Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Portsmouth School Department
50 Clough Drive
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801

(603) 431-5080

September 28, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As you are aware, AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) reports were released recently by the Department of Education providing scores of our students in reading and math.  You may also be aware that, with the Federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation, this is very high stakes testing for all school districts and with it comes a great deal of accountability.    Therefore, given our most recent results in which some of our schools did not make AYP, we, as a staff and Principals, are working to increase educational instruction in the classroom so students meet the AYP criteria not only for the next test, but in the future.  

For us to continue making progress with students, offering the kind of curriculum and quality education we want to see in Portsmouth, we would like to prevent any diversions that will take away from this work.  During the first three weeks of October, students will be tested again.  We will be encouraging students to do the best they can on the test, make modifications for those students who are eligible, and want to provide any and all support to the students who require this.  The schools are providing snacks and breakfast for students. 

I have described this effort to the staff as being in a “full court press.”  This means all interventions possible are being implemented in each school to prepare students in the curriculum areas.  We need your help!  Please talk to your children; encourage them to attempt their best in the testing, ensure they get adequate sleep, provide them with breakfast, and please do not schedule any appointments and/or vacations during this time.  This is very important, not only to the schools, but to the whole community. 

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact the building principals or me.  Thank you for your continued support.

                                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                              Dr. Robert J. Lister
                                                                              Superintendent of Schools

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