewal from Rural Virtual Academy (RVA). RVA is the online schooling option which the Peshtigo School District uses for students seeking an online format. The board shared that around 20 students, mostly in middle school and high school, are enrolled in the program. The RVA contract was renewed for five years.

Afterwards, Associate Principal and Athletic Director Aaron Samplawski spoke about starting a girl’s wrestling program. Principal Samplawski shared that due to Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association rules, the only way for girls to compete in state tournaments is for girls to be on their own team. This also means that girls will no longer be wrestling boys, which he said he believes will attract more girls to the sport.

The board discussed this new team, noting that while girls would be traveling to other conferences and invitationals, this would also present an opportunity for hosting events. Ultimately, the board approved the new team and will continue discussions regarding coaches.

The Peshtigo School Board will meet next on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at 341 N Emery Ave.