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ST. LOUISE SCHOOL PARENT BULLETIN
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MAP stands for
Measures of Academic Progress. Also known as "MAP Growth," this is a three-part test that measures student knowledge in reading, language usage and mathematics. All students in grades 2 - 8 take the MAP Growth assessment each spring and fall at St. Louise and throughout most of the other Seattle Archdiocesan schools.
MAP measures your child's academic progress or growth. By having precise measurement of student achievement, teachers and parents are able to monitor academic progress. Each Measure of Academic Progress is made up of parts, which are called goals. These goals are closely aligned to reflect progress toward the standards. Below is a listing of the goal areas for each test.
READING
- Word meaning
- Literal comprehension
- Interpretive comprehension
- Evaluative comprehension
LANGUAGE ARTS
- Writing Process
- Grammar & usage
- Conventions & mechanics
MATHEMATICS
- Problem solving & reasoning
- Number sense & operations
- Algebraic concepts, processes, patterns, relations, functions
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Data analysis, probability, statistics
When you, your child, and your child's teacher(s) look at MAP scores - which are shared each spring - it may become apparent that certain goal areas need more attention than others.
Scores depend on two things: how many questions are answered correctly and the difficulty of each question. These assessments, which are taken on the computer, are leveled to meet the needs of children at each grade level. In a computerized adaptive test, the difficulty of the test is adjusted to the student's performance so each student sees different test questions. The difficulty of each question is based on how well the student has answered the questions up to that point. As the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. If the student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. Thus, some students may be doing well on the test, but because they sense the questions are becoming more difficult and they don't know all the answers (there will never by a student scoring 100%), these students might actually assume they are failing the test. Prior to the testing, students in each class will receive explanation of how to do the testing, how a computerized adaptive test works, and how the results will be used.
As parents, you can improve the chances your child will perform to the best of his/her ability by:
- Making sure your children get a good night's sleep prior to testing day, and eat a filling breakfast the morning of testing;
- Assuring your children that they will do fine on the test, and motivating them to do their best so we can get a true assessment of academic strengths while also knowing which goals to establish for future learning;
- Explaining to your children that test-taking should be taken seriously, but not pushing the seriousness all the way to test anxiety.
Here are the scheduled testing days for each grade level:
Grade 2 - 9/27, 9/28, 10/1
Grade 3 - 9/24, 9/25, 9/27
Grade 4 - 9/24, 9/25, 9/26
Grade 5 - 9/28, 10/1, 10/2
Grade 6 - 9/25, 9/26, 9/27
Grade 7 - 10/2, 10/3, 10/4
Grade 8 - 10/2, 10/3, 10/4
When you receive the MAP Growth results each spring, you can measure the growth of your child in essential skills. If a child needs help, you and the teachers know exactly what skills on which to focus. These tests will also give a long-range picture of a student's learning as he/she progresses through the grades.
If you have an overall question on MAP, please talk to
Mike Fuerte, who oversees our school's testing programs. If you have a question on your child's specific progress in reading, language arts, or math, please talk to the teacher.
Pax et bonum,
Mr. Fitz
p.s.
We sent you last Thursday a sheet detailing all the dates this year the entire school will get together for a Mass or Liturgy in the church. The first all-school Mass - our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit - is tomorrow, Friday, at 9:00. Parents are encouraged to attend and sit with their children. At 8:45, please meet your child's homeroom either outside the school or outside the church. Please do not enter the school building prior to the Liturgy. (FYI: We do not expect parents to enter the school office to put on a yellow nametag if you're here only for attending a service in the church or other large-scale event such as this.)
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Upcoming Calendar of Events
Friday, September 21
- Our first all-school Mass - the Mass of the Holy Spirit - is at 9AM, and parents who want to sit with their children are asked to meet the homeroom outside of the main building or outside of church at 8:45; please do not enter the school building to meet up with your child
Saturday, September 22
- Grade 6-8 students are invited to a free workshop on computer programming in Bellevue from 10-4
Sunday, September 23
- Cross Country team has first CYO meet; Lake Sammamish State Park at 2PM (Discover Pass required for parking); Go, Chargers!
Monday, September 24, through Friday, October 5
- Grades 2-8 take the MAP Growth assessment during this timeframe; check with your child's homeroom teacher for the exact 3 days each homeroom will take their tests
Wednesday, September 26
- Parents' Meeting for St. Louise Speech Team, 7PM in room 6B
Monday, October 1
- Parent Education Class - The Theology of the Body - in the church at 6:30PM; all parents are encouraged to attend and bring a friend/neighbor/family member who also has children (this event is for adults only)
Thursday, October 4
- Altar Server training for grade 5-8 students from 3:00-4:15 in the Church; parents' meeting at 4:15
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You Can Help Flood Victims
With the horrible flooding and loss of life and homes in North Carolina due to Hurricane Florence, we have a suggestion for those of you who want to donate financially to the relief efforts. There are many relief organizations out there, and yet many of these have high overhead costs, so that much of what you donate never makes it to the people who need the help. The Knights of Columbus Disaster Relief Fund is used to support the work of the local Knights councils through their disaster response efforts, in coordination with emergency agencies and first responders. Since the Knights of Columbus is a volunteer organization, and there are no bureaucrats or overhead to fund, 100% of the funds raised by the Knights go directly to relief efforts! Find out more about the Knights of Columbus Disaster Relief Fund here, and give online at this link.
