Kindergarten Tea on March 16th

Come and meet current and potential J.S. Jenks Parents.

2009 Annual Report and School Performance Index (SPI)

The 2009 Annual Report for the Philadelphia Public Schools is now available on the district website http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/a/accountability/school-annual-reports
Download from the Northwest group. We are consistently in the top 25% of schools (they only segment by quartiles).

There is a new index from the Office of Accountability that was introduced with the plan for the Renaissance Schools. The School Performance Index (SPI)is calculated using a different algorithm to compare schools 1. Relative to the District Overall and
2. Relative to Similar Schools. The SPI is reported on a 1-10 scale (1 being the best). http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/a/accountability/school-performance-index-spi
(download the Northwest data)
We are in the 2 ranking, the top 20% of all schools. And ranked 4 among like schools. The SPI page allows comparison of scores etc to similar schools in the area.

Jenks' Parents and the SRC

Meetings are a regular part of my "day job". So when it was suggested that we gather a group of parents to attend the School Reform Council meeting in January, I was supportive but not enthusiastic. I am sure other parents also felt the same way about yet another meeting....BUT J.S. Jenks really made an impact. We had 9 parents support our 3 parent speakers. Many more parents were supportive but unable to attend an afternoon meeting.

The meeting was delayed and relatively long but from my vantage point well worth the effort. We had a spectacular team of parents speaking for the school an in particular regarding a proposal submitted by the principal last March. Gerald Wright, Bob Previdi and Julia Reeb were articulate, passionate and to the point. Although the outcome is yet to be known, we captured the attention of the SRC council, Dr. Ackerman, the Regional Superintendent, Penny Nixon and a recruit for the “potential parents” list-serv.

I really have not felt so good after a "meeting" in a very long time:)

I had so much fun learning.....

My daughter told me that she was having so much fun learning she didn't believe Ms. Smith that it was time for Music. Yes, she may know what to say to make my day but I do think she has a great time at school each day....and loves learning!

J.S. Jenks Open House

What can the school offer your child and family and how can YOU become involved in your neighborhood school.

Thankful for Neighborhood Schools

I have found that sending my daughter to school can be difficult, confusing and basically scary at times. There is always angst and self doubt about decisions made. In addition, I struggle with juggling my own goals and professional life as I try to support my children in their lives. No wonder I am tired!

As the J.S. Jenks annual Thanksgiving feast approached I thought about what I am thankful for regarding the school.

I am thankful that….

1. My daughter is happy and learning new things each day
2. My daughter feels part of the school community
3. I am able to walk my kids to school many days
4. I can raise my children in an urban neighborhood†
5. There is a wonderful playground at the school

† to read a great commentary on urban neighborhood revitalization
Commentary: Undermining Chestnut Hill’s future
by Bob Previdi

Report Card: Focus on Math

http://www.philly.com/philly/hot_topics/63762912.html

Below are the scores for J.S. Jenks’ PSSA scores in reading and math.
We are in the 1st quartile in math for the 5th grade which is the top 20% of schools (only quartile stats for 5th grade were given). All grades are high in math and there were large gains in reading scores for the past 3 years (One area parents can definitely make an impact: Read to/with your kids!)

County PHILADELPHIA
DistrictPHILADELPHIA CITY SD
School JENKS JOHN S SCH