|
U.S. News and World
Report names Cal-Mum High School
U. S. News and World Report announced America’s Best High Schools 2009, a project conducted by analysts at Schoolmatters for publication in the magazine. Caledonia-Mumford High School received recognition in the bronze category, the only school in Livingston County to make the list of America’s Best High Schools. The story appeared in the December 8, 2008 issue of U.S. News and World Report. Cal-Mum is listed one of 1,900 best high schools nationwide that were ranked in the categories of gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention. Analysts compiled and studied data from 21,069 schools in 48 states. The study included analysis of community and school demographics, reading, math and English language arts test standardized test scores, enrollment data, college bound student data and the district’s financial information. The recognition comes as High School Principal Thomas Woodruff completes his last few weeks at Cal-Mum. Woodruff retires on December 31, 2008. "We are pleased and honored by this recognition. At Cal-Mum our formula is to take a K-12, teamwork approach on student achievement. We have a tradition of student involvement in a balanced program backed by strong community support. Our staff prides itself on quality teaching and engaging students in meaningful learning activities," Woodruff remarked. Ronald Cracco taught social studies full time at Caledonia-Mumford High School for 42 years. He retired three years ago and returned to the halls of Cal-Mum as building substitute teacher. He is proud of the district and this national recognition. "The administration is committed to academic excellence and along with the board of education, is very supportive. The staff and students also show a high level of willingness to learn and the staff work hard to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. If anyone thinks there isn’t a commitment to excellence at Cal-Mum High School, they should come down and take a look around," Cracco commented. High School Business Teachers Daniel Freeman and Kathy Allen say the students are energetic about learning and willing to put in the extra effort to participate in the numerous extra-curricular activities available to them. They say the staff is always willing to offer their time to students whether it is a one time event or yearlong club or organization. "If you look at the data, there aren’t many students here who aren’t involved in something at school," Freeman said. The students have their own opinions about why their high school deserves recognition, unrelated to the data used in the America’s Best report. They say there is something for everyone at Cal-Mum. The athletes say they can find their niche in sports but they may also be involved in music or the chess club, though they feel comfortable being involved in both. "There is definitely enough things offered here that there is something for everyone," Senior Jeremy Wilson said. Students say it is a supportive atmosphere in their high school. For example, when a new student with special needs moved into the district, the students took every effort to make him feel comfortable and accepted, said Sophomore Brett Waters. Junior Emily Wade admits it’s been a tough year at Cal-Mum High School for both students and staff with the serious spinal injury of 2008 grad Bryan Parslow and the October death of Sophomore Nicholas Zajac in an automobile accident. Wade says the teachers have been very understanding and have offered their support to students. This marks the second year that Schoolmatters has conducted the America’s Best High Schools research project that looks at how well public high schools serve all of their students - from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving - in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work. "It’s nice to hear this recognition," said Superintendent of Schools David V. Dinolfo. "Now that we know the difference between the bronze, silver and gold recognitions, the award tells students that the opportunity take advanced placement courses and be successful may possible earn us a higher award." For the online version of the story:
|
 |
 |