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Pre-Order School Photos Now
We are excited to be partnering with the iconic Yuen Lui Studios this year for our school photos! Both individual student photos and class photos are scheduled for Wednesday, October 10. Throughout the day, each student will have their individual photo taken, regardless if the student is purchasing photos to keep or not. These are used for our school Yearbook in June.
Students are to come to school in their complete uniform on the 10th, wearing the traditional red sweater or fleece (no hoodies or track jackets).
The preferred method is for you to pre-order online. Simply go HERE to place your order. All photo packages you purchase will include a complimentary class photo. If you have any questions concerning school photos, please contact Cindy Wagner in our development office.
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Special Parent Education
Presentation in 10 Days
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There's Still Time for 5th-8th Graders to Join the School Band
Band is offered to 5th-8th grade students, and St. Louise has both a beginning and advanced band program. Mr. Michael White (pictured at right) returns as our band director.
Beginning Band meets most school Wednesdays from 7:30-8:20am. Advanced band meets most school Fridays from 7:30-8:20am. Band practices are held in the south wing of the original school. To register, go HERE.
If you have questions, please contact Maria Zambrano, our director of extra-curricular activities.
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Registration Now Open for Preparing for First Communion
At St. Louise, all the children of our parish come together with their families to prepare for celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Children must be at least seven years of age and be enrolled in our Faith Formation program or St. Louise Parish School.
Parents and children are invited to attend six sessions for the immediate preparation of the sacraments. These sessions are held on Saturday mornings in November and in April. Parents must attend an initial meeting on Wednesday, September 26, at 7PM in the Parish Hall.
Registration is available at the Parish Office or contact Geri Hanley at 425-214-5464 or geri@stlouise.org.
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How You Can Help Our School's Fund Raisers
- The Auction committee would like to receive Disney gift cards. Charger Cards have Disney cards in stock. Help the Auction fulfill their need and earn rebates with a single purchase.
- The new MyScripWallet.com pairs the power of ShopWithScrip.com with the convenience of mobile ordering. New features make it easier than ever to purchase ScripNow and ReloadNow cards on the go and earn on MyScripWallet.com.
- September 30th is the deadline to earn a free $5 Starbucks card by setting up a standing order or for every $50 in rebates earned.
Every Time a Card Is Purchased, St. Louise Earns Funds
See the Online Registration
directions page
for step by step instructions to register online and get started!
You may purchase Charger Cards 24/7 at www.shopwithscrip.com. Prefer physical cards? No problem! Charger Cards carry a wide variety of cards from your favorite shops and restaurants. Visit us Friday mornings from 8:15am-9:00am for windows sales in the central hallway of the original school.
For more information on Charger Cards and online ordering,
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Join the Women's Retreat
Moms, d
o you sense that something's missing in your life? Do you feel that if you weren't so busy you would be happier, healthier, more effective, more fulfilled, and maybe even a better person?
Come to the next women's Christ Renews His Parish (or CRHP) weekend! It's an incredible experience. Whether you want to connect with other women in the parish, improve your prayer life, or just take a break from the craziness of your everyday, you will find what you are looking for-and more.
The weekend is a one-and-a-half-day retreat designed to meet you where you are in your faith journey. It is hosted by fellow parishioners who have previously attended a CRHP retreat at St. Louise Parish and want to pay it forward.
Attendance is limited to 36 women due to space availability, so sign up soon! There is no cost to attend. Donations are accepted, but not required.
Join the 150 women (some mentioned below) at St. Louise who have experienced CRHP. Ask them to tell you about their CRHP experience!
Colleen Lowell, Alice Shaw, Ingrid Flaat, Kim Stockwell, Susie Goett, Erin Aitken, Ning Grisaffi, Sharon Victor, Wendy Blank, Molly Akers, Megan Kirk, Kathleen Lund, Maria Zambrano, Sue Richards, and Laura Leach are just a few.
If you have questions, please email CRHP@stlouise.org or call Ingrid Flaat at (425) 443-9151.
....by the way... The MEN'S CRHP Retreat will be November 3-4, and registration is also available by going to the same link above.
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CROWD - the Youth Ministry Program for 6th, 7th, 8th Graders - Moves to Sundays
Starting this Sunday, September 23, CROWD - the youth ministry program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders - will begin 2018-2019 with a new day and time, Sundays from 4-5:30pm. We are looking forward to weaving our programming more seamlessly into the "Sunday experience" with informed age-appropriate catechesis flowing both from and into our Catholic Mass.
