Principal's Message 2.22.13

Principal's Lunch Showcase
This week I had the pleasure of having lunch with Mrs. Reuter's class.  They shared with me many wonderful projects that they've worked on recently.  Some students shared games they created that meet literacy learning targets while other students shared their "I Have a Dream" essays in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.  I truly enjoy spending this casual time with your kids, seeing the excitement they have for their work and just simply hanging out with them.  

ISAT Testing Starts Wednesday, March 6th

The Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) 

will begin on Wednesday, March 6th and conclude on Monday, March 11th.  Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be tested in mathematics and reading.  4th grade students will also take the science exam.  

You will receive information about your child’s performance on the ISAT tests next fall.  The test results will be used as one piece of information to guide instruction. 

You can help your child do his or her best on the test by:

1. Making sure that your child attends school on the days of testing provided they are not ill;
2. Making sure your child gets a good night’s sleep;
3. Eating a healthy breakfast;
4. Reminding your child to ask the teacher questions if he or she does not understand the test directions;
5. Letting your child know that you have confidence in his or her ability; and
6. Advising your child not to worry about the test – just do the best he or she can.

Please call your child’s teacher if you want additional information or have further questions about these tests. We look forward to sharing the ISAT results with you this fall.  

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**    

District Pacing Guides Now Online

Additional information regarding student learning targets is now available on the District website.  Parents have always had access to the District Curriculum Frameworks which include the mastery expectations (3.0 learning targets)  for students in each grade for every subject area, and represent the learning targets included on report cards.  These targets remain constant throughout the school year.  

Parents will now have access to the District Pacing Guides which include the mastery expectations (3.0 learning targets) and additional learning targets (2.0 and 4.0 learning targets) that teachers use for instructional purposes. The 4.0 learning targets indicate a more complex learning target related to the 3.0 learning target.  The 2.0 learning targets indicate a simpler version of the 3.0 learning target.  The 4.0 and 2.0 learning targets are fluid and flexible, sometimes adjusted throughout the school year based on information from student performance and teacher input.  Click  KINDERGARTEN–ELEMENTARY PACING GUIDES for our grades K -5 learning targets and click MIDDLE SCHOOL PACING GUIDES for the grades 6-8 learning targets.  These links can also be found through accessing the updated CURRICULUM PAGE.

I strongly encourage you to take a look, as this provides you with a great deal of information related to your child's learning path. Feel free to contact me or any of your child's teachers if you have questions or need more information. 

2013-2014 District 96 School Year Calendar Approved

Please visit this link to view the school calendar for next year.

2nd Grade Dental Exams are Due...

Please be sure to get your 2nd grader's dental forms back to school.  Mrs. Evans is working on updating the health office records.  The due date for the dental exams is March 22nd.     

Visitor Lanyards and Substitute Teacher Lanyards
To help our staff be aware that all visitors and substitutes to the building have checked into the office through our raptor system, we will be providing lanyards to all.  Red lanyards will be worn by parent visitors and contractors.  Blue lanyards will be worn by our substitute teachers.  We appreciate your help in utilizing this visual communication tool within our school.    

Morning Drop Off Time Reminder

Drop off time in the morning is 8:10am.  This is the time that adult supervision begins in the multi-purpose room for line up.  Thank you for your help in ensuring that our kids are supervised.      

Attention Parents of  5th Graders

The D96  Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network is partnering with Woodlawn and Twin Groves Middle School principals and staff to present a brand-new transition program for parents whose current fifth-grade students will be attending middle school in August 2013. 

This don’t-miss program on Tues., Mar. 12,  @ 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School Gym, for ALL District 96 parents of current fifth graders will feature a student panel for Q&A and practical transition tips, middle school staff, and Principals Heather Friziellie and Greg Grana. 

Please note that this program replaces the school-based programs presented in previous years. One program/one date for ALL parents of current D96 fifth-grade students: Tuesday, March 12th at 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School gym, 6362 Gilmer Rd, Long Grove 60047.

WOWs Read This Week & Last...
Grade 1:  Zach P., Kaavya N., Brandon G., Rachel K., Kosei K., Chloe R., Jasmine M.
Grade 2:  Alex L., Haley L., Zachary K., Arthur K., Vince C., Ethan C., Kayla Y., Srikar V.
Grade 4:  Joey G., Noah B., Ryan M., Manaav A., Krishna P., Krushank B.
Grade 5:  Romir S., Ethan B.