Kate Wenzl
Principal

Dry Creek Statistics	2007-08	2006-07
Enrollment	452	364
Smallest Class	17	16
Largest Class	26	22
Average Class Size	20	18
Classroom Teachers	24	20.8
Support Staff	1.9	1.9
Administrators	1	1
Secretaries	1.5	1.5
Para-Educators	10	13
Custodians	1.5	1.5
Food Services	3	2
Volunteers	100	100
Avg. Annual Attendance	92.59%	99.6%
Suspended	49	50
Expelled	0	0
Students Promoted	99.3%	98.8%
Free/Reduced Lunch %	56.6%	55.6%
Title I/Lap	School-Wide	School-Wide
Special Education	78	86
Bilingual	1	3

Reflections on the 2007-08 School Year

At Dry Creek Elementary School, we are working to provide all students with a rigorous and relevant curriculum in a caring, academic climate. This past year, our WASL student scores demonstrated the following achievements:

• Grade 3 mathematicians’ level 4 rose 10.2% to 25.3%.
• Grade 4 reading scores increased from 77.3% to 82.5%.
• Grade 4 math scores increased 19% (54.5% to 73%). When comparing cohort data to third grade scores, students achieving level 4 increased from 10.2% to 38.1%; a 10% gain compared to last year’s 4th grade!
• Grade 5 scientists surpassed district rate for 4th straight year.
• Grade 5 mathematicians increased from 54.5% meeting standard in grade 4 to 72.3%; 45.5% not meeting standard dropped to 27.7% as fifth graders.
• Grade 6 reading scores improved 7% and math 20% compared to prior year; Native American grade 6 readers achieved Adequate Yearly Progress.

Plans for the 2008-09 School Year

Student Learning.  Our developing Response to Intervention (RTI) plan will respond to individual student needs in a proactive manner. Staff members will use comprehensive data to inform our next instructional steps. Use of the students’ own words through test talks and inquiry will increase our understanding of the learners’ abilities for next instructional steps. Focusing on these objectives will enable us to achieve our goals.

Reading:  Dry Creek’s RIT team has begun investigating how it can provide additional support to learners in grade 2 and full day kindergarten. We are maximizing existing resources (para-educator time and schedules) to enhance the education of each student with strategic interventions.  A few examples:  Kindergarten students benefit from a smaller class size with strategic pacing and challenging curriculum in their classroom; grade 4 has a pull-out Soar to Success Reading Program; grade 5 utilizes available resources for a push-in model in a blended classroom for instructional support; Books are Fun reading incentives, as well as other library programs, promote literacy school-wide.

Math:  Bridges (K-5th) and McDougal Littell (6th) math curriculum is used within all schools in the Port Angeles School District. Specific goals:  Grade 6 provides math remediation and enrichment activities after each unit test; student learning plans address specific student needs in grades 5 and 6; test talks allow students’ to describe their thinking to their teacher in their own words; and After School Math Tutoring sessions are based on student specific needs.

Professional Development.  At Dry Creek we continue our focus on student achievement in reading, writing, math and science, and our learning environment through professional development. This support allows us to provide research based instruction.  We recognize that successful remedial strategies need to be at the student’s instructional level, and provide incremental steps to build proficiency. 

School Climate.  Our school-wide approach is to assess students’ learning and base instruction on individual needs for increased achievement. Students are challenged with rigorous curriculum and given support to improve their skills with confidence. Students feel safe, supported, and connected to Dry Creek Elementary. We celebrate student successes with Dragon Deeds, incentives, math dragons, postcards with the Principal, Physical Education Health Challenge, and the kid’s marathon. Enriching assemblies (Book It Theatre, Science Van, Author Keith Baker, etc.) and field trips (Seattle Children’s Theatre, Victoria Trip, firehouse tour, Dungeness River water quality, etc.) expand the learning of the classroom with real-life experiences.

How Can You Help?

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. We know that not all children learn in the same way at the same time. The parents, friends of Dry Creek students and our community are all instrumental in providing the additional support that makes learning at Dry Creek motivating and rewarding. We are always looking for more volunteers, so that every child has an adult advocate for his or her personalized support. This will allow us to continue our rich history of an elementary school that cares for kids and celebrates success. Please call us at 360.457.5050.

Use and Condition of Building

Dry Creek is the fourth largest elementary school, rebuilt in 1996. The facility supports pre-school through grade six classrooms, as well as outdoor fields for district and community recreation. The physical evaluation of this educational facility is rated 81% based on a January 7, 2008 study and survey by BLRB Architects.  Facility Use and Conditions Report available at the Port Angeles School District office

For more information on Port Angeles School District’s Report Card go to: reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us.