Happy Friday to All of You!
Staff Appreciation Week!
Please join me in saying thank you once again to our staff. Today marked the end of staff appreciation week. Our staff were treated to
numerous goodies and treats this week including a PTO lunch. Thank you to PTO, to the students for organizing all the goodies, and of course to the CV staff for making our school the best middle school...and I'm not just saying that.
Change in CORE model next year
Next year we will be delivering reading, writing and social studies instruction differently. Beginning next year Reading/Writing will be our Core Block with Social Studies as the singleton. So, in a nutshell we will have Language Arts teachers (Reading and Writing) and Social Studies Teachers. This model lends itself very well to where we are going in regards to proficiency and PLCs. It will also provide our Core group more of an opportunity to focus on one and/or two subjects as opposed to three. We will also not be leveling to the extent that we do currently. We will have Advanced sections of Reading/Writing for students that qualify but for the most part students will be put in grade level classes with those students who need more support receiving another support class. It is our priority to meet the needs of all students and this model lends itself very well in our constant efforts to accomplish these goals.
4th Quarter Incentives
On May 24th, students with no missing work will receive All-Star tickets which will allow them to redeem a popsicle at lunch time the next day.
At the end of 4th quarter, 8th graders that meet the criteria will be eligible for Camp Yamhill, and the 8th grade dance. 7th grade students that meet the criteria will be eligible for either Field Day or a Movie and 6th graders that meet the criteria will be eligible for Field Day. The criteria is as follows for the end of the quarter activities:
6th Grade: No missing work, less than 4 tardies, and zero behavior referrals for the 4th quarter
7th Grade: No missing work, less than 4 tardies, and zero behavior referrals for the 4th quarter
8th Grade: Zero behavior referrals and successful completion of 8th grade Project.
8th Grade Awards
If you are curious to see if your 8th grader(s) qualifies for any Presidential Awards please see the attached link to our website. We give out these awards during the 8th grade celebration ceremony on the last day of school. The criteria is also listed in the Student Handbook that was passed out at the beginning of the year. Both CV and MV have the same criteria.
http://www.newberg.k12.or.us/chehalemvalley/criteria-presidential-princi...
Teddy Roosevelt (26th President)
We had a visit today from a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator today courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society. Teddy Roosevelt came and spoke to our 3rd period CORE classes.
CVMS Dance
Our last all school dance of the year is scheduled for tonight from 7-9 PM. It will be a glow in the dark dance where students will be encouraged to wear white or neon colors. The cost will be 5$ or 15 Wolf Bucks. Only students with zero behavior referrals for the 4th quarter and less than 4 tardies will be allowed to attend.
New Newberg Superintendent Chosen
http://www.newberg.k12.or.us/district/newberg-names-next-superintendent
I did have an opportunity to spend an hour with Dr. Leblanc-Esparza as she toured CV. I was very impressed and I believe she will do a great job. Please join us in welcoming her to the district.
State Testing
We have officially begun the 3rd round of state testing in Reading, Math and Science. I am facilitating many of the sessions and the kids thus far are working extremely hard. Testing ends next week. Attendance is obviously very important!
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.
Update on School Improvement Goals:
As we enter our 3rd round of testing our progress on our 2-year school improvement goals is as follows:
6th Grade Math Goal: 70% Current: 70% (Goal Met!) State Average: 56%
7th Grade Math Goal: 75% Current: 73% State Average: 60%
8th Grade Math Goal: 78% Current: 74% State Average:62%
6th Grade Reading Goal: 80% Current: 76% State Average:62%
7th Grade Reading Goal: 84% Current: 84% (Goal Met!) State Average:74%
8th Grade Reading Goal: 85% Current: 73% State Average:66%
8th Grade Science Goal: 82% Current: 73% State Average:64%
As some of you may know the state increased the cut score (score needed to pass) in math substantially last year and this year it was increased significantly in reading. In Science the cut score also increased. You can get an indication of the impact of these new cut scores by looking at the state averages which are significantly lower than in previous years. As you can see, our staff and students are working extremely hard and are showing remarkable progress toward achieving our goals by the year 2013. Great job!
Absences
We are seeing more absences for trips and personal vacations. Although I understand that vacations do happen during the year, we ask that if at all possible you look to schedule extended vacations during our regular school breaks. Students can always make up work, however it is difficult to replace the loss of instruction.
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
May PTO
Our last PTO meeting for the year has been rescheduled to next Thursday, May 17th, at 6:30 PM. We will be taking nominations for "officers in training" as next year will be PTO President, Mary Reohr, and PTO Treasurer, Teresa Arnold's, last year.
After School HW Club
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 PM. A late bus is provided.
High School Graduation Starts Today!
Please check our website for more information on our new accountability system with the first initial "phase-in" beginning next year.
http://www.newberg.k12.or.us/chehalemvalley/graduation-starts-today
Hello CV Families,
We would like to invite you to become a homestay family for our students from Wadayama Junior High School in Japan that travel here each Fall. The CVMS-Asago City, Japan Exchange has been happening for 20+ years!
1. They will be here from Sat., September 15 - Friday, September 21.
2. Each school day, they will come to CV and then either attend classes, or go on day trips.
3. They can share a bedroom with your student, but should have their own bed.
4. Most students have studied English for at least two years.
5. Japanese teachers who speak English travel with them.
6. If interested, or any questions:
Diane Williams = williamsd@newberg.k12.or.us
Simone Conley = conleys@newberg.k12.or.us
Jon Franco = francoj@newberg.k12.or.us
Upcoming:
May 25th-5th Grade Visits
May 28th-No School
June 5th-Final Music Concert
June 7th-8th Grade Culminating Activity
Have a great weekend!
