Next week is a busy one .............
1. We will join many schools in the nation by giving the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) reading assessment. The entire staff works together to make sure that every student is assessed at their grade level. We do this three times a year as a "temperature probe" of student progress. It is only one of many indicators a teacher uses to assess individual reading skills. Practicing reading (or being read to) at home every day is the most beneficial of home reading supports.
2. Three times a year we also "progress monitor" every student in the school with the acquisition of their math facts. Every grade level has specific targets that they must master to be considered proficient. This is an area where a weekend of practice can make a dramatic difference. 4th and 5th graders who reach mastery are eligible for the Math Bus (lunch trip to a local park). Here's the targets:
* Kinder -- know "1 more/1 less" for numbers to 9
* 1st -- add/subtract sums to 10 (30 problems in 5 minutes)
* 2nd -- add/subtract sums to 20 (40 problems in 5 minutes)
* 3rd -- add/subtract sums to 20 (50 problems in 5 minutes) and multiplication facts for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 (30 prob. in 5 min)
* 4th -- add/subtract facts to 18 (50 problems in 5 min) and multiplication and division facts to 10 (50 problems in 8 min)
* 5th -- same as 4th, but 50 mixed problems in 5 min
3. 5th graders interested in exploring band in the future may want to attend the Band/Music Education Night on January 20th from 6pm-8pm at the high school auditorium. Students will get to hold/try instruments, parents can talk to band directors, and you can enjoy the several high school bands who will be playing. I highly encourage students enroll in music (band, choir, strings) as a 6th grader -- if they don't try it as a 6th grader they often don't want to be in a beginning class as an older student.
4. Lastly, as a surprise to your children today we had a quick assembly. Michele Bergeron (our former librarian) now coordinates the Reading For All program in Yamhill County. Mabel Rush FAR surpassed any other collection site during our last book drive so she came today to thank them for their community service and she brought a juggler with her!! Fun!!
Is it time to rent the video Singing In the Rain???? Ugh.
Shannon Stueckle
