Battle Creek

Writing is Fun
Sarah Garrett, Fremond Elementary

The Priority Need:
According to 2006 MEAP scores, 47% of African American males in the third grade have scored at the apprentice level in writing.

The Project:
A “Writing is Fun” month will be implemented into Fremont Elementary School. Students will have the chance to learn about creative writing and will be encouraged to write their own story. Parents will be invited to participate in the writing process before, during and after school. Students will also be expected to keep a daily journal. As a reward for writing, students can have their parents sign a note, verifying their work at home, which will allow the student “Writing is Fun Dollars.” Students can purchase school supplies, available at the school store, with these dollars.

Parents will be trained on how to help their child at home with the writing process. Parents will also be given questions to ask teachers, with regard to the students’ progress at school, and also questions to ask the child.

Anticipated Results:
Within two years there will be at least a 20% increase in the number of students writing at a proficient level.

Improving Writing Skills
Kathryn Hilbert, Coburn Elementary

The Priority Need:
According to 2006 MEAP scores, 50% or more of third grade students did not meet passing guidelines in writing. In a parent survey, 46.6% of parents feel that the school needs to design and implement a more challenging curriculum including but not limited to varying grade level readiness, special learning students and gifted students.

The Project:
A writing fair will be implemented into the school. A committee made up of one teacher and two parent volunteers will host the writing fair twice per year. Writing resources will be made available to students for encouragement and guidance. The student’s work will be bound into a book to display their hard work.

Anticipated Results:
To improve writing skills and test scores by 10% or more by fall 2008.

My World, My Way
Felicia Reevers, Battle Creek Central High School

Please refer to the complete My World, My Way project.

Writes of Passage
Anthony Richie, Dudley Elementary

The Priority Need:
Based on 2006 MEAP scores, 50% of third and fourth graders did not meet writing standards required by Battle Creek Public Schools.

The Project:
Writing workshops will be established for parents and students. The work of students will be published in a statewide newsletter. Students will also have the opportunity to write and record original music and participate in “Rap Battles” where students can showcase their lyrical talents. The lyrics will be applied to a specific topic. Finally, students will also have the chance to participate in an annual poetry slam contest. The idea is to get students involved in writing something that allows for self expression while exposing them to healthy competition.

A group for fathers, D.A.D.D.Y.S., will also be created. D.A.D.D.Y.S. stands for Dads at Dudley Directing Youth Scholars. The organization will encourage fathers to play an active role in their child’s education and also bring a stronger male presence to the school.

Anticipated Results:
Within two years, there will be at least a 15-20% increase in the writing proficiency of third grade students.

This project awaits a title to be determined by those participating in the program.
Marilyn Robinson, Urbandale Elementary

The Priority Need:
Based on fall 2006 MEAP scores, 50% or more children in third and fourth grades did not pass the writing section of the MEAP.

The Project:
Second grade students will be chosen to write a book. This will be done through a book club, which they will name themselves. The club will be run by parent volunteers who will meet a minimum of seven times per year. The club meetings will be held before and after school. Each participating student will have a hand in writing the book. Individual stories will be published in the classroom newsletter.

Anticipated Results:
Within two years, third graders will increase their writing test scores between 10-20%. By 2014 students will be writing at a proficient level.