The Kiker Year In Review
aka Happy Summer
Message From The Principal's Desk
The initial outpouring of positive energy while I was welcomed to campus during last spring and summer never waned - my family and I have been consistently amazed by everyone's willingness to make us feel a part of this community - so for that (and many other things) I thank you.
David Crissey
Kiker Annual Fundraiser Update
Mingling through the 2019 Kiker Annual Fundraiser I was moved by the deep levels of connection that I observed. One of the recurring themes that has resonated so strongly with me this past year is how this connection defines the Kiker Elementary community.
As we move into the 2019-2020 school year we will face challenges that will redefine our community and as much as that stings to have to communicate I am hopeful our foundational connection will define how we handle our challenges.
When Andrea Bredl and I started to have conversations about the fundraiser I set a lofty goal, a goal that was well beyond any previous total. The goal had a purpose – the purpose was to firmly cement Kiker Elementary as the leader in providing your children the best education in Austin, Texas for years to come. At Kiker we take care of our kids. We are able to care for them academically, physically, and emotionally because of your support and dedication.
It is with great pride and respect that I announce the final totals from the 2019 Kiker Annual Fundraiser.
We earned $110,000
Everything about that number is fantastic but of special note is the whopping $17,500 earned from our Gifts of Time. A great big thank you goes out to all of our staff who donated their time and effort.
The event was an amazing success and one that would not have happened without the tireless work of several people. We would like to formally recognize the following people for their efforts:
Kathryn Bankston, Minna Billick, Andrea Bredl, Robyn Calvin, Alma Chapa Moore, Rachel Covert, Shari Dalchau, Warren Faulkner, Randie Fraser, Sarah Galvin, Corey Gibbs, Paige Hariharan, Kristi Katanick, Judy Kenney, Natalie Kifer, Emily Kruger, Samantha Lilley, Carol Markwalter, Ashley McGee, Carolyn McKaskle, Frances Morgan, Whitney Myers, Kelly Meyer, Michelle Nobbe, Janet Rosas, Kathryn Sampson, Katy Smith, Jennifer Sparks, Jessica Swearingen, Pamela Walsh, Jennifer Warmink, Stephanie Wiley, Prima Womack, and Candice Youngblood.
Beyond these individuals it is with the utmost respect and admiration that we thank everyone who donated to our total from the bottom of our collective hearts.
Accountability Information
Accountability is absolutely necessary. With that said there are divergent opinions on what and who should be a part of the education accountability measures, however at the end of the day Kiker Elementary always rises to the top.
I have two data sets to report. As of 'press time' we have only received our Fifth Grade Reading and Math STAAR scores and true to form we are #1 in the district in both content areas. Once we receive the other grade levels I will report those out.
On Monday, all Texas schools received their "Children at Risk" scores and Kiker Elementary earned a solid first in the district and placed well ahead of all schools in central Texas minus a few Round Rock schools. This rating includes test scores AND how well the school supports students experiencing economic disadvantage. We ranked number 73 out of 4549 schools which places us in the 99th percentile of all schools in state of Texas.
Again these scores/rankings are not a part of our accountability grade released by TEA.
The Inaugural Kiker Elementary Talent Show
As I expected the Inaugural Kiker Elementary Talent Show delivered inspiration, courage, creativity, and an opportunity for us all to connect. We had singers, dancers, violinists, pianists, martial artists, and film makers dazzle our student body during two sold out performances the week before school let out. THANK YOU to all the students who were willing to step out and take a chance - I hope you feel as strongly about your performances as I do. I look forward to seeing our Comets on stage for years to come.
Social – Emotional Learning @ Kiker In 2019 And Beyond
I hosted several engagement opportunities throughout the school year and we touched on a variety of topics. As a part of that engagement series we had one group which focused specifically on social-emotional learning - that group met several times as we attempted to define our ideal “Comet” … as we shared our hopes and dreams for our children we developed a list of constructs that were essential to the individuals in the collective group.
We then collaborated with our staff and finalized a list of five characteristics that we would explicitly teach, celebrate, and use as our foundation for our conversations with our students for years to come.
