Rowe Middle School students’ CST science scores second highest in the state

R. Roger Rowe eighth graders were 100 percent proficient and advanced in science on their 2016 California Standards Tests, making them the second highest performing middle school in science in the state.

Rowe Superintendent David Jaffe couldn’t help but boast about the students’ amazing accomplishment at the Nov. 3 board meeting. Of the 80 students tested, 96 percent were advanced and 4 percent were proficient.

Jaffe said 21 students achieved a perfect score and 13 missed only one question. Among local middle schools, the median score on the science test was 537.5. The next closest score was in Poway with a 470. While Rowe eighth graders were 96 percent advanced, the next closest achieved 78 percent.

Jaffe said it is a credit to the school board that they are providing students with the tools, equipment, hands-on instruction and top-quality teachers that they need to succeed.

“Mr. Warner and I want all students to be proficient and advanced,” said science teacher John Galipault. “We were fortunate enough to be 96 percent advanced which we could never have expected that. Our expectations are high. We prepare them and they perform with that expectation.”

In addition to the high expectations, Jaffe said that the enthusiasm and excitement students have in the classroom is just as high. As with everything they do, Jaffe said the goal is for their students to walk away from Rowe excited about learning, ready to lead and “thinking about a world bigger than what they live in.”

This was the last year for the CSTs. The school will be piloting the Next Generation Science assessment tests in the spring of 2017.

Roof repairs approved

The Rancho Santa Fe School District Board of Trustees approved a $91,700 contract at its Nov. 3 meeting to make the necessary repairs to the gym roof.

Early last month, a small awning outside the gym that covers the student lockers became waterlogged and fell in the night. Per inspections by A Good Roofer Inc., the recommendation was to fix not just the part that fell on the west side of the gym but also a portion on the south side, near the lunch table area. Jaffe said the inspection found there was dry rot in the fascia under the roof’s edge and in the planks. The funds are available in the budget.

“It’s a big number to swallow,” said RSF School Board President Tyler Seltzer, who has long advocated for a new gym building. “I hope there are no other surprises out of that facility for awhile.”

Meeting schedule discussed

The board is considering a proposal to return board meeting times back to 5 p.m., a change from the current schedule which alternates between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. meetings. The morning meetings were meant to allow for more parent attendance but, as Jaffe noted, attendance wasn’t predicated on the time but rather on the interest of the topics.

RSF School Board Vice President Todd Frank requested a simple survey of parents to gauge which meeting times are preferred. The new board, which will be seated after the election, will then take action on the schedule in December’s organizational meeting.