Seabrook Middle School state test assessment scores show students made "adequate yearly progress" in reading over the past academic year, school officials said.
The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires states to evaluate the performance of all public school students to determine if schools, school districts and states achieve "adequate yearly progress" in specific academic subject areas, like reading, math and science. Adequate yearly progress is a target goal, measuring the performance and participation of students in a variety of socioeconomic categories, and English proficiency based on the yearly New England Common Assessment Program, the assessment test used in New Hampshire.
Schools like Seabrook Middle School can make significant growth each year but still fail to make adequate yearly progress as defined by the NCLBA, officials at the school said.
"Our performance indicators have shown us that our students are making positive growth each year," said Les Shepard, principal of Seabrook Middle School. "We are thrilled that our NECAP scores enabled us to make (adequate yearly progress) in reading this year. The determination of our staff and students have made this goal a reality."
In math, although gains were made, test scores did not indicate students made adequate yearly progress. Due to the federal laws raising standards, qualifications to achieve AYP are more difficult to meet each year.
The NECAP science tests takes place in coming months.
"We will continue our efforts to assist students in further positive growth in all content areas," Shepard said.
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Seabrook Middle School wrestlers Robbie Maclean and Michael Dow earned medals at the 2012 New England Youth Wrestling Classic at the Portland, Maine, Civic Center recently. The two boys finished fourth in their weight division among the more than 1,000 wrestlers from New England and new York who took part.
Seabrook wrestler Jaden Lesperance and John Ferrelli of Hampton also competed, finishing just off the podium in fifth place.
Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches who worked hard all year.
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Free breast and cervical cancer screenings will be offered to income-qualified women along the New Hampshire Seacoast at Families First Health and Support Center, located in Portsmouth.
The Seacoast's community health center will offer the screenings the evenings of April 25 and June 6. The clinics include Pap smears and breast exams, with referrals for free mammograms at a choice of mammography centers.
To be eligible for these free screenings, woman must be 40 years of age or older; have no health insurance or have health insurance with a high deductible and must meet household-income guidelines. For example, for a single woman, the annual income must be lower than $28,000.
Women younger than 40 who haven't had a Pap smear in more than three years are also eligible.
Space is limited, and appointments are required. To make an appointment, call Jane Cummings, RN, at 603-422-8208, ext. 222.
Dr. Kareen Worrell, DO, is volunteering her services to provide the screenings. The cost of the tests is covered by the state's Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.
Families First is a nonprofit agency offering a wide variety of free or affordable health care and family support services to individuals and families in the Seacoast area, regardless of their ability to pay.
For more information, call 603-422-8208 or visit www.FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org.
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In conjunction with the town clerk's office, Seabrook veterinarian Dr. Christopher Baker will again take part in the Seabrook Annual Rabies clinic for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, April 28, at Seabrook Elementary School, 256 Walton Road.
The cost of vaccination is $12 per animal.
Those attending can also get their dog licenses at a separate table staffed by members of the town clerk's office.
All dogs are required to have licenses by both town ordinance and state law.
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Angeljean Chiaramida covers Seabrook for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3271, or at achiaramida@newburyportnews.com.
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