Academic Excellence Committee Meeting Minutes

January 20, 2026, 1:15-2:15 PM

Tuesday January 20, 2026 at 1:15 PM

J. Doyle (remote), M. Demirtas (remote), S. Al (remote), W. Middleton (remote)

None

C. Belfield (remote), R. Roberts-Grant (remote), S. Martina (remote)

S. Al called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Rochester Academy Charter School to order on Tuesday Jan 20, 2026 at 1:22 PM.

M. Demirtas made a motion to approve the minutes from Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on 12-09-25.

J. Doyle seconded the motion.

The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

Elementary School (Mrs. Belfield):

Attendance improving after post-holiday slump; dress-down day incentive helped reduce absences
iReady minutes on track (4th grade slightly behind due to schedule)
Behavior improvements: Kindergarten achieved 100% (no referrals)
MTSS interventions showing positive results in K-1

Middle School (Ms. Roberts-Grant):

Attendance hovering at 91-92% despite illness impacts
Academic passing rates regressed slightly; working toward improvement for the next 5 week
6th grade behavior improved; 7th grade addressing drama issues
ELA department meeting all thresholds; 6th grade math transitioning with new teacher support

High School (Dr. Martina):

Chronic absenteeism increased due to illness; utilizing transportation and sports eligibility
Students with multiple failing courses trending downward
Regents and midterms week underway
Senior leaders visiting freshman homerooms to promote academic success
Dress code violations and tardies mostly improved

15-Week Grading Period Results

Middle school: 12% fail rate (218 fails out of 1,820 courses)
High school: Similar uptick at 15-week mark, expected improvement by 20-week
Steering committee to be established to analyze fail rates and improvement strategies

Elementary School:

First diagnostic completed September (K-5); kindergarten delayed for technology acclimation
Math and phonics screeners used for Tier placement
ELA Projected Proficiency (if typical growth achieved):
- 3rd grade: 24%
- 4th grade: 12% (focus area - struggled last year)
- 5th grade: 23%
Math Projected Proficiency:
- 3rd grade: 27%
- 4th grade: 21%
- 5th grade: 16%
Second diagnostic began today (K-2 ELA); 3-5 ELA starts tomorrow
Incentive: Pizza/dance party on February 27th for students meeting typical growth

Middle School:

6th Grade ELA: 13% at/above grade level (up from 9%); 52% met typical growth; 22% projected proficiency
7th Grade ELA: Strongest progress - 21% at/above grade level (up from 12%); well below decreased from 59% to 44%; 46% met typical growth; 27% projected proficiency
8th Grade ELA: 39% below grade level; 46% well below (increased); 24% met typical growth; 40% projected proficiency (teacher notes group not performing to capability)
6th Grade Math: 9% at/above grade level; new teacher transition mid-November; 25% met typical growth; 9% projected proficiency
7th Grade Math: Best results - 28% at/above grade level (up from 8%); well below decreased from 51% to 26%; 68% met typical growth; 44% projected proficiency (Ms. R. Walker - proficiency projection jumped from 15% to 38% with no additional growth)
8th Grade Math: Teacher transition to Ms. R. Walker mid-November showing immediate progress; 52% met typical growth; 40% projected proficiency
Initiatives: Grade-level challenges, iReady store with incentives (snacks, supplies, uniforms), teacher contests
Teacher buy-in and data understanding critical to student engagement

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

M. Demirtas