This week flew by in a flash! I have a feeling that is the way things will go for the following month. On Monday I spent the day assessing students' reading levels. I made it through all of second and third grade and just have first grade to go. Students began writing their memory letters for the graduating third graders (third graders need to write one for every classmate!). On Tuesday and Wednesday third graders embarked on the VTCAP (know as Cognia), where they took the ELA (English Language Arts) portion of the test. Thursday we had a wonderful day at ECO where students went on a Elmore watershed quest, and enjoyed forest choice in near the steam on the nature trail. Students climbed boulders, made boats to send down the stream, explored the flora and fauna, and made fair houses. Friday we made special gifts for our Moms, we had a Tooth Tutor visit from Ashley Reynolds, and we went to MES to see The Circus in a Suitcase assembly! Phew!
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| Students learn more about the importance of caring for their teeth! |
As we are ending the school year, as is often the case, we need to be reminded of school expectations. We spent time this week reviewing our school rules and talking about what that they mean to us. Because we have been seeing an increase in unfavorable behaviors and overall lack of focus on school expectations, I've spent time revamping our discipline policy. While we are still using PBIS (Positive behavior Incentive System), we are adding a more comprehensive approach to unfavorable behavior. If a student is exhibiting behaviors that are disruptive or disrespectful to the teachers, individuals, or the whole group they will be given a warning. The second time they will be given "Time Away" in the break chair where students may determine when they are ready to rejoin the group (usually a short break), the third time they will be given time away in the break chair and will need to be invited to rejoin the group. The fourth time, students will be given time away in another space away from the classroom and will need to be invited back. When this happens you will be given a yellow notice briefly explaining the problem. These need to be signed and returned to school. Additionally, for continued minor behaviors or major behavior, students will need to fill our a Think Sheet about the behavior. These will also go home, and will need to be signed and returned to school the next day. This is an effort for us to not only communicate better with families, but also a way for us to keep better records. I wanted to let you know that this is a change in OUR practice and doesn't necessary reflect of a change in your student. These practices are more consistent with that of the other schools in our district. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
On Monday, May 15, I will be administering the PNOA (Primary Numbers and Operations Assessment) for the final time to the first graders. These are individual interview style assessments which usually take about 45 minutes each. It is helpful is students are well rested.
Tuesday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 17, Third graders will take the VTCAP Math tests. Again, unless your child is a sick, they need to be at school. Please do not schedule any appointments for Tuesday or Wednesday morning next week.
Thank you to Deidra Keith you provided a delicious lunch on Friday consisting of chicken thighs and drumsticks, fresh veggies and rice crispie treats for dessert!
Next Friday, hot lunch will be provided by the Tartaglia / Smejkal Family!
Please email your lunch orders for the week.
Other Announcements:
School Banking is Monday - bring your deposits!
Library is Monday - remember to bring your books!
PE is Thursday - Students need their sneakers
ECO - Thursday, May 18 from 9-12. Let me know if you would like to volunteer.
Monday May 22nd - Author Visit (Natalie Kinsley Worlock) @ MES
Wednesday, May 24th - TIGER Anti-bullying production @ MES
Friday, May 26th - Memorial Day Observance @ Peoples Academy Bandshell
No School Monday, May 29th to observe Memorial Day
Field Trip to the ECHO Center in Burlington - Wednesday, May 31, 2021
Friday June 2nd - 3rd graders visit MES / Elmore Kindergarten / new students visit Elmore School
Wednesday, June 7th - 4th grade production of FROZEN @MES
Wednesday, June 14th - LAST DAY of SCHOOL - Early release
Wednesday, June 14th - Third Grade Graduation and family Picnic 5:30 - 7:00 pm
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