Further developing our “I Am” theme we will focus on integrity, courage, resiliency, compassion, and connectedness. Stay tuned for more updates regarding this very innovative and exciting initiative – be prepared to tell your story next year – our stories of courage, integrity, compassion, and resiliency will connect us in deep ways.
Responsive Schools
As we tell our stories and connect with each other we will also begin the process of transforming Kiker into a Responsive School. A Responsive School is comprised of Responsive Classrooms in which you will see four component pieces creating one seamless environment which focuses on a growth mindset and the ‘power of yet’:
Component One – Engaging Academics
Component Two – Positive Community
Component Three – Effective Management
Component Four – Developmentally Responsive Teaching
Attendance Matters
Thank you for making attendance a priority. As most of you know we set a daily attendance rate goal (which is reported to the state and is a part of our accountability rating) of 97%.
I was able to obtain our final attendance numbers today and our official daily attendance rate for the 2018 – 2019 school ended up at 96%.
We will have to play a waiting game to see the impact of missing this goal on our overall rating however please know attendance is one of the cornerstones of a high performing school culture.
Here is a breakdown by 6 week reporting periods for the school year for Kiker:
- 1st 6 Weeks – 98.1%
- 2nd 6 Weeks – 97.3%
- 3rd 6 Weeks – 95.9%
- 4th 6 Weeks – 96.8%
- 5th 6 Weeks – 94.3%
- 6th 6 Weeks – 93.6%
Here is a breakdown by elementary schools in our vertical team using the average daily attendance rate for the year as the metric:
- Baldwin – 96.5%
- Baranoff – 96.2%
- Cowan – 95.3%
- Clayton – 96.6%
- Kiker Elementary 96%
- Mills – 96.5%
The district average daily attendance rate was 94.8%.
As I drilled down deeper into the data I had several noticings:
- 34 students fell below 90% attendance which ultimately brought our overall attendance rate below our threshold
- Over 200 students had attendance rates between 95% - 90%
- 81 students had perfect attendance
Next year I will be more diligent about meeting with families who fall below 90% daily attendance and please know this is not about our accountability rating it is about the importance of being in school.
I shared the below graphic with you earlier in the year but I feel like it is a good reminder of what missing a day means in regards to instructional time lost.
As you are making plans for vacations and trips next school please consider our school calendar during your planning.
https://www.austinisd.org/sites/default/files/dept/calendar/AISD_Calendar_2019-2020.pdf
My Summer Reading
The summer is an outstanding time to take a breath, reflect, and create. These three books will drive my summer reflection:
The New Art and Science of Teaching by Dr. Robert Marzano
Leading a High Reliability School by Dr. Robert Marzano, Dr. Phillip Warrick, Dr. Cameron Rains, and Dr. Richard DuFour
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate.
Wishtree will be a school-wide read aloud next year and I am excited to immerse myself in the world of Red, the oak tree that is "two hundred and sixteen rings old."
The New Art and Science of Teaching will help me as a refine my conversations I have with teachers about their practice while Leading a High Reliability School will help me as a finalize a congruent vision which will place Kiker Elementary at the forefront of educational reform focused on improving student opportunities and outcomes.
Supporting Our Struggling Readers
We will staff a total 2.5 reading specialists AND purchase the appropriate materials (and corresponding training) for evidenced based / district approved reading intervention in kindergarten, first, and second grade.
Creating this foundation at the primary level will provide students with intervention during their most critical developmental point.
Staff Changes
For the 2018 – 2019 school year we welcomed twenty (20) new Comets to the school , this year our retention rate is much much higher which is a metric I am very proud to report.
We are, however losing some outstanding educators and I would like to recognize them:
- Amy Barrat
- Sandy Barron
- Kathryn Delange
- Jennifer Fike
- Alisha Knickerbocker
- Lori Morse
- Barbara Talley
Also please note grade level changes for Stefanie Torres - who is moving to 3rd grade and Shawn Whitehouse who is traveling to 5th grade.
We are hard at work hiring and we will unveil their replacements as we get closer to the beginning of school.