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Dear SPN Families,
It is a time to celebrate our teachers, our students, and our families! The School Department of the Diocese of Oakland has informed us that during Trimester 2, SPN showed the most growth of all 38 elementary schools in our Diocese for Math. We also ranked in the top 3 schools of the Diocese for growth in Reading. In fact, the School Department has asked us to identify the strategies and practices we implement to produce this kind of growth for our students so that it can be duplicated at other schools.
Teachers use STAR testing data to assess individual student growth as well as class achievement and areas for growth. One of the things that our Wednesday noon dismissals provide is the time for our teachers to review and analyze the STAR testing data. From the data, teachers determine which students need extra support and then plan lessons and instruction based on that information.
Teachers have identified the following practices and strategies that have contributed to our students’ growth in Math and Reading. First, we have an excellent Resource Program, which includes a Reading Specialist, to support classroom teachers by providing small group and individual instruction for students as needed, even up to 4 times per week. This year we added math support to our Resource program which has proven very effective. Additionally, we use adaptive software in Math (ALEKS) and Reading (LEXIA), which has contributed to significant gains for some of our students who were struggling.
Both the Reading and Math curricula we use (SuperKids for grades K-2 and Wonders in grades 3-5 for Reading: Bridges Math for grades TK-5, Big Ideas for grade 6, and Glencoe Mathematics for grades 7-8) are rich with engaging lessons that have high student interest while reinforcing foundational skills. Teachers focus students on their AR (Accelerated Reader) levels as they set personal learning goals. The English Language Arts program in middle school is literature-based. Students refine their reading skills in middle school as they begin to analyze text and research various topics. Finally, to the extent possible, as teachers have reached out for family support and involvement to help students improve their skills, parents are meeting their students’ needs for more monitored practice outside of the school day and that, too, makes a great difference.
On another front, we can celebrate that all of our 8th graders who applied to Diocesan Catholic high schools (namely, SJND and Bishop O’Dowd) were offered admission to those schools! In addition, several of our soon-to-be graduates have qualified for significant honorable and monetary awards due to their high test scores. This is a huge testament to our students and to all of their teachers who have shepherded them through their years at SPN. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
The celebrations do not stop there! The Auction committee has provided some preliminary numbers that are extraordinary. Currently, the Auction has raised $112,000...but will be open until 9pm tonight for additional sales so that number may go even higher! Raise Your Paddle brought in $36,350, while sponsorship levels hit an incredible $22,600!! In the coming weeks, please look for the banner outside of the school acknowledging our generous sponsors. A huge thank you to all of our families, faculty, staff, friends and donors who supported the Auction in all ways – with time, talent and treasure – to make it the success it was!
As always, thank you all for your continued partnership with the school - by supporting our teachers, our programs and your students. We appreciate your sincere efforts to be part of the solution.
Warmly,
Julie Thomas
Focus on LOVE: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
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