Hi. Thank you for being so patient with me last week, as I struggled to get all of the assessments done that need to be completed before report cards go out again. I was able to finish the sight words assessments, and those reading assessments that needed completing. (Those kids who were already above grade level as of the end of the first trimester were "assessed" by taking the NWEA tests last month. Their RIT score will be on the report card, rather than a DRA level, for this reporting period. They WILL receive a final DRA at the end of the school year, along with another NWEA score.) As a result of these exams, a few children have changed reading groups. If this applies to YOUR child, I have already notified you of the change. Because the reading situation is stable for right now, reading homework will recommence this week. However, I will not be conducting "regular" math classes this week until I can get all of the Math assessments completed. I still have several to do. That's because we have to report on so many math standards in the report card. I want to be sure that the information I am giving you is as up-to-date and accurate as possible. I hope to be done these exams by Friday, and the results WILL be reflected on this report card.
I want to make sure that you are aware that the ParentTeacherAssociation meeting for this month will take place on this Wednesday from 6 - 7pm. You are all welcome to attend. I do not know what the agenda is for this month's meeting.
I have had several of you ask, so I am putting the following information in this newsletter--ParentTeacher conferences (which used to take place just before April vacation) will be happening on Tuesday, May 5th or Thursday, May 7th from 3:30 - 7:00 pm. I will be attempting to bring you "up to speed" on your child's academic and behavior performance, particularly in relations to his or her peers. We will discuss whether or not your child will be ready to proceed to the next grade level, and will also get into things that can be done at home to insure success for the fall. It is my fervent hope that you all will be able to schedule a meeting sometime either on that Tuesday or Thursday, but if these days do not work for you, please contact the school (and/ or me) to schedule an alternative appointment.
Vacation week is April 20 - 24. For those of you who are looking for a place for your children while you work, there was a flier that went out last week which offered a daytime program at the conservation school in Bryant Pond. I cannot give you any details about it, but I did want you to know it was available should you have a need for it. My own daughter went to several weekly programs during the summer, and she loved being there during the day. The summer programs include overnights, though, and she wasn't crazy for them.
I'm glad that several families tried the "chicken bones in vinegar" experiment I told you about. The kids are loving this unit on the human body, and on the skeleton in particular. How appropriate that "one of our own" broke his clavicle this past week--we were able to see where Benny's break was, thanks to "Ms. Skeleton" (a life-sized medical skeleton who is visiting our room). Sorry to hear that the bone was broken, Benny!
I know that it's getting harder and harder to get the kids to bring the snowpants, hats, mittens and boots to school now that there's a hint of spring in the area, but we still have a LOT of snow on the playground, and it is WET. It might be a good idea for the kids to carry extra pants and socks in their backpacks for the next few weeks. We can expect to need the winter gear until we go on April Break.
That's all for now. Have a good weekend, and enjoy what sun we see!
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