DEMPSEY FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS: DR JAMES

The start of a new school year brings many new opportunities. The beginning of  high school for our freshwomen in a new place, the higher expectations for everyone, a rested group of people back from a summer and a variety of other items which are all part of life in a new place. I just wanted to let you know about how well our young women did on the Regents Exams in June. We have every right to be proud of their performance.

The recent publishing of Business First ranked us 16 (Same as last year) among all high schools in Western New York. The publication gives percentages relative to other schools for exam performance and Regents diploma completion but gives no raw exam data for comparison basis. The Regents exam portion of their ranking includes all Regents exam results from 2004-2007.  They apply their formula and come up with a ranking. The entire formula is a tedious one for them and is based on State Education Department publications. Understanding and deciphering it is not easy. In spite of their complex formula, I can report our students Regents exam achievements over the past several years and how in 2008, 55% of all exams taken were 85 (mastery) or above. The results are below.

Some highlights include:

-English: 99% passed with 77%. The only failure re-took the exam in Summer School and earned a 93.

-Math: Math “A” had a 98% and a 100% passing rate for each of the past two years with and average of 70% achieving mastery. Math B is an extremely difficult exam. It had an 87% passing rate over the past two years. This is a significant increase up from the previous three years.

-Social Studies: Only 1 student has not passed the Regents exam in Global Studies and/or US history over the past two years. The Mastery rate for this past June’s exams was 69% for Global Studies and 86 % for US History. Both mastery levels are significant increases over previous years.

Science: Earth Science, Biology and Chemistry all had more than 90% of the students pass the Regents Exam in June. Biology has 53% of the students score at the Mastery level. Physics had an 83% passing rate.

            In addition, all 73 seniors graduated with Regents diplomas, with 54 (74%) achieving advanced status diplomas. Congratulations to the class of 2008 for all their work at SHA and for significant Advanced Diploma increases.

Our students did well and we are aware of the areas in which we will improve. Efforts have either been started or are in the process being implemented to assist student achievement. Thank you to our parents for providing a home atmosphere conducive to studying and for their support of their children and our teachers. We look forward to a good year for academics and also for athletics, the arts, music, leadership activities, service and promoting Franciscan values.  My best to everyone and if you have any questions, please contact me at 834-2101 ext 308.

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