McNaughton is a dual-track school with a junior kindergarten to Grade 8 English program and a junior kindergarten to Grade 5 French Immersion program. Located on the edge of Chatham, the school has an urban-rural population mix of 650 students.
In 2004–2005, the percentages of Grade 3 McNaughton students meeting or surpassing the provincial standard were 72% in reading, 76% in writing and 83% in mathematics. In Grade 6, the percentages were 75% in reading, 75% in writing and 73% in mathematics.
We have a curriculum team, and we give them release time. The four divisional leaders and the vice-principal have weekly meetings to discuss concerns and plan strategies. It’s been tremendously beneficial. It has to be a school focus. We have to do it as one group.
Bob Myers,
Principal
Parents are the school’s best partners, which is another element instrumental to student achievement. Learning at home is an extension of learning at school, with parents supporting the school’s initiatives. Parents are active in the home-and-school association and on the school council. The council has 21 members, and parents have to reapply after a two-year term. Four staff members are on the council as well. In addition, McNaughton uses EQAO data as one piece of information to support overall school improvement planning.
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