To the editor:
Data indicate that the sky is not falling in Lynnfield. I took a look at how Lynnfield students were doing in the acquisition of knowledge and skills department when compared to students in Marblehead, Swampscott, Boxford, Topsfield, Middleton, Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex, North Andover, and Ipswich. I rank-ordered the towns by the percentage of students scoring meets or exceeds expectations on the MCAS test. In grade three, Lynnfield kids top the list in English and are second in math. In grade four, Summer Street topped the list and Huck had an off year. Lynnfield students achieved the highest level of the group in grade five math, English, and science. In grade eight, Lynnfield kids achieved at the highest level of the group in math and second in English. Grade six needs to be looked at. Students at the High School achieved second highest of the group in English and in a virtual tie at the top in math.
In October, Boston.com (the Globe), Fox 25 News and many other media outlets reported the top 25 school districts in Massachusetts. Lynnfield made the list at number 22. There are more than 300 school districts in Massachusetts. Lynnfield was the only school district in Essex County to make the list.
Lynnfield High School students challenge themselves by taking and passing Advanced Placement classes at a fairly high rate. AP classes are becoming more important for admission to selective and highly selective colleges. Mrs. Puglisi recently reported that LHS will be adding more AP class opportunities for students.
We can and should always look to do better. But for now, the sky is not falling.
Jim Dillon
Former School Committee member
