Mid-Year Information

Assessments:

It is just about the mid-year point for this school year... hard to believe, isn't it?  As a result, we will begin a series of assessments to monitor and adjust instruction.  The following is a general schedule for these assessments:

Week of January 23 - STAR Math (computerized)

Week of January 30 - STAR Reading (computerized) and begin Math Benchmark (paper and pencil)

Week of February 6- complete Math Benchmark

What does this mean for you?  Not much... LOL  You do not need to do anything to prepare your child.  You might notice a decrease in homework.  This is because we will not be learning a lot of new concepts and I would like them to be relaxed and rested for testing.

Communication:

• I have touched base with some of you already and I will continue to make my phone calls this week. If there is a certain day or time that is not good for you, please send me an email to let me know.  As I have mentioned before, these phone calls are meant to open dialogue and for me to clarify or answer any questions you might have.
• Conferences - A form is coming home today.  This second round of conferences is new. There are two conference days scheduled and a variety of options for you to choose from.  They are offered to everyone, but not required.  

Biographies:

This is going to be SLOWLY - one step at a time.  I am monitoring each student's work and meeting with each student during school.  As of tonight, all students should have their notes on Childhood and Schooling filled in on the worksheet I provided.  Additionally, the information should be transferred into two paragraphs (one on childhood and one on schooling). I have gone over this in class. Each paragraph should consist of a topic sentence, 3 details, and a concluding sentence.

I will be sending home a bag tomorrow night.  There will be clear directions for what to do on the bag and what to put in the bag.  This portion of the project is the "at home" portion.  I will not be monitoring the requirements.

Valentine's Day:

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day on February 14th at 2:00pm.  Students wishing to bring in valentines for their classmates must bring them in for ALL students.  We will be making our collection bags in school... I am trying to lighten your load at home!  I will send home a list of all names so students can refer to it for spelling.