High School SAT Scores Remain Solid

By RACHEL KOVAC

Students at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School continue to do well on the SAT, posting verbal scores above the state, New England and national mean scores. And in math students scored above the mean for New England.

Although the SAT scores for the class of 2005 were lower than the class of 2004, scores overall still show a steady increase over the past nine years.

"Every class takes on its own character. We are still maintaining solid mean scores in both the verbal and math sections," guidance director Michael McCarthy told regional high school district committee members at their meeting on Monday night. "We are encouraging all students to take a shot at the SAT who are going on to further education."

Of last year's graduating class 61 per cent went on to four year colleges and 11 per cent went to two-year institutions or vocational schools. For Mr. McCarthy this has meant some changes in the guidance office. He said his department begins working with students as sophomores so they are better prepared to make decisions about their future education. The counselors also work with students beyond their first year out of high school, as many who decide to attend two-year schools return for help in selecting a four-year college.

The guidance department has also jumped into helping students prepare for the SAT, especially now that the test has been revamped to include a writing section. In addition to Kaplan and Princeton Review SAT prep programs, a record number of students are participating in a local SAT prep program offered by Doug DeBettencourt, head of the high school math department, and English teacher Todd Sawyer.

Mr. McCarthy said the guidance department is also developing a transitional plan for all students whether they decide to enter the military or work force, travel or further their education. He said it is important for students to research all the options.

Also at the meeting Monday the annual high school improvement plan was approved. Created by the school council, which includes members of the faculty, parents, teachers, and students, the plan broadly examines curriculum and instruction, student culture, professional development, community relations and school facilities. An action plan has been developed for each area and calls for things such as a two-day race-culture retreat, a course feedback forum, professional development days and preparing an area for a new baseball diamond.

The upcoming high school budget was also a topic of discussion, although the budget subcommittee is not expected to complete a draft budget until early next month. Utility and insurance costs are areas of concern, as is the increased cost of ice time at the Martha's Vineyard Arena.

The school currently spends $12,000 for ice time for the boys' and girls' ice hockey teams. The arena has increased the cost of ice time by $3,000 for the coming year. The high school land use subcommittee met several weeks ago to discuss their options, which include raising the arena's parking lot rental fee, capping the amount of money the high school is willing to spend on ice time, turning to booster clubs to foot some of the cost or dipping into a charitable trust that was set up to fund high school ice hockey.

High school principal Margaret (Peg) Regan met recently with booster club presidents and school athletic director Glen Field to discuss the options.

"My recommendation was the school would cap the money for ice time. The booster clubs would give the rest of the money, but I haven't heard back," Mrs. Regan said.

She said a special purpose trust exists to fund high school hockey, but language in the trust states it cannot be used to pay for ice time. Geoghan Coogan, attorney for the trust, reportedly told Mrs. Regan the language might be outdated. There is no outcome yet to the research.

"Right now we just need to pin down energy, utilities and insurance costs before a draft budget," Mrs. Regan told committee members."Also, take note of the letters from Tisbury and West Tisbury asking for the budget to only increase a small percentage."

A public hearing on the budget will be held Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. with all Island selectmen. The committee is scheduled to vote on certifying the budget at its Dec. 8 meeting.