Dear School Families,

Today is our 8 ^th day of school and the children are adjusting to the routines of the school day.  I am so proud of how our preschool through 2 ^nd grades are already quietly walking through the halls in a straight line.  The staff is enjoying being back with the students and I just love having school back in session.  On Monday while in the lunchroom a Kindergarten student stated, "Mrs. Maxwell, this is the third time I have seen you today.  Aren't you supposed to be sitting in your office drinking coffee?" It is in these precious moments of conversation that I have the opportunity to bond with my students.  Let us remember that this is the time for a fresh start, and you can help your child achieve great things by setting the stage and encouraging a positive attitude and work ethic.

This week teachers are learning your child's strengths, personalities, likes and dislikes.  If you have not had a chance to share with your teachers what you would like them to know about your child please send them an email.  They are all eager to know everything they can about their students.   

It is important to establish home routines.  Help your child succeed this school year by establishing a daily homework schedule and a consistent bedtime.  Be sure to stay involved by communicating with teachers, checking grades and asking your child about how school is going on a regular basis.  Have you thought of goals that you would like for your child this year?  As a staff we have established classroom learning goals.  Some student are underway creating their own personal goals.

Mrs. Johannes and I have been creating enrichment groups for reading and math.  The perameters our school uses for enrichment groups in a score of 94% or better on the Spring 2017 NWEA in math or reading and teacher recommendations.   We will be looking at the Fall NWEA testing once it is completed to see if more students qualify for enrichment.

Our NWEA testing begins on Tuesday, September 19 ^th and continues t hrough  Thursday, October 5^th. Teachers will communicate in their weekly letter the specific day their class will be testing.  Students with ISP's or 504 plans will receive accommodations during testing as per their plan.

Please attend your child's Curriculum Night.  It is during this night that you will learn about the standards (curriculum) for your grade and homework expectations.  You will have an opportunity to ask questions, too.  Let your teacher know the family goals you have for your child so together you can work on achieving those goals.

Wishing you and your child a blessed school year,

Mrs. Maxwell