ISAT

ISAT testing begins today for our 3rd and 4th grade students--all parents should have received an info letter and also information about the changes in the cut scores.  Testing season tends to be a stressful time in a school for both the students and staff--we have tried to make it a little more fun this year with our kick off assembly last week where the teachers surprised students with a flash mob ("I've Got A Feeling"--Black Eyed Peas); encouragement letters written to 3rd and 4th grade students from students in grades K-2 and  encouragement letters written from home; plus special ISAT treats.  

I believe there is one thing that especially dampens the ISAT mood (besides the fact that schools get judged on their success based on the outcome of one test), and that is the fact that we don't find out scores until after the school year is out!  That lack of immediate feedback is really contrary to best practice and everything we do in schools--we assess so that we can change instruction for students and to let students and parents know what they need to work on.  We talk so much about the ISAT test, and then I think that students are almost detached from the relevance once they receive the scores in the fall.  Our state is working on a new test called the  PARCC assessment that is supposed to be administered online.  Hopefully, with this, scores will be more meaningful as this feedback will be received in a timely manner.  

One School, One Book

Join us for our One School, One Book program! This month, all Poplar Grove students, families and staff are reading the classic children's story, "The Cricket in Times Square".  All families have been provided a copy of this book in their primary language, and students will enjoy participating in activities related to this book all month long.  At yesterday's kick-off, students enjoyed a skit performed by Poplar Grove Staff and were also entertained by a local fiddle player, Mr. Ben Doetch.

One of our school goals this year has been to strengthen the home/family connection and to encourage family literacy.  This project fits the bill perfectly!!  The funding for our books was provided by the North Boone Education Foundation, and the treats students enjoyed on the first day were provided by the PG PTO.  Parents have also sent in money to support the continuation of this program in the future.

The students were excited as they walked in to the school this morning and were especially proud to show off their reading logs!  

End of First Semester

Our students have learned so much this year!  in my classroom observations, I have been impressed with the 'math talk' that is occurring by our young scholars. This is an important part of our new Math program, and I see lots of great learning going on.  I am looking forward to 2nd semester already as I am excited about our upcoming One Book, One School program.  Everyone in the whole school (AND FAMILIES) will read the same book--watch for this exciting announcement in January.

District K-4 report cards will be sent home on December 19, our last day of school before Winter Break.  Please look for them.  Grades 5-12 will receive theirs after Break.  

Please have a safe and fun Winter Break with Family and Friends!
I 

2012-13 Begins!

The first two days of school have passed in a flash!  I would like to commend all staff, students, and families for helping to make the start of the year a success.  

During the first few days of school students learn and review expectations and procedures.  We   have moved to a universal set of school rules this year as follows:

1. Follow directions quickly the first time they are given.
2. Be safe and respectful to people and things.
3. Speak with appropriate, positive, and supportive language.
4. Stay in your assigned areas.
5. Be on time, be prepared, and do your best.

We will have incentives and rewards for student behavior as in the past for both individuals and groups.  Right now, we are focusing on class behavior in all settings.

We are looking forward to our summer reading celebration on Thursday!  Students who kept a daily reading log will get to participate in a very fun party that includes a bounce house and bubble machine to celebrate reading accomplishments!!!  We have over 50 students who completed a log--CONGRATULATIONS!  Next year, we hope that even more students will be able to participate.  

Also during the first few weeks of school, we will be completing AIMSweb testing on all students to get baseline data in reading in order to assess how well students are doing and what areas need more practice and intervention.  You will be updated on your child's progress many times throughout the year.

I would like to welcome our new staff members this year:
Mrs. Emily Wykes....Mrs. Wykes is working in our ELL program.
Mrs. Julie Secor.......Mrs. Secor will be working with our Life Skills Program.
Miss Sjostrom...........Miss Sjostrom will be working with our LIfe Skills Program.
Miss Goodpaster.......Miss Goodpaster is our new Speech/Language Therapist.

Looking forward to a great year of learning, fun, and happy memories,

Dr. Olds