Registration for CROWD 2018-19 is now open online at https://stlouise.org/crowd. Be sure to register your child HERE. Then sign up to receive updates on our events and activities through the Flocknote app
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We can't wait to see you!
Annarose Jowenson
Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry
425-214-5465
work week: Sunday-Thursday
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Hello, St. Louise Families!
Wow - what a week! Thank you so much for all of the generous donations you have provided to support
It's a Wonderful Life at St. Louise! Your commitment to our school is second to none and I am continually amazed at how generous our families are. My hope for you all is best summed up by a great line from our theme movie, "
Bread - that you may never know hunger, Salt - that life may always have flavor, Wine - that joy and prosperity may reign forever!"
Here are the things you need to know this week:
1. New this year! Our online auction! This pre-auction night event will take place starting October 22nd. If you have a fun or creative name for this event, please send it to
auction@stlouiseschool.org or DM it to me on Instagram @stlouiseauction!
2. Premium Wine Contest - You have until October 19th to bring in Premium Wine (bottles valued at $30 or more!). Click
here for more information and see how your children's class can win a Krispy Kreme Party!
3. Make it a Wonderful Night! Click
here to learn more about making Auction night a Wonderful Night out. Start getting your table group together, make reservations at the hotel, and find something fun to wear!
Big news - we will announce our Fund-a-Need next week! And, we'll start tempting you with fantastic Live Auction items so you can plan for what you want!
Thank you, again, for all you do - your generosity is unparalleled!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask or stop by!
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You Can Start Ordering Your School Yearbook Now
Purchase your full-color, hardback yearbook from our publisher, TreeRing, and you'll have plenty of time to add your own memories from throughout the year. Every student has the option of getting a one-of-a-kind copy containing two free pages to customize with personal photos. Your two free custom pages will be in your book only and are optional. (If you choose not to personalize you'll receive the same book, without the two extra pages.) Yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of the school year this June, but you can put in your order for on now.
To purchase and personalize your yearbook, go to www.treering.com/purchase. The St. Louise School passcode is 101439484318388. Regular price is $22.50, but you can save 15% if you order in September. For questions email TreeRing or the St. Louise yearbook team.
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Calling 5th-8th Grade Students
Altar Serving is not just a service but a prayerful celebration of Jesus Christ! Our
grades 5 or older students who are baptized Catholics are welcome to join the altar server ministry team. Training is scheduled for Thursday, October 4, 3:00-4:15pm in the Church. Parents are not required to stay for the training need to be in the church by 4:15 to receive crucial scheduling information. If your child is interested but has a conflict with attending this training, please contact Gaby Gonzalez or Mary Herridge.
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Men Can Play Basketball at St. Louise, Too
The St Louise Gym is open for Men's Basketball on Monday nights from 7:30-9:00pm. This is a great way to get some exercise and meet other men from St Louise School and Parish. If interested, please contact Chris Hoffman for more information.
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Meet Our Newest School Parents
We are excited to have 50 new school families join the St. Louise School community this fall! Each week we'll be showing your some of the new faces and names. Thank you, veteran St. Louisers, for making these newest parents feel welcome.
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| Steven and Carla Pardo sons in 4th and 6th grades |
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| Beth O'Rourke son in kindergarten |
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| Cristian and Monica Mora son in 6th grade |
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| Carolyn Salazar and Jay Lawley daughter in PreK |
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Local Arts & Crafts Vendors Welome
St. Louise Parish School is hosting our annual St. Nicholas Breakfast and Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 1st. We're inviting local artists to showcase their arts and crafts. Kindly email Janelle and JT Taasan, our St. Nicholas volunteer coordinators, at stnick@stlouiseschool.org if you are interested and would like to receive additional information. Please extend the invitation to any other craft creators you feel may want to participate. Thank you for helping make our event a wonderful holiday experience.
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Parents in Prayer Invites You to Join the Group Each Wednesday
Come pray with fellow school parents, Wednesday school days from 8:30-9:30am. The mission of Parents in Prayer (Padres en Oracion) is to pray for our families, teachers, staff, and greater St. Louise community in a spirit of confidentiality.
This weekly program meets in the main school building. Simply enter the parent door outside the front entrance, sign in at the office, put on your yellow nametag, and head to the Faith Formation room, located near the lobby just before the 1st grade classrooms. Join us when you can; all are welcome! If you can't join us for a meeting, but have a prayer petition, please email or text it to Susie Goett (206-795-1252) or to Carmen Castillo (925-389-8926; habla Espanol).
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Prayer Inspiration for the Week
"It is better to say one Our Father fervently and devoutly than a thousand with no devotion and full of distraction."
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See what's happening on our St. Louise Facebook page
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