DUMMERSTON SCHOOL (K-8)
Jo Carol Ratti, Principal
Stella White, Administrative Assistant
Hannah Parker, School Counselor
Mary Ann Runge, School Nurse
The Community
Dummerston,
originally chartered as the Town of Fullum in 1753, is a rural community located
in the southeast corner of Vermont. The
town is home to fruit and vegetable farms, campgrounds and private home-based
businesses. Dummerston is also the site
of Rudyard Kipling’s home, Naulakha. Dummerston is known for its historic covered
bridge that was built in 1872. In the
early 1990’s the bridge was restored and is considered a local landmark. At one time, Dummerston had two schoolhouses,
one located in West Dummerston and another in East Dummerston. In 1994, the east school was renovated in
order to educate students, Kindergarten through eighth grade under one roof,
called Dummerston School located on 52 Schoolhouse Road. The Dummerston School is a beautifully
maintained structure surrounded by playgrounds and ball fields for Dummerston students
and their families. The building is an
aesthetic mix of traditional architecture integrated with a bright and spacious
addition.
The Mission
The Dummerston School community
is committed to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and personal responsibility,
which is safe and accessible to children and their families. To the greatest
extent possible, we strive to meet a student's academic and social needs in an
atmosphere where success is seen as a shared responsibility among all our
constituents.
Personnel
18.5 Licensed
Faculty
9.0 Highly
Qualified Educational Support Staff
Overview
Dummerston School
serves approximately 150 children in a kindergarten through eighth grade
setting. The average class size in
Kindergarten through third grade is 15.
In grades four through 8 the average class size is 16. Elementary classes are self-contained while
middle school classes for grades 6 through 8 are departmentalized. We offer a
full day Kindergarten program in a spacious renovated area.
Learning Opportunities
ž
Academic proficiency and social
responsibility are stressed at all grade levels with the expectation that all
our students will be proficient with the standards outlined in the WSESU
Learning Framework.
ž
In an effort to eliminate reading
failure, students in grades K-4 participate in 75 minutes of Literacy
instruction four days a week and 45 minutes one day a week.
ž
The library is opened to the
school community and is staffed by a part-time licensed Library Media
Specialist three days a week.
ž
Art, Instrumental and Vocal Music
are offered, in various forms, at all grade levels.
ž
Students in grades K-4
participate in the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) Program offered
by volunteers.
ž
Students and staff at all grade
levels have access to a full range of technology, software tools and
applications. We currently have two portable computer labs which provide
classrooms students with laptop computing capabilities.
ž
Chinese language instruction is
provided on a limited basis through the Asian Studies Grant.
ž
Fall, winter and spring sports
are available to students in grades 6-8.
ž
The Winter Activities program,
staffed by parents and volunteers, offers students a variety of indoor and
outdoor opportunities for six afternoons during January and February.
Activities have included skiing, skating, snowboarding, bowling, drama, and
art. All students are expected to participate in Winter Activities.
ž
Students in grades 6-8
participate in a daily Exploratory Block designed for multi-age instruction in
Band, Chorus, Art and Technology.
ž
All students in grades K-8
participate in both Physical Education and Art Education two times a week. Students in grades K-5 participate in Music
twice a week and Library class is scheduled for students in Kindergarten
through grade five once a week. Middle
School students have weekly opportunities to check out books from the library
and receive library instruction based on specific classroom units of study.
ž Additional training and learning opportunities for students include
Student Mentoring, Adventure groups, Student Council and after school
enrichment programs (when available).
ž Dummerston School offers a Hot Lunch program which meets state and
federal guidelines. Snack milk and juice are also available. Students may apply
for lunch and/or snack milk/juice at free or reduced prices in accordance with
the program regulations.
ž
Full-time nursing and part-time
counseling services are provided by licensed professionals.
|
SCHOOL STAFF |
|
.:. 20.8 licensed faculty members. 11.0 support staff members |
|
CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT |
|
SCHOOL STAFF |
|
.:. 20.8 licensed faculty members. 11.0 support staff members |
|
CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT |
|
SCHOOL STAFF |
|
.:. 20.8 licensed faculty members 11.0 support staff members |
|
CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT |
Curriculum & Assessment
Dummerston participates, along with other WSESU schools,
in the continual development and alignment of the WSESU Learning Framework. We
offer a comprehensive curriculum that is consistent with the VT Framework of
Standards and Learning Opportunities. As
a district we promote the development of skills in communication, reasoning
& problem solving, personal development, and civic and social
responsibility.
|
Students are
assessed regularly using observation, written work, program tests and State
Assessments as part of the teaching/learning process. Formalized assessments
include Portfolio assessments, State Assessments and New Standards Reference
Examinations. The Annual WSESU School Report and the WSESU Learning
Frameworks provide specific grade level assessment information as well as
information on the Standards Based Curriculum and Assessment process. |
Students are assessed regularly as part of the teaching/learning
process. Formal state assessments include the Developmental Reading Assessment in grade 2 and the New England Common Assessment Program in
grades 3-8. Annually, we report our grade level scores to the community at School Report Day in March. The WSESU Learning Framework provides specific
grade level assessment information as well as information on the Standards
Based Curriculum and Assessment process.
Facts & Figures
Dummerston Town
School District
06-07 district budget $4,107,717.00
07-08
district budget $4,138,278.00
06-07 per pupil expense $12,601.00
07-08 per
pupil expense $13,131.00
Length of school day 6.5
Student/Teacher Ratio 14/1 (excludes counselor, nurse, librarian, art,
music and
phys. ed. teachers)
Reporting to Parents
Communication with parents occurs on a regular
basis at Dummerston School. A school newsletter, outlining school events, is
published on a weekly basis and sent home with students. In addition, classroom
teachers send home information to keep parents abreast of activities within the
classrooms. Parent Teacher Conferences are officially scheduled in January as a
means of reporting student progress. Report Cards and Progress Reports are sent
home at designated times during the year. Parents are encouraged to contact
teachers throughout the year if they have questions about their child's
progress or about school activities. Teachers also contact parents on an
individual basis throughout the year by note, telephone call, or personal
contact to share successes or concerns.
In addition, and in accordance with Act 60
(currently Act 68) and District policies, Dummerston School's student
performance results and other pertinent information are made public at a School
Report Day and published in an Annual WSESU School Report, which is available
upon request.
NECAP Results 2006
Number of
students per class who are
Proficient or Proficient with
Distinction
|
Math |
||
|
Grade |
# of
students/class |
Percentages |
|
Grade 3 |
12/17 |
70% |
|
Grade 4 |
14/21 |
67% |
|
Grade 5 |
7 /12 |
58% |
|
Grade 6 |
13/16 |
81% |
|
Grade 7 |
16/20 |
80% |
|
Grade 8 |
14/26 |
54% |
|
Reading |
||
|
Grade |
# of students/class |
Percentages |
|
Grade 3 |
13/17 |
76% |
|
Grade 4 |
15/21 |
71% |
|
Grade 5 |
10/12 |
83% |
|
Grade 6 |
14/16 |
88% |
|
Grade 7 |
15/20 |
75% |
|
Grade 8 |
16/26 |
62% |
|
Writing |
||
|
Grade |
# of students/class |
Percentages |
|
Grade 5 |
7/12 |
71% |
|
Grade 8 |
11/26 |
42% |
Dummerston
School
2007-2008
Elementary
And
Middle School
52 Schoolhouse Road
East Dummerston, VT
05346
Phone: (802)
254-2733
Fax: (802)
257-5751
Office Hours
8:00-3:30