May 1, 2017
It’s finally that time of the year again when we start feeling the warmth from the sun and rain from the clouds in order for a reblooming of the grass, leaves, and flowers. Of course, that means allergies, mowing the lawn, and spring cleaning too! However you look at it, seasonally, spring is a time for revitalization and fresh starts. It’s always been my favorite time of year.
We are entering our final stretch to the end of the school year and it has been a busy one as always. I have been very happy with the progress Califon School has made over the past several years, which is a direct result of how hard your children have been working. Of course, this is only made possible through our teachers’ flexibility, creativity, and work ethic.
Students as young as kindergarten are reading and adding and subtract numbers. Students as young as second grade are writing multiple page essays. Third grade students are honing their skills with division and beyond, and by grades 4 and 5 they are working with multiple step fraction problems. Our middle school students are reading and writing more than ever as they work in various groups through literature circles and collaborative technology projects and presentations. They have submitted several different types of writing pieces throughout the year.
In order to tackle the vast changes in math standards (especially at the middle school level), teachers have begun to incorporate guided math strategies within their instruction. At this point, now that we have had a couple of years with the new standards and our Go Math program is in its second year of implementation, we are in much better shape across the board instructionally. I can already see the difference when I listen to the students explain their reasoning and explain mathematical concepts to their peers and teachers.
Students in grades 3 through 8 are participating in the PARCC assessments. Grades 3 and 4 are finished. We are currently testing grades 5 and 6 and we will conclude with grades 7 and 8. We hope they all have done and will do their best on the assessment so that we can reliably use it as one way to guide instruction. All of us appreciate their hard work as they take them.
Thanks to the PTA for partially funding our after school science program. Science Explorers was a success. The students who participated truly enjoyed it. We will continue this for the next school year as well. We are looking to expand our co-curricular activities after school for next year. We will also look at the possibility of having an additional “Family Night” during the course of the school year.
PTA also funded the fresh new painting of the pavement at our outside basketball court. You’ll find a half court basketball layout along with four new games: Hopscotch, Bulls Eye, Jump the Shark, and Four Square. I’m sure our students will enjoy the new games.
Finally in preparing for the next school year, teachers have been developing individual student learning goals that are specific to your child. This will be discussed with you at November conferences, which will be slightly earlier next year. Depending, there could be a follow up conference scheduled in May.
I would like to thank you for your support in making this a great place to educate and guide your child. We look forward to finishing strong and making it a truly great school year for the whole community.
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