A Message From Our Principal
WELCOME BACK!
September 9, 2019
Hello Parents and Guardians:
Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful summer and are ready for a new school year. I value your positive energy and dedication to excellence in education, and I look forward to working with you and your children.
Last year was filled with a lot of fun learning experiences and student and school successes. Here are a few of our favorite memories:
- We were recognized by Great Philly Schools as a High Academic Growth school for demonstrating significant student growth on state assessments over the past three years. Creative teaching and learning practices are driving student success!
- First and second grade exceeded the district’s outcome goal for the percentage of students reading on target.
- Third grade showed a 4% increase in both math and reading PSSA scores.
- Parents became engaged in school life and teaching and learning opportunities through the School Advisory Council, Academic Parent Teacher Teams, and monthly five-minute classroom learning walks.
With school now up and running, we are ready and excited to reach new goals. Our attendance goal is of utmost importance to us. We are aiming for at least 60% of students attending 95% or more of our school days. Students must attend school regularly to benefit from what we teach. Last year, only 34% of students attended at least 95% of school days. This lost instructional time exacerbates opportunity gaps.
Investing in a safer, healthier, and more inviting learning environment for students and staff has been a top priority this summer. Major renovations, including a freshly painted building and a plaster stabilization project, have transformed our school into a brighter and cleaner learning environment. The Little School House has undergone removal of the old, damaged carpet and flooring and new, colorful tile has been installed in every classroom.
Thank you to all who have helped prepare for the new school year. Our school is alive with energy, enthusiasm, and a high expectation of excellence! We appreciate your commitment to ensuring that Laura H. Carnell School remains successful, and I eagerly look forward to greeting parents and families again. Please come out to our Back to School Night on September 24th. This night is for parents and families to learn more about our school, meet and greet teachers, and engage with community partners.
It remains an honor and privilege to serve as your principal. Please stop by and say hello. Together, I know we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for all our students.
Sincerely,
Hilderbrand Pelzer III, Principal
