ALL KIDS learn grow dream lead inspire dance succeed persevere innovate achieve
Annual Report 2016
Equity means that not every kid needs the exact same thing. Some kids might need some additional supports. For us, it’s about making sure we individualize our supports and our approach for each of our scholars by considering what each one of them needs. - Osvaldo Jose MartĂ, Middle School 2 Head of School
Table of Contents 1 | Vision Statement 2 | Letter from our Board Chair & Executive Director 3 | By the Numbers 5 | Academic Results 7 | Diverse by Design 9 | Points of PRIDE 12 | Financial Summary 13 | Partnerships 14 | Event Donors & Sponsors. Major Gifts. 15 | Annual Appeal Donors
Vision Statement BVP will be a model of rigorous 21st century college and career preparatory public education that serves an intentionally diverse scholar population by:
nurturing supportive school communities that celebrate scholar achievement
fostering scholar growth academically, socially and emotionally
engaging families, staff, and the greater community
And will improve the educational landscape by: Collaborating and sharing best practices with others and Proving what is possible for ALL kids
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Annual Report 2016
Letter from our Board Chair & Executive Director Dear Friends, We are excited to share with you our 2015-16 annual report, a summary of Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP) Mayoral Academy’s work over the last academic year. During our seventh year we ushered in many exciting milestones. The staff and scholars of Middle School 1 moved into their permanent home on Lonsdale Avenue in Central Falls. Both Elementary School 2 and BVP High School grew to include another grade. Most exciting of all, we opened our fifth school, Elementary School 3. With each milestone we remain focused on the vision we have for BVP: to be a high-achieving model of rigorous 21st century college and career preparatory public education that serves an intentionally diverse scholar population. We are proud to say that since our founding we have remained focused on this vision. We aspire to be a proof-point for what is possible for public education in Rhode Island and work tirelessly on all we believe is necessary for seeing our vision through. There have certainly been hurdles. As we closed on the 2015-2016 school year BVP’s local and state funding was cut by almost $1 million dollars. Despite this, and other obstacles our 200+ staff and 1,400 scholars continue to persevere. We remain focused on proving what is possible for all kids. We believe wholeheartedly that every child can learn, grow, dream, lead, inspire, dance, succeed, persevere, innovate, and in the end achieve. As we step forward with our vision in mind, please join us as we reflect on the 2015-16 school year. Sincerely,
James Diossa, Board Chair blackstonevalleyprep.org
Jeremy Chiappetta, Executive Director
Board of Directors Honorable James Diossa, Chair Honorable T. Joseph Almond Julie Casimiro Joshua Giraldo Michael Gwynn Michael Magee, Ph.D Lt. Governor Daniel McKee John R. Morton, M.D. Honorable William Murray Jessica Waters 2
BYtheNUMBERS Demanding Better We received 2,016 applications for 224 seats for the 2016-2017 school year.
Attendance Rate 100
96.97
95
95.12
96.98 94.26
95.11 91.12
90 85 80 75
Elementary
Middle
High
Stability Rate 100 95
96.98
95.87
90
95.68 89.10
86.90
85.39
85 80 75
Elementary
Middle
High
Chronic Absenteeism 30
26.07
20
15.08 12.08
9.44
10 3.20 0
Applicants Enrolled (224)
3
Applications Received for grades K-11 (2,016)
3.40
Elementary
Middle
High
BVP Elementary Schools
BVP High School
BVP Middle Schools
State comparison (same grade levels)
The stability rate represents the number of scholars who stayed in the same school through an academic year. Chronic absenteeism is deďŹ ned as missing 10% or more of a school year. The percentages illustrated represent the number of students who were chronically absent.
Annual Report 2016
Demographics & Commended Rates Rhode Island Commended Schools
Last year, the Rhode Island Department of Education announced that our high school, Elementary School 2, and ďŹ fteen other schools across the state received the top school rating of Commended. Of those commended, BVP is home to the only high school and the only two high-poverty schools recognized.
14%
63%
of BVP Scholars overall qualify for free or reduced lunch
10
20 30 40 50 % of students who quality for free or reduced lunch
blackstonevalleyprep.org
60
of BVP scholars have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
100%
awesome. BVP scholars are special in every way.
BVP ES2 - 63% BVP HS - 68% 0
12%
of BVP scholars are classified as English Language Learners (ELLs).
