Dear Parents and Guardians,

In April 2009, the Vermont Department of Education identified BFA Fairfax Elementary and Middle School, grades three-eight, as a school in need of improvement based on student performance on state tests in math and reading. Our school did not make adequate yearly progress (AYP) in math for economically disadvantaged students and/or students with disabilities, and in reading for students with disabilities.

As a result, the school is required to provide Supplemental Educational Services, extra academic assistance, such as tutoring to improve eligible BFA students' academic performance - free of charge. Transportation is not provided. If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will be able to select a program that best fits your child's needs. This letter will highlight the new services and explain how to access them.

You get to choose: One of the most important features of Supplemental Educational Services is that families are the ones who will make choices for their children. You can choose among different types of services, given by different providers at different locations. Remember also that there's no obligation to enroll your child in Supplemental Educational Services.

Service providers: The Vermont Department of Education has approved a list of eligible providers. The attached list includes the providers, the services they offer and their qualifications. They will offer their services at the addresses listed below during times that are outside the regular school day. You cannot use a provider who is not on this list.

Limited services available: Only a limited number of spaces are available. As a result, we may not be able to enroll every child whose parent applies. Priority for lowest-achieving students: In compliance with federal law, we will give first priority to the lowest-achieving students. This achievement level will be based on the student's score on the NECAP.

Eligibility: Only children who are eligible for free and reduced-price federal meals can participate. Some families who are eligible may not have applied earlier this year. Therefore, we have attached an application to participate in this program. Please return the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application along with the application for Supplemental Educational Services. If you do not want to access the Free and Reduced lunch program, you may provide evidence to prove eligibility but do not need to participate in that program in order to access supplemental services.

Application deadline: If you decide you want to access Supplemental Educational Services, you must notify one of us in writing by February 15, 2010.

Questions: If you have questions or would like help in choosing a provider, please contact Lisa Delorme at 849-2222 or Thomas Walsh at 849-6711.

We have updated our Action Plan to continue to improve our focused assistance for students who are not progressing as we would like. We continue to welcome parent involvement in this process. We look forward to continue working with you to make BFA Fairfax School an excellent school for our children.

Sincerely,

Lisa Delorme Thomas Walsh
Elementary Principal Middle School Principal

Enclosures: Vermont's approved list of Supplemental Educational Services providers http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/laws/nclba/educ_approved_services_providers.pdf
Federal Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program Application
http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_nutrition.html.

    - Submitted: Wednesday, January 13th by jordan wiener