MABELLE M.

BURRELL SCHOOL
Foxborough, MA

Mabelle M. Burrell
School

School Improvement Plan

2019-2022
 Mabelle M. Burrell Elementary School
2019-2022 Burrell School Council Members

Parent Representatives
Sue Blanchard
Alisa Steel
Lisa Pereira

Teacher Representatives
Karen Washburn
Renee Muirhead

Community Representative
Pat Loomer

Principal
Michele McCarthy

COOPERATE ACCEPT RESPECT EXCEL

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Vision
The Foxborough Public Schools will inspire our students to succeed in and contribute to an ever-changing global society, by fostering
dynamic and integrated learning experiences. The Foxborough Public Schools Vision of a Global Citizen:

Mission
The mission of the Foxborough Public Schools, guided by its core values, and in collaboration with the community, is to engage
students in rich, intellectual, artistic, and character building educational experiences which empower them to become healthy,
productive, and responsible citizens, leaders, and innovators.

Values
 Challenging and innovative educational experiences promote academic excellence by meeting the needs of students in ways
that engage them in their learning.
 A safe, supportive, and collaborative environment fosters positive attitudes among students and school staff.
 Respect for the diversity and dignity of individuals and cultures enriches learning and supports the development of responsible
citizenship.
 Ensuring a quality education, cultivated by ongoing communication and shared resources among parents, teachers, town
organizations, and residents, is the responsibility of the entire community.

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 Strategic Plan Objective 1:
To develop responsible global citizens by providing dynamic learning experiences within
a rigorous curriculum that fosters high levels of achievement for all students.

Goal 1.1 Increase grade 3 & 4 constructed response/essay scores on MCAS by 3% by strengthening student achievement in
writing across all content areas in Kindergarten through grade 4. Benchmarks include:

 Teachers in grades K-4 will analyze MCAS constructed response scores in both ELA and Math to develop baseline data
 Teachers in grades K-4 will use time during grade level meetings to analyze Test Types and Purposes in writing across content
areas including:
o Standard 1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive subjects or texts, using valid reasoning
and relevant and sufficient evidence.
o Standard 2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and
accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
o Standard 3: Write narratives to develop experiences or events using effective literary techniques, well-chosen details,
and well-structured sequences.
 Teachers in grades K-4 will work under the direction of the English Language Arts and Mathematics Curriculum Directors to
identify common research based instructional methods to support students’ content writing
 Teachers in grades K-4 will use time during grade level meetings to engage in protocols for looking at student work in content
writing to establish grade level exemplars aligned with writing standards
 Teachers in grades K-4 will use time during grade level and data team meetings to establish structures for student feedback in
content writing

Goal 1.2 Refine Response to Intervention procedures to ensure consistent implementation of practices that meet the needs of
diverse learners. Benchmarks include:
 Publish and distribute revised District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) document
 Provide Professional Development to review and implement new procedures
 Update Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) and Building Based Support Team (BBST) materials as needed

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 Strategic Plan Objective 2:
To continue to strengthen school culture, ensuring that students, staff, parents and all
stakeholders feel valued, safe, and have a voice.

Goal 2.1 Implement strategies and practices that allow the social/emotional needs of students to be met by fostering and
maintaining a positive, supportive and respectful school community. Benchmarks include:
 Implementation of Responsive Classroom - All classroom and specialty area teachers, counselors, and educational assistants
will be trained by 2022
 Define and promote a “skills based deficit approach” to student behaviors
 Increase use of brain-based therapeutic/movement techniques to support classroom management, increase academic growth
and assist with restorative breaks

Goal 2.2 Strengthen staff and students’ respect, appreciation, and celebration of diversity. Benchmarks include:
 Expand lessons related to the similarities and differences of students' family cultures and traditions (i.e. Show & Tell,
representative maps, family shares)
 Implement cultural food tastings during lunch two times a year. Combine these events with appropriate literature to ensure
discussion
 Continue to expand Media Center and classroom library materials/resources to reflect our students’ families, customs, and
cultures
 Provide targeted professional development to identify bias and learn how to successfully intervene during sensitive discussions
around race, religion, and gender as well as professional development on culturally responsive teaching
 Implement training on procedures for Restorative Practices

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 Strategic Plan Objective 3:
To enhance district infrastructure and technological capabilities to provide an increasingly
safe and supportive physical and innovative academic school environment.

Goal 3.1 Refine school safety procedures and protocols to ensure appropriate and consistent implementation. Benchmarks
include:
 Publish and distribute new, updated emergency binders
 Along with seven types of School Safety Drills already in place, implement Emergency Response Team drills a minimum of
four times per year. Additionally, use debrief time after each of these drills to review protocols and procedures
 Continue to partner with police and fire departments to support periodic drills and get feedback
 Increase presence of School Resource Officer

Goal 3.2 Leverage informed and responsible use of technology to enhance the academic experience of students and support
innovative learning. Benchmarks include:
 Develop and implement a Digital Citizenship enrichment course for third and fourth graders co-taught by the Technology
Integration Specialist, the Guidance Counselor and the Library Assistant
 Communicate new technology standards and develop plan for teachers to monitor implementation for consistency
 Continue to explore technology based opportunities for practice and extension of learning

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 Strategic Plan Objective 4:
To maintain strong support for public education within the town of Foxborough.

Goal 4.1 Strengthen regular communication with families and the community focusing on items identified as areas of interest
in the School Council Parent Survey. Benchmarks include:
 Create student centered opportunities (i.e. short broadcasts, interviews, informational videos) that can be used to communicate
with families while building 21st Century skills. Possible topics highlighted in the School Council Parent Survey include the
role of Reading Specialists, Math Specialist, Resource Officer, Art Teacher, Librarian, Music Teacher, Nurse, Spanish
Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Wellness Teacher. Additional areas identified by survey participants included Math
Workshop, Daily Five, Writers’ Workshop, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Word Solving Strategies, Math Strategies, Bus
Expectations, Science/STEM Content and the Cafeteria/Food Services

Goal 4.2 Use Burrell School Project Web Site to inform families and the community on the progress of the
renovations/additions. Benchmarks include:
 Post time lines
 Announce any impacts on daily routines
 Include visual representations in the photo gallery