70
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Academic Results At BVP, we believe in serving all children, and we work to support them for who they are, not who we would like them to be. From Kindergarten through high school our model for success is a combination of academic rigor, more time, positive school culture, great teachers, intentional diversity, and a thoughtful use of data.Because we are committed to preparing every scholar for success in college and the world beyond, we spend a great deal of time examining data to inform our practice. This model along with a core set of principles we call our “PRIDE Values” are what we believe set a firm foundation for our scholars’ growth into independent learners. Once our scholars reach high school we take that foundation to the next level by providing an innovative, personalized approach. Personalized learning provides our scholars with the independant time they need to drive their academic success while providing them with the support they need to get there. Overall, our approach allows us to focus on both academic knowledge as well as the individual habits and skills every scholar will need to be prepared for the world they will experience beyond BVP.
PRIDE
Perseverance | Respect | Integrity | Discipline | Enthusiasm 5
Annual Report 2016
2015-2016 PARCC Results 60 BVP outperformed the state by
50
55.6 49.5
17.1
BVP outperformed the state by
percentage points!
40
percentage points!
29.6
30
State of Rhode Island
19.9
37.9
Sending Districts
29.6 25.0
BVP
20
10
0
ELA
Math
In the spring of the 2015-2016 school year Rhode Island scholars took the PARCC Assessment for the second time. The resulting data showcases BVP’s scholar achievement as some of the highest in the state.
BVP Improvements 14-15 to 15-16 improved by
6.8 percentage points
60 50
55.6 48.8
improved by
1.7 percentage points 49.5
47.8
40 BVP 14-15
30 BVP 15-16
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BVP is one of only three schools serving a majority of low-income students that exceeded the state averages in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math.
BVP is the only majority lowincome school (as well as school with a majority of students of color) who beat the state averages by 10+ points in ELA and math.
10 0
ELA
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Math
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DIVERSEbyDESIGN As U.S. Secretary of Education John King shared*, “In today’s economy, diversity isn’t some vague ideal. It’s a path to better outcomes for all of America’s children.” By design, our network is socioeconomically and racially diverse. We accept students from the four Rhode Island communities of Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Pawtucket. While they are geographically clustered, these communities are socioeconomically and racially distinct. In classrooms across our network, scholars share diverse perspectives as they relate to academic content and build relationships across lines of difference. This student diversity makes us unique in Rhode Island, which has one of the most segregated systems in the country. Valuing diversity is an organizational priority and a core belief shared across our network. Our vision is to educate our scholars using culturally relevant practices while also serving as a lever for those across our state also looking to provide better outcomes for all Rhode Island students. We believe that by bringing scholars’ cultural backgrounds and unique experiences into the classroom, we make it possible for them to learn more deeply, more quickly, and more joyfully. The goal is not only to better prepare them for college and the world, but to prepare them to make the world a more just and equitable place.
Student Ethnicity 3% 50%
11%
36% Hispanic
White
Black
Asian
Our View on Diversity Blackstone Valley Prep is committed to the academic success, social and emotional growth, and health and wellness of 100% of scholars in an intentionally diverse school that celebrates the racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and sexualorientation differences of our scholars, staff, and families by • actively engaging in courageous conversations about the value of peoples’ differences; •
raising awareness of self and society’s structural inequities; and
•
empowering all people to engage in an open and honest dialogue with an active voice.
*quoted from the essay Stronger Together: Why our budget supports voluntary, community-led efforts to increase diversity published 2/9/16
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Annual Report 2016
The opportunity here at Blackstone Valley Prep is to truly impact change. We are challenging the status quo. With scholars from four very different communities, Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Pawtucket, all performing very well — at high levels — we’re saying that all students can learn. - Colleen Colarusso, Chief Schools Officer
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POINTS
of
PRIDE
Commended - Times Three!
Last February, our high school and Elementary School 2 were designated as “Commended” by the Rhode Island Department of Education along with 15 other schools across the state. Of the schools given a commended rating, we represented the only high school and the only two high poverty schools on the list. Additionally, for their performance during the 2015-2016 school year, Middle School 1 has also been named as Commended and for the second time! Our community once again proved that demographics do not define destiny, that a zip code need not determine one’s educational opportunities.
A Golden Apple for a Golden Teacher
L to R: BVP Executive Director Jeremy Chiappetta, nominating parent Krystal Vasquez, teacher Casey Rainha, NBC10 anchor Patrice Wood, and ES1 Head of School Kyle Quadros.
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In a surprise ceremony, Elementary School 1 teacher Casey Rainha was presented with The Golden Apple Award, an honor sponsored by NBC10, Hasbro, and the Rhode Island Department of Education recognizing outstanding teachers who exhibit the “true spirit of teaching.” Mrs. Rainha, who teaches in the Transitional Learning Center (TLC) works with scholars needing social and emotional support. Krystal Vasquez, a parent of one Mrs. Rainha’s students in TLC nominated her for the award. Annual Report 2016
A New Home for Middle School 1 In the fall of 2015 not only did we welcome our middle school scholars to a new year, but also we welcomed them to a new building! In partnership with Civic Builders, a leading nonprofit dedicated to helping high-quality charter schools find, finance, and build or renovate new space, we welcomed 320 scholars in grades 5-8 to a 31,492 square foot, newly renovated location in Central Falls.
Dynamic Personalized Learning As part of the second Summit Basecamp cohort, last year our high school began utilizing a personalized learning platform created with the help of developers from Facebook. Through this dynamic partnership, BVP scholars use a self-paced online system to track individual progress through lessons, core content areas, and electives. This tool is also a great resource for families and teachers to gauge overall scholar progress and identify where they need support.
L to R:Senator Edward O’Neil, Scholar Anika Stager, Head of School Joy Souza, Civic Builders CEO David Umansky, Central Falls Mayor James Diossa, Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee, Scholar Dillan Fontalvo, Lincoln Town Administrator Joe Almond, and Cumberland Mayor Bill Murray.
Growth Milestones The start of our 2015 - 2016 school year ushered in many milestones. In addition to Middle School 1 scholars and staff moving to their new, permanent location in Central Falls, Elementary School 2 started its first school year at scale with 4th grade scholars. We also added our 5th school, Elementary School 3. On the first day of school seven staff members and founding Head of School Josh Falk began their founding school year with 57 Kindergarten scholars. blackstonevalleyprep.org
Executive Director Jeremy Chiappetta with founding Elementary School 3 scholars.
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Annual Report 2016
Financial Summary Revenue State and Local Federal and State Grants Private Grants Other
$ 18,044,721 $ 1,693,934 $ 929,828 $ 134,757
Total
$ 20,803,240
Expenses Personnel Facilities Transport Other
$ 13,748,809 $ 2,418,252 $ 1,307,654 $ 2,888,383
Total
$ 20,363,098
Revenue
Expenses
- Nicole Burke, Elementary School 1 teacher and 2015-16 BVP Teacher of the Year.
14% 1% 4%
6%
8% 87%
12%
68%
State and Local
Private Grants
Personnel
Transport
Federal and State Grants
Other
Facilities
Other
blackstonevalleyprep.org
Connections with kids pave the way to academic success. No academic learning can take place until you have a strong foundation.
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Partnerships
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State
Generation Citizen
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
MacColl YMCA
Center for Leadership and Educational Equity Central Falls School District City of Central Falls Civic Builders Education Pioneers
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Highlander Institute National Coalition of Diverse Charter Schools Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Office of Children, Youth and Learning (OCYL) Rhode Island Campaign for Achievement Now (RI-CAN)
Rhode Island Mayoral Academies (RIMA) RI Interscholastic SENECA (Southeast New England Chess Association) Teach for America Rhode Island The Century Foundation The College Crusade of Rhode Island Youth Restoration Project
Annual Report 2016
Major Gifts Collette
Charter School Growth Fund CVS Health Charity Classic KLR
Mr. & Mrs. Norman E. McCulloch, Jr., Trustees of the McAdams Charitable Foundation Next Generation Learning Challenges
Kohl’s Cares
Providence Engineering Society
La Casona
Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund Rhode Island Foundation Spark Grants funded by Letitia & John Carter The Louis Calder Foundation The Rhode Island Foundation
Special Event Donors & Sponsors 5K Event Sponsors Title Sponsor: Donnelly’s
Integrity Level: Bank RI Canon Business Solutions Civic Builders H.V. Collins Labonte Landscape Construction Moses Afonso Ryan LTD Starkweather & Shepley W.B. Mason Discipline Level: Kohl’s Cares Neighborhood Health Plan of RI Enthusiasm Level: Jani-King Cleaning Company JPA Technologies Tony Luis Auto Sales & Service All proceeds from our annual 5K and Fun Run support our athletics program. Thank you to our sponsors and the 250+ runners who participated!
blackstonevalleyprep.org
For Art’s Sake, our annual scholar art show and artisan fair, puts artwork on display for every scholar at BVP. Which means that our 2016 art show showcased over 1,400 pieces of artwork including photography, paintings, sculptures, and more.
Art Reception Host Committee Manfred & Kristen Caranci Jeremy & Christy Chiappetta Colleen Colarusso Brad & Tiffany Collins Chris & Georgia Shaban Christopher & Jessica Waters Art Show Donors ($20-$450) Eric & Sarah Anderson Whitney Bates Kathryn & Tom Bendheim Manfred & Kristen Caranci Richard & Julie Casimiro Jeremy & Christie Chiappetta Colleen Colarusso Brad & Tiffany Collins James Diossa Elizabeth Dowd Elsa Duré Barbara Emerson
Stephanie Gonzalez Carla Guignard Katelyn Guignard Michael & Catherin Gwynn Lindsay Hansen Chiv Heng Robert & Jennifer LoPiccolo Brian Murphy & Christine Losea Drew Madden MJ Martins Daniel & Susan McKee Jodie McMahon-Joseph Marc Santos Chris & Giorgia Shaban Tucker & Teague Shosh Sabrina Solares-Hand Artin & Jessica Taskin Kevin & Sara Tucker Matthew & Roxanne Vrees Christopher & Jessica Waters
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Annual Appeal Donors Got College: $1,000-$5,500
Anonymous Bernard and Madeline Mondor Charitable Foundation Manfred & Kristen Caranci Jeremy & Christie Chiappetta Greg & Tracy Fine Mark & Debbi Fitzgerald IGT Victor & Bowie Lombardi Robert & Jennifer LoPiccolo Michael & Susanna Magee John Morton Namaste Consulting Jonathan & Stephanie Noris Morton Brilliant & Jordana Rubel Starkweather & Shepley Perseverance: $500-$999
Tim & Maria Brown Michael & Catherin Gwynn Brian Murphy & Christine Losea Mill City Construction Ronald & Paulette Pawson
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Eshana Rudra James & Erika Sanzi Taskin Family Carlos Toro Stacey Ward Respect: $250-$499
Anonymous Jason & Michelle Boie Center for Collaborative Education Matthew Espeaut & Sandra Coyle Easton & Elaine Dickson Robert & Christine Feld Stephanie Gonzalez Susan Moore Aleksandr & Eugenia Vitkin Christopher & Jessica Waters Integrity: $100-$249
Silvia & Joaquim Amado Matt & Lori Barden The Carroll Family Richard & Julie Casimiro Geoffrey & Tracy Dann Monia DeTora Dillon & Josh Falk Family of Tokunbo Adelani Edward & Barbara Feldstein Mr. John Geoghegan & Ms. Maureen Crotty
Andrew & Christina Goodale Timothy & Bitsy Graham Thomas & Linda Guerin The Cabral Family Roland & Tavares Hannah Matt & Alissa Impink James & Sunniwaye Kelly Dean & Jill Klitzner Michael & Cheryl Laprade David & Genevieve Lauck Drew Madden Osvaldo Jose MartĂ James & Deanna Mayol Joe Moorman & Kate Eisenpress William & Regina Murray Momar & Awa Ndoye Didier Pareja Timothy & Jessica Polak Eric & Theresa Raymond Daniel & Melissa Rouette Jarod & Leslie Royal John & Gayl Sanzi Chris & Giorgia Shaban Tucker & Teague Shosh Richard & Daria Sitkus Benjamin Smith Lisa Sorel
Elizabet Tavares Byron Urizar Paul & Delia Wilson Discipline: $50-$99
Anonymous Bruce & Melissa Buchanan Dr. Nancy Carriuolo Marc & Jamie Catanese Peter & Anne Conway Pablo & Mirza Estrada Sharon Faria Flores Leon Family Venus & Vrishali Lopes Jennifer & Luke Morin Lucy & Claudio Pereira Warishah Qandil, Hadi Qandil & Maliha Qandil The Manion Family The Varone Family Enthusiasm: $25-$49
Phillip & Karyn Frink Jeferson Garcia Joshua Giraldo Julian Herrera Subrina Luzzi Lindsay Mathews Roberto & Christine Matos Chauncey Nartey Victor & Emily Tomas Mary Vieira
Annual Report 2016
This generosity does not include the thousands of volunteer hours, direct classroom inkind donations, contributions through DonorsChoose.org, and donations for special school projects such as field trips and teacher appreciation. Thank you to everyone who has supported BVP in ways both big and small.
blackstonevalleyprep.org
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Preparing every scholar for success in college and the world beyond.
Believe in a child’s power to succeed and they will succeed. blackstonevalleyprep.org
- Maggie Keyser, 1999 Disney Teacher of the Year