Principal gets parents and community involved; boosts school scores

What do you do when you're a first time principal of an elementary school that has received failing grades on state assessment tests and has gone through three principals in three years? Just ask Sheree Cagle.

Cagle, who joined Hallmark Elementary in 2005 knew she was taking on a big assignment when she accepted her first job as principal of the struggling school in Pensacola, Florida . The prior year only one-third of the students were at or above the minimum accepted skill levels in math and reading, but Cagle was determined to improve her student's classrooms, raise school spirit and spark parent involvement - all factors Cagle recognizes as highly connected to test scores and performance.

On her list of to-do's was to bring in new teachers, implement new policies and to do everything humanly possible to get parents and community involved. In doing so many of her policies are geared to boost both parental and community involvement. At Hallmark Elementary each grading period ends with a free dinner encouraging parents or guardians to come, meet with teachers, and pick up report cards. Additionally from 8:00 to 9:30 each morning, students are required to take time out to read. They are joined by all paid employees at the school-and several unpaid volunteers-who are also required to take part in a reading bloc. That even includes the principal herself!

In addition to time spent reading, every day from 1:30 to 2:00 is known as "dragon time" in honor of the school's mascot. Dragon time is a time for assistance to those children who need a little extra help or a little extra time to challenge themselves to move on if they are already at level. Cagle has also sent the word out that the community has not only been asked to help, but is expected to help.

Instead of just giving lip service to the idea of children being our greatest asset, Cagle is calling for action. As a result, local churches and businesses have donate items and shown their support.

Although the extent of Cagle's determination to improve the school's grades won't be fully assessed until after the FCAT standardized test are taken later this spring, already students are showing actual improvement on several in-school testing software programs, as well as on their report cards.

In addition to promising to turn Hallmark Elementary into an A school, Cagle is also on record for vowing to put the school on the cover of Time Magazine as an example of what can be done to help schools in America turn things around. Looks like Ms. Cagle is stepping in the right direction.