Rochester Academy Charter School

Minutes

Academic Excellence Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday February 24, 2026 at 1:15 PM

Committee Members Present

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

Committee Members Absent

None

Guests Present

C. Belfield, R. Roberts-Grant, S. Martina

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

S. Al called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Rochester Academy Charter School to order on Tuesday Feb 24, 2026 at 1:19 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

M. Demirtas made a motion to approve the minutes from Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on 01-20-26.
W. Middleton seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Academic Excellence

A.

Review Progress on WIG

At the elementary level, Mrs. Belfield reported improved attendance and iReady scores, particularly in fourth grade, though there was a recent dip in behavior before the break. Middle school attendance remained steady at 92%, with Mrs. Roberts-Grant highlighting strong academic performance and behavior, particularly in seventh grade, while noting improvements in sixth grade math scores. Dr. Martina presented data showing that freshmen are leading in chronic absenteeism, while academic performance improved overall, with a slight increase in failing grades among juniors. Ms. Doyle shared the school-wide scoreboard, noting improved attendance averages in K-8 and high school, with chronic absences at 10 days. The team discussed initiatives to address tardiness and dress code violations, including hall sweeps and follow-up calls home.

B.

iReady Data

The team reviewed diagnostic growth data, with Mrs. Roberts-Grant explaining that 8th grade students showed significant improvement after individual counseling and retaking the test, moving from the bottom to near the top of performance levels. The data showed 50% of 8th grade students met their typical growth targets, with a projected state test proficiency rate of 63% if the remaining students also achieve their growth goals. Mrs. Belfield presented elementary school growth data, highlighting improvements in kindergarten performance and a significant increase in first grade students performing at or above grade level, with the number of students two grades below level decreasing significantly. She presented growth data showing improvements in reading and math proficiency, particularly in grades 3-5, with third grade showing the most progress. Ms. Doyle discussed the importance of diagnostic assessments in predicting state test performance, noting that third grade's projected proficiency increased from 8% to 26% after the second diagnostic.

C.

Mid-Year Discipline Check

The meeting focused on behavioral referrals and interventions across different school levels. Mrs. Belfield reported an increase in Tier 1 referrals due to adjusted codes of conduct and staff training, while Mrs. Roberts-Grant noted a rise in referrals at middle school due to new teachers establishing routines and a more consistent referral documentation system. Both leaders highlighted ongoing efforts to improve student behavior through professional development, MTSS processes, and family involvement, and a partnership with Marble Health for teletherapy services. Plans were discussed for de-escalation training, hiring a social worker, and various student incentives to promote positive behavior and attendance.

 

Dr. Martina presented data showing a reduction in student referrals compared to the previous year, with particular credit given to Ms. Davis-Bernard for her consistent enforcement of the Code of Conduct. The team discussed plans to reduce exclusionary discipline, and emphasized the importance of maintaining high expectations while supporting student behavioral change through MTSS programs and renewed focus on restorative practices. They also noted a concerning trend of students presenting with significant mental health concerns and planned to work with outside organizations to address these issues.

D.

Benchmark review

The meeting focused on benchmark assessments and their role in tracking student proficiency. Ms. Doyle explained that benchmark exams have been implemented for tested courses and core area subjects in grades 3-5 and 6-12, with data analysis ongoing. Mrs. Belfield presented detailed analysis of third-grade benchmark results.

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 2:24 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
M. Demirtas