CORWIN CONTINUES TO “LEVEL UP”

With a nod to video game parlance, Corwin International Magnet School has as its 2022-23 theme “Level Up.”

 

It’s a theme that accurately reflects the International Baccalaureate school’s continuance as a Performance school -- the top rating -- in the state’s framework scheme.

 

Since the 2009-10 school year, Corwin has been at the Performance level: an unparalleled 12-year run.

 

As Corwin retained its Performance rating despite the roadblocks posed by the pandemic and ever-evolving demographics and needs, Principal Ryan Masciotra on Friday treated to staff to a delicious cake and words of praise following a day of professional development.

 

From the onset of the pandemic, Corwin has continued to “level up” – a testament to the dedication and commitment of leadership and staff.

 

In the pandemic year 2019, Corwin underwent significant changes.

 

Six new curriculums were adopted, with 4 new bell schedules put in place.

 

An autism center-based program was added, as was expert-style digital learning.

 

From Spring 2019 to the present, Corwin’s chronic absenteeism was 8 percent, down from 39 percent.

 

Although enrollment dropped from 600 to 518, it is now back to 600.

 

A total of 26 staff members were lost and hired.

 

The school’s ESS population has grown from 1 percent to 10 percent of the total enrollment.

 

And the ELL population has grown from 2 percent to 7 percent of total enrollment.

 

And through it all, not only did Corwin maintain its standing as a Performance school, it increased the “meets/exceeds” state percentages in 4th Grade Math, 8th Grade Math, 4th Grade ELA, 7th Grade ELA and 8th Grade ELA.

 

Additionally, Corwin beat the state in Median Growth Percentile in 4th Grade ELA, 5th Grade Math, 6th Grade ELA and 7th Grade Math.

 

In 8th Grade ELA, Corwin reached an “Exceeds” rating and beat the state in Median Growth Percentile.

 

Overall, Academic Growth on the School Performance Framework increased by 6 percent.

 

“I just want to acknowledge all the hard work that went into this,” Principal Masciotra told her staff. “I know that every day, we do great things for kids, and none of this would be happening without you. And for that, I am so thankful.”

 

In attendance for the celebration was Superintendent Charlotte Macaluso, who pointed out that an International Baccalaureate curriculum requires extensive training and “a whole different way of teaching.”

 

“Affirmations to Ryan for being an outstanding leader,” Superintendent Macaluso said. “And I want to congratulate each and every one of you. We see the hard work you are engaging in, every single day. I know it’s been challenging and I know it’s been difficult.

 

“And I’m so proud of each and every one of you.”