Council Plans

North Sevier High School: 

School Improvement Plan 2024/25

Purpose:
The School Improvement Plan (SIP) is designed to guide North Sevier High School in identifying strategies to enhance student retention, literacy, school culture, and community engagement. This plan will be used by administrators, staff, and stakeholders to achieve specific measurable goals over the course of the academic year.

1. School Information

• School Name: North Sevier High School
• Principal: Ryan Harris
• School Year: 2024/25
• Date of Plan Creation: 9/25/2024
• Review Cycle: 3 times/yr

2. Vision & Mission Statements

Mission:

Educating for life by: (We educate students emotionally, intellectually, and physically so they can be successful within all aspects of their lives.)

Cultivating Integrity. (We model and help students further develop values that make them better citizens in their personal lives and within a larger community.)

Building Resilience. (We build resilience by strengthening relationships that support students through difficult challenges.) 

Inspiring Excellence. (We provide engaging, relevant, and meaningful learning experiences in order for each student to achieve their highest level of excellence. )

3. Needs Assessment

3.1 Data Analysis

Review and analyze key data to assess the current status and identify areas of need.

• Student Retention Data: (e.g., retention rates from Freshman to graduation, dropout rates)
  • Retention Rates from Freshman year to Graduation:
    • Class of 2018 - 73%
    • Class of 2019 - 91%
    • Class of 2020 - 77%
    • Class of 2021 - 68%
    • Class of 2022 - 85%
    • Class of 2023 - 82%
    • Class of 2024 - 75%
    • Class of 2025 (Preliminary) - 76%

• Literacy Data: (e.g., reading and writing proficiency for grades 9-10, standardized test scores)
  • ACT Aspire/Rise Reading Assessment Proficiency Rates
    • Grade 9 (ELA) - 48.3%
    • Grade 10 - 38%
  • Reading Plus Assessment Fall 2024

• School Climate Data: (e.g., student, parent, and teacher surveys, behavioral data)

• Community and Stakeholder Input: 

3.2 Identified Areas for Improvement

Summarize the specific challenges based on data.

• Student Retention:
  • Some students drop out, but most student loss comes from credit deficiency and eventual transfer to Cedar Ridge High School. 
• Literacy Rates:
  • Male students in particular are reading less and are falling further behind in reading. This sophomore class is significantly behind in reading rates. 
• School Culture and Climate:
  • Students recognize when the adults in the building are not getting along. Adults need to be more discreet/professional with students when it comes to adult conflict. 
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • School groups need to become more involved in community events and community members/groups need to be invited to become more involved in school events. 

4. School Improvement Goals

For each goal, specify objectives, action steps, responsible parties, and evaluation methods.

4.1 Goal 1: Increase Student Retention Rates from Freshman to Senior Years

• Objective 1: Raise the student retention rate to 90% over the next three years.
  Action Steps:
  • Implement a freshman mentorship program pairing 9th graders with upperclassmen.
  • Establish regular academic counseling and personalized intervention for at-risk students. (Wolf Time)
  • Create a comprehensive parent engagement initiative to provide support to struggling students. (Communication)
• Responsible Parties:
  • School Counselors, Grade-Level Teachers, Mentorship Program Director
• Resources Needed:
  • Peer mentors director, parent outreach materials
• Timeline:
  • Start Date: [10/2024] | Review Date [10/2025]
• Evaluation Methods:
  • Year-over-year retention tracking, exit interviews for students who leave, feedback from mentors/mentees

4.2 Goal 2: Increase Literacy Rates in Grades 9-10

• Objective 1: Improve literacy proficiency in reading and writing for grades 9-10 by 15%.
  Action Steps:
  • Implement a structured reading intervention program targeting struggling readers.
  • Increase the frequency of writing assignments across all subjects, incorporating cross-curricular literacy strategies.
  • Provide professional development for teachers on evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Responsible Parties:
  • English Department, All Teachers, Instructional Coach
• Resources Needed:
  • Literacy software, professional development materials, classroom libraries
• Timeline:
  • Start Date: [09/2024] | Review Date: [10/2025]
• Evaluation Methods:
  • Literacy benchmark assessments, student writing portfolios, teacher evaluations of instructional practices

4.3 Goal 3: Improve School Culture and Climate

• Objective 1: Foster a more positive and inclusive school environment by improving student and staff satisfaction rates to above 80% in targeted areas.
  Action Steps:
  • Introduce a student leadership program focused on school spirit and inclusivity.
  • Create monthly staff and student recognition programs to celebrate achievements and positive behavior.
  • Implement restorative justice practices to replace punitive disciplinary measures.
• Responsible Parties:
  • PBIS Committee, Student Council Advisors, Admin Team
• Resources Needed:
  • Leadership training, recognition program materials, restorative justice training
• Timeline:
  • Start Date: [10/2024] | Review Date: [10/2025]
• Evaluation Methods:
  • Climate surveys, student behavior reports, attendance records, feedback from recognition programs

4.4 Goal 4: Improve Connections/Relationships with External Stakeholders

• Objective 1: Strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, including local businesses, parents, and community organizations.
  Action Steps:
  • Develop a formal school-business partnership program to create internship and job shadowing opportunities for students. (CTE Internships)
  • Host quarterly “Stakeholder Engagement Forums” to involve parents and community members in school decision-making. (Booster Club, Community Council)
  • Launch a community outreach team responsible for fostering relationships with local organizations to support school events and initiatives. (Booster Club)
• Responsible Parties:
  • Administration, School Community Council, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator, Booster Club
• Resources Needed:
  • Communication tools, funding for community events, marketing materials
• Timeline:
  • Start Date: [09/2024] | Review Date: [10/2025]
• Evaluation Methods:
  • Number of partnerships formed, parent and community participation rates, feedback from stakeholder forums

5. Implementation Plan

5.1 Action Plan Overview