Danbury's Shelter Rock School Recognized as 'Success Story'

Press release:

DANBURY, CONN. — The students at Shelter Rock School show their successes in many ways. They have shown marked improvement on test scores. They have come together to raise money for charity. They have participated in programs that promote character-building skills. But most importantly, the students at Shelter Rock show a love for their school, for learning and for each other through respect and accountability. And Principal Julia Horne wouldn’t have it any other way.

At a recent assembly before the entire school, administrators, parents, Superintendent Dr. Sal Pascarella, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Rep. Bob Godfrey and Deputy Superintendent Dr. William Glass, the school was awarded as a “2014 ConnCAN Success Story” school. Shelter Rock was recognized, among other things, for its academic progress, contributions to the community and 100 percent parent participation in attendance at parent-teacher conferences – a feat that Horne has accomplished for 20 years.

Shelter Rock was one of 30 schools in the state to qualify for the award.

Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN) is a statewide education advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to great schools regardless of race, family income or zip code. Since 2007, it has published School Report Cards based on academic performance. It highlights schools that are providing their students a high-quality education and ensuring that all students have a chance to succeed.

“They are delivering great results for the kids here,” said ConnCAN CEO Jennifer Alexander about Shelter Rock.

To be a ConnCAN success story, a school must meet certain requirements, such as enrolling more minority students and more low-income students than the state average; at least one group must have performed above the overall state average; and maintain a grade of “C” or higher overall and also for African American, Hispanic and low-income students.

This year, African American and Hispanic students at Shelter Rock surpassed the overall state average.

Although the school received the award in 2013 as well, Horne said “last year we were quiet about it. This year we want to share our recognition.”

Before starting the presentation, Horne directed the students in kindergarten through fifth grade in singing the school song, which started: “Our personal best, the most that we have to give is just what we’ll give…”

Acknowledging the school’s success, Horne explained that 70-75 percent of students at the schools are English Language Learners (ELLs) and that the school has implemented strategies to close the gap. The strategies align with the “four Rs”: rigor, relevance, relationships and results.

Four fourth- and fifth-grade students took to the podium to share why they believed their school was a success story. They said the school instilled in them core values and community service and gave examples of fifth-graders visiting Western Connecticut State University in Danbury to experience being on a college campus. They learned about fire safety at the Danbury Fire Department and Danbury history at the Danbury Railway Museum. They learned to be respectful, responsible, safe and caring. One student said “our school doesn’t leave anyone behind academically and no one is mediocre.”

Parent Maria Rodriguez, who has a fifth grader at the school, said she thought one of the school’s strengths was in allowing students to lead parent-teacher conferences.

“We do this in the work world,” she said. “It’s preparing you to know yourself.”

PTO treasurer Wendy Wright said that the parent participation was a great asset to the school, along with the numerous activities and programs that involve students in a variety of learning experiences, including an introduction stock market class.

“They make every child feel important,” Wright said. “They push them so all they do is improve.”

Read more on Danbury Patch:

• $5K Reward Offered for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Young Mom in Danbury

• Danbury Man Gets 10 Years For Heading Drug Ring

• Danbury Police Arrest Man Near School with Heroin and Crack Cocaine

• 2 Danbury Tap Dancers Take Home the Gold!

• 435 Jobs in Danbury: Sodexo, Ann Taylor and More

• Danbury Houses for Sale

Have a news tip? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter.