TO: Union Grove High School Community

FROM: Tom Smith, Principal

DATE: June 11, 2008

RE: Summer Letter

Last May I authored a “Points of emphasis for the 2007-2008 School Year” memo that I sent home to parents of UGHS students. This memo outlined several key elements that we wanted to focus on for the 2007-2008 school year. Specifically, we addressed dress code, electronics/cell phones, and tardies. I would like to present some data that I believe is attributed to that focused effort.

DROP IN DISCIPLINE

Union Grove High School had an enrollment drop of 22.5% from the 2007 school year to the 2008 school year; therefore, we expected our discipline to drop accordingly; yet, the number of day’s students at UGHS served in ISS and OSS dropped significantly more. The number of days served during the 2007-2008 school year actually decreased 117% and 284% respectively. We believe this significant change can be attributed to changes in administrative procedures related to the new tardy and electronics policies.

As a result of our Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP), we instituted several initiatives for the purpose of identifying at risk students and providing them the necessary support to ensure their success on the GHSGT. Closing the achievement gap between our subgroups of students is another goal addressed in our CSIP. I would like to present some data that I believe is attributed to that focused effort.

2008 GHSGT RESULTS

99% Math

98% English/Language Arts

98% Science

96% Social Studies

SHRINKING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAPS ON THE GHSGT

In 2008 the achievement gap for students with disabilities and our African American students decreased by an average of 19.25% and 12.5% respectively across the four tests.

Union Grove High School has enjoyed many successes during the 2007-2008 school year. The following link (accomplishments) will take you to a comprehensive listing of Union Grove High Schools accomplishments for the 2007-2008 school year. In the mean time, I would like to provide you with a snap shot of just few great things that went on at UGHS this year.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

In May of 2008 Newsweek Magazine named Union Grove High School number 482 of its 1,300 – America’s Best High Schools. The 1,300 schools listed represented the top 5% of all high schools in America. The UGHS ranking of 482 is equal to being in the top 2% in America. Fifty-three high schools in Georgia made this prestigious list and UGHS was number 16 of 53. The 2008 ranking is an improvement over our 682 ranking in 2007.

GOVERNERS HONORS PROGRAM

Union Grove High School will have 14 students participating in Governors Honors this summer.

OTHER HONORS and AWARDS

-UGHS’s Art Teacher, Domini Re-Darling, was named the 2008 Henry County School’s Teacher of the Year.

-UGHS NJROTC Riflery Team won the State and National Team Championships in rifle. In addition, the individual State and National Champion was a member of the UGHS team.

As you can see, our focused work has produced major dividends for UGHS in 2007 and we anticipate more of the same during the 2008 school year. In the meantime, we hope that everyone enjoys a well-deserved summer vacation. We will see you all in August!