Dixon School District

Recently I came across some disturbing data distributed by the Afterschool Alliance Organization. In a nutshell the organization’s message was that a large number of school age children are alone after school which leads to many problems. According to their figures, nationally, 25% of school age children are on their own after school. Additionally, the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex is between 3p.m. and 6p.m. That’s the bad news.

Here’s the good news. Dixon has a great afterschool program operated by a devoted and caring staff. It provides high interest activities as well as academic enrichment activities in a safe environment. The program coordinator strives to see that our program works for our students. Please encourage your children to participate. Most parents are so busy it is difficult to find time to read with your child or help him with his homework every day, but our program can help with tutoring and supplemental activities. Additionally, if you or someone you know would be willing to share their expertise and lead an afterschool activity it would be greatly appreciated.

I want to say thank you to the Dixon Indian Education Committee. Each year they provide our students with a fun filled Halloween celebration. Our students are treated to one of the best parties in the valley each year due to the committee’s devotion and effort.

In closing I want to remind parents and students that our first quarter of school ends on October 31^st. Many of our students have excellent attendance, but some need to improve. I believe we all are working for the same end goal – for our kids (students) to be successful. There is a direct correlation between classroom attendance rates and student success. In order to assure academic success students need to be prompt every day and attend on a regular basis.

Mark Faroni

Dixon School Principal

Dixon School District #9
Report Card

For School Year 2007-08

Dixon School Vision
Our vision is to provide a quality education for all students. Our goal is to provide the necessary academic, behavioral and creative thinking skills that will allow all students to be successful through their school career and life.

Dixon School Mission 
The Dixon School and Community will provide a safe learning environment and prepare all students to become productive, responsible and independent members of society.

 This report prepared by the Dixon School Administration with approval of Dixon School District #9 Board of Trustees.

 Student Enrollment as reported to the Office of Public Instruction on October 2007:

 Average Daily Attendance: 89.44%
 ** preschool students are not included in ADA calculation

 Staff:

We employed 7.5 full-time certified teachers including preschool
We employed 1 part-time certified Salish language teacher
We employed 1 part-time librarian
We employed 1 reading coach on a consulting basis
We employed 2 full-time certified paraprofessionals
We employed 1 full-time custodian and 1 part-time custodian
We employed 1 .875 FTE cook
We employed 1 part-time student counselor
We employed 1 full-time district clerk and 1 half-time district clerk
We employed 1 full-time administrative assistant and one half-time assistant
We employed 1 full-time principal/federal programs director
We contracted services for a part-time computer technician
We contracted services for a part-time grant writer/program coordinator
 The Missoula Special Education Cooperative provided services such as speech, Occupational Therapy etc.

 Plan for Providing a Quality Education

 In 2002, a Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan was developed by a committee and adopted by the Board of Trustees. This plan is continually reevaluated and updated. It is on file in the District office.  

The school principal completed a school Effectiveness Report for the 2006-07 school year. Data from the 2007 MontCAS results were utilized to compile the report. It was filed with the Office of Public Instruction.

 Goals: per the school’s Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan:

1. All students grades 3-8 will be proficient in reading by school year 2013-14
2. All students grades 3-8 will be proficient in math by school year 2013-14
3. The Dixon School will be a safe place for all students and staff

 Assessment: per the school’s Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan

1. Goal #1 will be assessed using the state criterion reference test (CRT) known as MontCAS
2. Goal #2 will be assessed using MontCAS
3. Goal #3 will be assessed using official school discipline referral notices

 How our students are doing

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) states that a Title I school’s “Adequate Yearly Progress” (AYP) will be determined by the following indicators:

1. Math Achievement
2. Reading Achievement
3. Attendance Rate
4. Graduation Rate when applicable

 In 2005-06 the District failed to achieve AYP due to low student math scores. The District took action during school year 2006-07 to correct this status. Student schedules were amended to include more math instruction time, supplemental math software programs were purchased and implemented within the curriculum, and a committee drafted a new math curriculum.                                                                                      

 In 2006-07 the District made AYP as defined by NCLB. The Dixon Elementary School and the 7-8 School made AYP as well in 2006-07.

 In 2007-08 the District failed to make AYP due to the percent of students who were not proficient or advanced in math. The new target increased 17% over the previous year’s target for math and as a District we failed to reach the new target for math. We exceeded the target set for reading.  The Dixon Elementary School (grades K-6), using the Small Schools Accountability Process, made AYP as did the Dixon 7-8 School.

In summation, of the subject areas assessed to determine if AYP is made, math is our District’s weakest area. We failed to achieve AYP in 2005-06 and now again in 2007-08 due to MontCAS math scores. We will continue to implement the new math curriculum adopted in June 2007, additional student math instruction time, supplemental materials, after school tutoring etc. Additionally, we will provide staff training on “The Brain and Mathematics” by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Teachers will be encouraged to take additional course work on math instruction and to participate in workshops on best practices for math instruction. The District will continue implementing reading instruction practices currently used. The District is on target to reach set goals in reading.

Other Important Points About Our School

1. All Dixon School teachers and paraprofessionals are considered “highly” qualified under NCLB
2. The Dixon School has no deficiencies in Accreditation Status
3. The Dixon School’s math, science, social studies, communication arts, fine arts, family and consumer sciences/industrial technology curricula are aligned to Montana standards
4. The Dixon School is a school-wide Title I school. A copy of the District’s school-wide plan is on file in the district office
5. The Dixon School implements Reading First practices and guidelines
6. The Dixon School shares a 21^st CCLC Grant with the Charlo School. This program funds after school programs that include tutoring, technology instruction, athletics, art camps, family nights, ski bus, etc.
7. The Dixon School has a GEAR UP grant that provides important services and scholarships to our middle school students while promoting college access

 Home   Calendar of Events   Mr. Faroni   School Board   Staff
Kindergarten   Grades 1-2   Grades 3-4   Grades 5-6   Grades 7-8
Childcare Center  Activities  T.E.A.M.  Kitchen  Library   Community Partnerships