Happy Friday to All of You!
Paper Drive
Thank you to everyone who donated paper during our paper drive. We received several donations of reams and even cases of paper. Thank you! Paper, as all of you probably know is essential to what we do as educators and we can never have enough.
HS transition dates
On Thursday, the HS principals were in the building to forecast with our 8th graders. All of the 8th graders took their forecasting sheets home to have conversations with parents. All forecasting sheets are due next Wednesday, March 7th. We ask that you turn them into your Core teacher or the main office. HS staff will collect the sheets at the end of the day.
Sex Education
House Bill 2509 requires age-appropriate comprehensive sex education to be taught starting in the 6th grade. Beginning on Monday, March 12th we will begin this education. The timelines for the units are as follows:
6th grade-March 12-March 23
8th grade-April 2-April 11th
7th grade-April 16-April 27th
Letters were sent home with the students on Thursday. We highly encourage all students to participate, however, parents can choose to opt their students out and we will provide an alternative assignment during this time.
Did you Know?
Beginning in Spring 2015, this year's 8th graders will be the first students to take assessments on the new Common Core state standards in Reading, Writing and Math. Unlike this year and in previous years, students will only be allotted one opportunity per year to take and pass these assessments or be at risk for not graduating high school. Along with passing these assessments, students must also accrue 26 high school credits to graduate. The stakes are indeed quite high and we are all feeling this sense of urgency.
Mountain View and Chehalem Valley Middle Schools are committed to insuring that All students are on track for high school graduation when they leave here. As a result of this continuing commitment, both schools are looking in depth at how we do business. We are working collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) unwrapping standards, creating assessments, and talking about instruction. Both schools are also in the midst of conversations centering around grading practices and student interventions. In a nutshell, we want to make sure that we have enough supports for struggling students, and more avenues for all students to extend themselves.
State Testing
Next week we begin our 2nd round of state testing in reading. I will let you know what classes are testing the following week so you can re-enforce the importance of eating breakfast, and getting a good night's sleep beforehand. Attendance is obviously very important! The following teachers will be testing their Math and Science classes next week:
-Mrs. Murchison
-Mrs Tofte
-Mrs. Conley
-Mrs. Halstead
What Parents Can Do At Home
• Acknowledge test-taking anxiety as normal, but stay positive.
• Encourage your child to think positive thoughts like “I can do this!”
• Give compliments for effort: “I’m proud of how hard you have studied.”
• Go over the test-taking tips with your child.
• Adequate rest makes a difference! Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable
time; being active earlier in the day (not right before bed) can help kids get to sleep.
• Nutrition also influences how well children do on test; a good breakfast is important, but a large meal right before the test can be distracting.
• Your child should wear comfortable clothing for long test-taking periods.
• Help your child learn how to relax. Some find it helps to take a few deep breaths before starting the test; others like to imagine a peaceful place like the beach or park.
Absences
Please be cognizant that we are extremely vigilant in regards to attendance. The following is the list of reasons the state provides as excusable absences:
-Student illness
-Illness of an immediate family member
-Emergency
-Doctor/Dental Appointment
-Death of an immediate family member
-Court summons
-Satisfactory arrangements, made in advance with the school for other reasons
Parent Volunteers
We are in need of a parent volunteer to run our after school student store. If you are looking to volunteer for the school please contact Mary Reohr at reohrm@newberg.k12.or.us. We currently have other volunteer opportunities in our after school homework club, and in our classrooms.
After School HW Club
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 PM. A late bus is provided.
Please join me in recognizing all of our Classified Employees next week as we celebrate "Classified Employees" week.
Upcoming:
Classified Employees Week March 5th-March 9th
PTO-March 8th
Have a great weekend!
