Education Connection
September 2024
SPAPSD Families,
I hope this message finds you well as we settle into the school year. It’s been a wonderful start, filled with new opportunities for growth and learning. I am proud of the progress we’ve made together as a school community, and I want to take a moment to share some of the steps we’ve taken so far, as well as where we are headed.
Our dedicated faculty and staff has been working tirelessly to ensure that our students receive the best possible education in a supportive and engaging environment. We’ve seen significant strides in the areas of ELA, math and student engagement.
While we celebrate this progress, we also recognize that there is still important work ahead. As we look to the future, we remain focused on continued academic growth specifically in the core areas of ELA and math, enhancing family partnerships, and improving communication. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and address the challenges that lie ahead.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It’s an honor to work alongside you in supporting your children's growth and success. Wishing you a wonderful fall season, filled with learning and joy.
Sincerely,
Superintendent
During the 2023-24 school year, approximately 700 students successfully earned over 2,500 college credits through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) and dual enrollment initiatives with UW-Stevens Point, Mid-State Technical College, and Northcentral Technical College.
These programs allowed students to take college-level courses while still in high school, providing them with dual credit opportunities that saved families more than $500,000 in tuition costs.
“We are thrilled to see so many students take advantage of these programs,” said Cory Hirsbrunner, Superintendent of SPAPSD. “The ability to earn college credits while still in high school opens up pathways for future success and significantly reduces the financial burden of post-secondary education.”
The ECCP and dual enrollment programs are designed to ensure that students are prepared for higher education and future careers by offering courses that range from general education to more specialized fields. Students are able to explore subjects of interest while gaining valuable experience in college-level coursework.
These efforts reflect SPAPSD’s commitment to removing barriers to education and ensuring that all students—regardless of their financial situation—have access to opportunities that set them up for success.
We are proud to share the results of the 2023-2024 Wisconsin Forward Exam, administered to third through eighth-grade students last spring. The recently released results from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) show that Stevens Point students outperformed the state average in several key areas, including English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Positive Results for Our Students:
- English Language Arts (ELA): 53% of SPAPSD students met or exceeded grade-level expectations, compared to the state average of 51%.
- Math: 56% of SPAPSD students met or exceeded grade-level expectations, compared to the state average of 53%.
- Science: 56% of SPAPSD students met or exceeded grade-level expectations, outperforming the state average of 50%.
- Social Studies: 61% of SPAPSD students met or exceeded grade-level expectations, compared to the state average of 53%.
While these results provide a snapshot of student achievement, it’s important to note that recent changes to the Forward Exam's cut scores affect year-to-year comparisons. In June 2024, DPI revised the mastery thresholds, aligning them more closely with national standards. This adjustment means that scores may appear higher than in previous years, but direct comparisons to past performance are not possible.
A Word from Our Leadership: Chris Nyman, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Elementary Education, explained, “With the recent changes in the Forward Exam, it’s important to recognize that while our scores show progress, they also represent just one aspect of a student’s academic journey. The new cut scores offer a more balanced look at where students are, and our focus remains on helping every student grow and achieve. We encourage families to stay connected with their schools to ensure we continue supporting student success together.”
Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner added, “These scores are a testament to the progress our students are making. We strive to provide a rigorous academic curriculum that pushes our students to achieve their best, and while we are proud of these results, we know there is still work to be done. Our commitment to continuous improvement means we will keep pushing forward to ensure every student reaches their full potential.”
Moving Forward Together: While the Forward Exam results offer valuable insights, they are just one measure of student success. The Stevens Point Area Public School District uses a variety of metrics to assess student progress. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review their child’s results alongside other indicators, such as curriculum progress reports and benchmarks, and to maintain close partnerships with their schools to support student growth.
Winter is just around the corner and with it comes the need for warm clothing. Operation Bootstrap will once again be distributing coats from the Noel Hangar. No appointment is necessary, so please be patient and courteous s we may have many families looking for clothing at the same time.
When:
Friday, October 18, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where:
Noel Hangar
Stevens Point Airport - Hwy 66
If the above times don't work for you, and your family is in need of warm winter wear, please call Patty at 715-341-1473 and set up a time to come in and find what you need (please leave a message and call back number).
