Newsletter | April 2023
Academics Corner
Hello Mamba Families,

April is here! We are springing into action with daily academic gains being made across each grade level!

"...And what does learning look like during testing for 3rd-8th grade scholars?" Great question! Mastery Machine focuses include:
  • Targeted Instruction
  • Mini Lessons
  • Self-Monitoring successes
  • Scholar-led instruction
*Mastery Machine instruction is scheduled until the end of April.

In preparation for the K-3 DIBELS benchmark 3 Reading Assessment, here are some tips you can do at home with your scholar:
  • Phonological/Phonemic Awareness: sing rhyming songs, match pictures of objects that rhyme, match letters to sounds, and use pictures cards to help blend sounds together.
  • Basic Reading and Spelling skills: have your scholar recite the alphabet while pointing to the letters, use flashcards to practice sight words, and do word sorts of various spelling patterns.
  • Reading Fluency: read for at least 15-30 minutes per day with your scholar, use a reading passage that is not too challenging and time your scholar to see if they can improve with repeated reading.
  • Vocabulary: Play an 'I am' game, where you give clues to your child and they figure out the vocabulary word.
  • Comprehension: When reading a book or even watching a television program, ask your scholar what the main idea of the story was, and have them provide at least 3 details about the main idea.

Thank you for all your support and commitment to finishing strong. We are egg-cited to see our scholars' growth and celebrate the many wins!
Assistant Principal of Academics Updates

Testing Information

Hello Mamba Families,

Happy April! The Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) is in full swing, so please ensure that your scholars are getting enough rest, eating breakfast, and arriving to school on time. We will also be starting the DIBELS benchmark #3 for our K-3 scholars. Here are important testing dates:

  • April 3, 2023-April 21, 2023: AASA and AzSCI Assessment Window
3rd through 8th grade scholars will be assessed in the areas of math, ELA, and writing. 5th and 8th grade scholars will also be assessed in science. These assessments will be computer-based. Here is the testing schedule:
  • Week 1: 3rd-8th Writing, 5th & 8th Grade Science (3 Parts), Make-Ups
  • Week 2: 3rd-8th Math (2 Parts), Reading (2 Parts), Make-Ups (Writing and Science must be completed this week)
  • Week 3: Make-Ups

  • April 17, 2023-May 17, 2023: DIBELS Benchmark 3 Reading Assessment
Our kinder through 3rd grade scholars will be tested in the areas of phonological/phonemic awareness, basic reading and spelling skills, reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

With Gratitude,

Latosha Moore
AMS South Mountain Assistant Principal of Academics
Assistant Principal of Scholars
Grade Level Updates

3 Ways to be KIND:
  1. Hold the door for a stranger.
  2. Offer to be someone’s friend or invite someone into a game you are playing.
  3. Compliment someone or help them if they ask.

3 Ways to show RISE:
  1. Make sure to eat healthy and drink water every day.
  2. Pay attention in every class.
  3. Try your best all through the test!!!

Warmest Regards,

Denise Woods
South Mountain Assistant Principal of Scholars

AMS South Mountain Data
In an effort to be transparent about our school's priorities, we are posting the following data to ensure that our Mamba Family is aware of the state of affairs at South Mountain. You can find this data in our front lobby, as well as in our monthly newsletters.

Student Enrollment: How many scholars are currently enrolled at South Mountain.

Average Daily Attendance: The average percentage of scholars who attend school on a daily basis.

Student Persistence: The percentage of scholars who have stayed with South Mountain since the beginning of the school year.

Interim Data: The percentage of how many 3rd-8th grade scholars tested proficient or highly proficient on the interim assessments.

i-Ready Data: The average annual growth for a scholar at this grade and baseline placement level.

Here is AMS South Mountain up-to-date data.
Student Enrollment

964 Scholars
Average Daily Attendance

88%
Student Persistence

84%
Interim Data

Reading Proficiency
  • Interim #1: 24%
  • Interim #2: 17%
  • Interim #3: 15%


Math Proficiency
  • Interim #1: 33%
  • Interim #2: 16%
  • Interim #3: 12%


Writing Proficiency
  • Interim #1: 7%
  • Interim #2: 32%
  • Interim #3: 36%

Science Proficiency
  • Interim #1: N/A
  • Interim #2: N/A
  • Interim #3: 26%
i-Ready Data

Reading Typical Annual Growth
  • Kindergarten - 15%
  • 1st Grade - 14%
  • 2nd Grade - 24 %
  • 3rd Grade - 29%
  • 4th Grade - 35%
  • 5th Grade - 31%
  • 6th Grade - 27%
  • 7th Grade - 37%
  • 8th Grade - 36%

Math Typical Annual Growth
  • Kindergarten - 18%
  • 1st Grade - 17%
  • 2nd Grade - 17%
  • 3rd Grade - 20%
  • 4th Grade - 22%
  • 5th Grade - 20%
  • 6th Grade - 26%
  • 7th Grade - 36%
  • 8th Grade - 38%
Counselor's Corner
AASA Parent Guide English
AASA Parent Guide Spanish
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Important
April Dates:
APR 3-21: 3-8 AASA/AzSCI Testing
APR 3: 3-8 AASA Writing Testing
APR 4-7: 3rd Grade Small Group AASA Oral Reading Fluency Testing
APR 4, 6, & 7: Grades 5 & 8 AzSCI Testing
APR 5:  K-2 Dismissal at 12:45pm & 3-8 at 1:10pm
APR 6: Progress 4 Grades Due
APR 8: Easter Egg Hunt
APR 10 & 11: 3-8 AASA Math Testing
APR 12: K-2 Dismissal at 12:45pm & 3-8 at 1:10pm
APR 13 & 14: 3-8 AASA Reading Testing
APR 19: K-2 Dismissal at 12:45pm & 3-8 at 1:10pm
APR 17-May 17: K-2 DIBELS Testing
APR 26: K-2 Dismissal at 12:45pm & 3-8 at 1:10pm

**Every Friday is DRESS DOWN for $1.00**
Proceeds to 8th Grade Promotion Fund
2022-2023 Calendar:
Connect with the AMS South Mountain Office Team
602-675-9696