Dear Kildeer Families,
What a fun way to end our second trimester of the school year. We ended the half day with a celebratory Cougar Pride assembly to share our acts of kindness. The students also got a special treat because all staff participated in a line dance. Our students are asked to do this in PE, so why not the adults, too? We had a lot of fun!
Additionally, this week was the annual Jump Rope for Heart. Last week students participated in Hoops for Heart. We are happy to support physical activity and fitness for our students. They had a great time!
Lastly, I'd like to congratulate the fourth graders. Yesterday marked the day for Ellis Island. A lot of time and preparation went into making this day meaningful for kids. Thank you to our families for partnering at home to bring learning to life! Click here to hear to see a sneak peek!
*NEW Information*
An Important Note About Student Progress Reports: See your homeroom teacher's email to sign-up for conferences today!
Your student’s progress report will be available for you to access online on Friday, Mar. 2, after 3 p.m. If you need assistance, please CLICK HERE for instructions to view your student’s progress report, to switch between your children’s progress reports, and more.
An important note for parents
When standards repeat in more than one trimester we do not expect that students will master the knowledge and skills indicated until the last trimester in which the standard is reported. It is likely that many students will earn a score of Developing (D for elementary) or 2 for middle school until the final trimester in which the standard is addressed.
For standards in literacy courses that repeat in more than one trimester, we report based on progress toward end-of-year expectations. Your child's score for each trimester indicates his or her progress toward end-of-year expectations, so you have consistent information regarding your child’s current progress, compared to where he or she should be later in the school or at the end of the school year.
We assess students using text we expect they will be able to master by the end of the school year, so the progress report indicates your child's progress toward that expectation. A steady progression toward mastery is what you should expect. For example, an expected progression on the report card for a standard that repeats in more than one trimester could be Not Mastering (1) or Developing (2) in Trimester 1, Developing (2) in Trimester 2, and Mastering (3) in Trimester 3.
*NEW Information*
FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Parent/teacher conferences are meaningful minutes for all. Our teachers truly look forward to celebrating with parents their student’s effort, improvement, diligence, and opportunities for growth.
Parents of current 5th graders, in particular, have a milestone to mark–their child’s last elementary parent/teacher conference.
As you anticipate that conference on March 8 or 9, I ask that at the conference you keep the focus of your questions and conversation with his or her teacher on your son’s or daughter’s growth in that 5th-grade classroom and our elementary school.
Be assured that in the weeks ahead you’ll be given lots of information about MIDDLE SCHOOL PLACEMENT. Please find placement information for 6th-grade placement for the 2018–19 school year HERE. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn and ask questions of both District 96 middle school principals and a student panel at the district-wide Transition to Middle School program for all District 96 parents of current 5th graders on Mon., Apr. 16, at Woodlawn Middle School, at 7 p.m.
As adults, experience teaches us that every step of a learning journey has value, so at the March conference with your 5th-grader’s teacher, please be sure to keep your focus on this current school year. Thank you!
From the Band & Orchestra Boosters:
Find the latest information from the District 96 Band & Orchestra Boosters in their BLOG.
Click HERE to catch up on very important information from our PTO!
New Topics:
- BINGO BLAST TONIGHT!
- 5TH GRADE VARIETY SHOW
- GIRLS NIGHT OUT/BOYS NIGHT OUT
This week I had an opportunity to attend a fabulous conference in Phoenix, Arizona with fellow teachers, administrators, and board of education members. I am proud to share that Woodlawn Middle School won the DuFour Award which is an absolute honor and celebrates the outstanding work of staff and students. In Superintendent Schmidt's message next week, she will share this was truly an award for our entire system because it celebrates all that we do for kids every day. I felt beyond proud to stand alongside some representatives, and even got to hold the big check! Parents, it's an honor to work with you and your children! Let's keep making GREAT things happen for our kids!
On a final note, we hope to see you all VERY SOON for Bingo Blast. It promises to be a great evening!
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal