If you are dropping your child off in the morning you can use the bus lane for this purpose. Please be respectful of the buses. Students should not be dropped off prior to 7:45 a.m. (unless attending Kids’ Co.)
We prefer that pick-up notes be sent to school with your child. Please include your child’s first and last name and the teacher’s name. In a rare case that a call is necessary, you must call by 2 p.m. to ensure that your child’s teacher gets the message. To maintain the flow of learning, we will refrain from calling into classrooms with messages. Only emergency messages will be delivered. Please do not leave pick-up messages on the voicemail during the day.
Central Elementary dismisses Kindergarten students, students that walk home and children that get picked up at 2:45 p.m. If your child does not ride the bus, you will need to pick him/her up in the office hallway at 2:45 p.m. All other students will be dismissed at 2:50 p.m. Please park in the front lot and come in to get your child. We have added spaces for this purpose. Parking in the bus loop is prohibited to all staff and parents during school hours.
Please leave the handicapped parking spots available for those that need them.
Children will not be released from the bus loop area.
Thank you!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Back to School Open House
I would like to remind all of our families that our Open House is being held on Wednesday, August 31st, from 4:00-6:00. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Making Healthy Choices When It Comes to Treats and Snacks
CLASSROOM TREATS - On occasion, students bring treats for their classroom. Due to health concerns and policies, the District asks that only food items which are commercially prepared and packaged be brought to school (no home-made goodies!). In addition, treats containing peanut oil, peanut butter, or nuts are not advised due to the allergies of students. This will ensure safe and healthy snacks. Thank you for your cooperation.
SNACK LIST - In conjunction with milk breaks, students may eat healthy snacks brought from home. Healthy snacks are defined as fruits, vegetables, crackers, cheese, etc. Items with high sugar or salt content should be discouraged. These guidelines are part of the school health curriculum to familiarize students to healthy snack foods vs. junk foods. The cooperation of each family and classroom is appreciated.
ACCEPTABLE SNACK LIST:
Popcorn
Cheese and Crackers
Banana or Date Bread
Sandwich
Unsweetened Cereal
Fruit
Vegetables
Cheese Sticks
Juice (Pure Fruit Juice – Not 10%)
Beef Jerky
Crackers
Graham Crackers
Cold Meats
Muffins
Pretzels
Raisins
UNACCEPTABLE SNACK LIST:
Fun Fruits
Fruit Rollups
Cookies/Pudding
Cake
Potato Chips
Cheese Balls (Munchies in general)
10% Fruit Juice (Example: Hi-C)
Rice Krispie Bars
Marshmallows
Chocolate Covered or Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Twinkies or any kind of Snack Cake
Kool-Aid or Pop
Peanuts (Due to allergies
SNACK LIST - In conjunction with milk breaks, students may eat healthy snacks brought from home. Healthy snacks are defined as fruits, vegetables, crackers, cheese, etc. Items with high sugar or salt content should be discouraged. These guidelines are part of the school health curriculum to familiarize students to healthy snack foods vs. junk foods. The cooperation of each family and classroom is appreciated.
ACCEPTABLE SNACK LIST:
Popcorn
Cheese and Crackers
Banana or Date Bread
Sandwich
Unsweetened Cereal
Fruit
Vegetables
Cheese Sticks
Juice (Pure Fruit Juice – Not 10%)
Beef Jerky
Crackers
Graham Crackers
Cold Meats
Muffins
Pretzels
Raisins
UNACCEPTABLE SNACK LIST:
Fun Fruits
Fruit Rollups
Cookies/Pudding
Cake
Potato Chips
Cheese Balls (Munchies in general)
10% Fruit Juice (Example: Hi-C)
Rice Krispie Bars
Marshmallows
Chocolate Covered or Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Twinkies or any kind of Snack Cake
Kool-Aid or Pop
Peanuts (Due to allergies
Monday, July 11, 2011
Welcome to Summer School!
Thank you for signing up your child for the Central Summer School Program. Here are just a few reminders and notes to consider:
*Summer School will run Monday through Thursday. There is no school on Fridays.
*The dates are July 11th through August 4th.
*School starting time is 8:45 and ends at 12:55.
*Buses load at 12:55 to go home.
*Students should be waiting at their bus stop five minutes before their
scheduled pick up time to ensure they are on time.
*Each student should bring their own pencils.
*Students are responsible for their own snack and drink for snack time.
Thank you for your help and allowing your child the opportunity to participate in the summer school program. Any question or concerns, please call or e-mail Kurt Swanson. He is the Summer School Coordinator. 952-201-2503 or kswanson@central.k12.mn.us
*Summer School will run Monday through Thursday. There is no school on Fridays.
*The dates are July 11th through August 4th.
*School starting time is 8:45 and ends at 12:55.
*Buses load at 12:55 to go home.
*Students should be waiting at their bus stop five minutes before their
scheduled pick up time to ensure they are on time.
*Each student should bring their own pencils.
*Students are responsible for their own snack and drink for snack time.
Thank you for your help and allowing your child the opportunity to participate in the summer school program. Any question or concerns, please call or e-mail Kurt Swanson. He is the Summer School Coordinator. 952-201-2503 or kswanson@central.k12.mn.us
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Summer has arrived!
I can say that it finally feels like summer has arrived. Weather like we are having is why we live in Minnesota and put up with the extremes of winter and spring. I hope everyone is out and enjoying the sun.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Another year has flown by...
As I sit in my office I can hear the voices of students enjoying the warmth of the summer sun and the anticipation of going to the beach on this 90 plus degree day. As another year wraps up the race is on to get the building ready for the upcoming school year. We have teachers retiring that need assistance with leaving, we have new teachers anxious to move in, and we have teachers changing rooms. Lots and lots of movement. I am trying to catch my breath after another great school year. I am so proud of what the students have achieved this school year and I am even prouder of the teachers and the effort they have displayed this year. I have challenged the students to continue with their reading over the summer, I challenged the teachers to learn something new and I have challenged myself to grow in multiple ways. Challenging ourselves is the fruit of life and instills a sense of purpose in us all. Enjoy your summer, rest, relax, sleep, and most importantly, be good to yourself. See you soon.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Some Tips, Tips, Tips for Summer Reading!!!!
@ Keep books in the car and make sure a good book gets tucked into sports bags and campers' backpacks.
@ Get your child his own library card.
@ Take or allow him to go to the library often browse for books and enjoy special activities.
@ Help your child select books on topics he is interested in and on his reading level.
@ A simple rule of thumb for helping your child select books at his reading level is to have them choose a page in the book (not the first one) and read it. If he doesn’t know five or more of the words, then the book is too hard for pleasure reading.
@ Have plenty of books, books on tape, magazines, and other reading material around for kids to read.
@ Stock up inexpensive books that can be exposed to the elements or swapped for others at camp.
@ Connect reading with other summer activities.
@ For example, read books about places you will go over the summer or things you will be doing. Perhaps you will visit the beach or go camping, there are many good books about the beach and camping!
@ Set goals and reward reading.
@ Reward reading with more reading. If your child finishes one book, stop by the store and let him pick out another.
@ Let your kids see you read.
@ Read the newspaper over your morning coffee, take a magazine from the rack in a doctor's office while you wait, and stuff a paperback into your purse, pocket, or briefcase. Your kids will catch on to the fact that reading is something you like to do in your spare time.
@ Make reading together fun and memorable.
@ Even if your child is a super reader, they still love to be read too. You may want to use different voices for different characters when you read to your child. @ Reading together is a time for closeness and cuddling-another way to show your love as a caring adult.
@ Children love to read letters and notes you write them. Maybe have a day of no talking only writing and reading each others notes.
@ Read it, then do it.
@ Does your child want to learn magic tricks? Juggling? Computer games? There's sure to be a book that can help him. Have your child read the instructions and then give it a try.
@ Get your child his own library card.
@ Take or allow him to go to the library often browse for books and enjoy special activities.
@ Help your child select books on topics he is interested in and on his reading level.
@ A simple rule of thumb for helping your child select books at his reading level is to have them choose a page in the book (not the first one) and read it. If he doesn’t know five or more of the words, then the book is too hard for pleasure reading.
@ Have plenty of books, books on tape, magazines, and other reading material around for kids to read.
@ Stock up inexpensive books that can be exposed to the elements or swapped for others at camp.
@ Connect reading with other summer activities.
@ For example, read books about places you will go over the summer or things you will be doing. Perhaps you will visit the beach or go camping, there are many good books about the beach and camping!
@ Set goals and reward reading.
@ Reward reading with more reading. If your child finishes one book, stop by the store and let him pick out another.
@ Let your kids see you read.
@ Read the newspaper over your morning coffee, take a magazine from the rack in a doctor's office while you wait, and stuff a paperback into your purse, pocket, or briefcase. Your kids will catch on to the fact that reading is something you like to do in your spare time.
@ Make reading together fun and memorable.
@ Even if your child is a super reader, they still love to be read too. You may want to use different voices for different characters when you read to your child. @ Reading together is a time for closeness and cuddling-another way to show your love as a caring adult.
@ Children love to read letters and notes you write them. Maybe have a day of no talking only writing and reading each others notes.
@ Read it, then do it.
@ Does your child want to learn magic tricks? Juggling? Computer games? There's sure to be a book that can help him. Have your child read the instructions and then give it a try.
Friday, January 7, 2011
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Central Elementary School will have Kindergarten Registration on Thurday, February 17 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
This is for children who will be attending school in the fall of 2011.
Eligible students must be five years of age on or before August 31, 2011. Upon entering kindergarten, we need verification that all immunizations are up-to-date and a copy of your child’s birth certificate. In addition, Minnesota law requires a child to receive pre-school screening before they may enter kindergarten. This means that a student cannot enter school until a pre-school screening has been documented. If your child has not attended a pre-school screening, please contact our Community Ed. Office at 467-7390 for the next available screening date.
Kindergarten teachers, the principal, the school nurse, and the bus supervisor will be on hand to meet parents and students. Bring the whole family! Childcare will be available for siblings. Plan to attend this important event. If you are unable to attend, contact the school at (952) 467-7300 and a registration packet will be sent to you.
The staff at Central Elementary looks forward to meeting you and your child. We believe that you will find our building atmosphere to be warm and inviting for students and parents. It is a safe and secure learning environment for children K through 5th grade. In addition, the welfare of every child is our top priority necessitating ongoing curriculum development, a positive school climate, and continuous communication with parents. The elementary teachers are dedicated individuals who are student oriented. They encourage parents to actively participate in their children’s education.
This is for children who will be attending school in the fall of 2011.
Eligible students must be five years of age on or before August 31, 2011. Upon entering kindergarten, we need verification that all immunizations are up-to-date and a copy of your child’s birth certificate. In addition, Minnesota law requires a child to receive pre-school screening before they may enter kindergarten. This means that a student cannot enter school until a pre-school screening has been documented. If your child has not attended a pre-school screening, please contact our Community Ed. Office at 467-7390 for the next available screening date.
Kindergarten teachers, the principal, the school nurse, and the bus supervisor will be on hand to meet parents and students. Bring the whole family! Childcare will be available for siblings. Plan to attend this important event. If you are unable to attend, contact the school at (952) 467-7300 and a registration packet will be sent to you.
The staff at Central Elementary looks forward to meeting you and your child. We believe that you will find our building atmosphere to be warm and inviting for students and parents. It is a safe and secure learning environment for children K through 5th grade. In addition, the welfare of every child is our top priority necessitating ongoing curriculum development, a positive school climate, and continuous communication with parents. The elementary teachers are dedicated individuals who are student oriented. They encourage parents to actively participate in their children’s education.
Students Are Not Allowed to Talk During Lunch?
The answer is yes and no. The students go outside for recess before lunch which is 20 minutes in length. Then they come inside and get their lunches. When they sit down there is a red cup at the end of the table and the cup stays there for 5 minutes, usually less, and this means they can not talk and should focus on eating. Once the cup is removed they are allowed to converse as a normal. If it gets too loud the cup goes back down on the loud table for a set amount of time and then is removed again. The results are kids eat their lunch and the noise level has dropped tremendously. Nobody has said they can not talk, they just need to be reasonable with it. If they are yelling across the lunchroom repeatedly they may be told they can not talk because they have chosen to not follow the rules. Noise becomes an issue because we have classes going on around the lunchroom and the noise funnels through the halls. I hope you see the method to the madness.
Opportunity Snap
It’s hard to believe that the holiday season has come and gone. Where does the time gone?
As a district, we are always assessing how our students are doing academically. In addition to the informal assessments done on a daily basis we do formal assessments such as unit tests, quizzes, and we provide our students with research based and nationally normed assessments. During the month of January we will be assessing most students with our DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) reading assessment and students in grades 1-5 will take the NWEA assessment in reading, math and language. The DIBELS assessments take approximately 1 minute and the NWEA tests typically take 50-60 minutes per test. All of these assessments, when used in conjunction with each other, help to give us an accurate picture of where a student is at and how we can meet their needs.
January is the perfect time to check in on students' progress and see what type of gains they have made. Additionally, this will be a good time for teachers to look at their curriculum and instruction to determine if they are meeting the students' needs in their rooms. Teachers will also be able to look at their SMART gaols to see if they are reaching their goals or to see if adjustments need to be made.
Our teachers continue to meet two times per month as a PLC (Professional Learning Community) to look at data and to collaborate on how to best meet the needs of our students. This PLC time will also allow us to look at the various initiatives we have been working on since the beginning of the school year.
Our teachers continue to do some amazing things with our students. We are fortunate to have great students and parents to help support us in this endeavor.
As a district, we are always assessing how our students are doing academically. In addition to the informal assessments done on a daily basis we do formal assessments such as unit tests, quizzes, and we provide our students with research based and nationally normed assessments. During the month of January we will be assessing most students with our DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) reading assessment and students in grades 1-5 will take the NWEA assessment in reading, math and language. The DIBELS assessments take approximately 1 minute and the NWEA tests typically take 50-60 minutes per test. All of these assessments, when used in conjunction with each other, help to give us an accurate picture of where a student is at and how we can meet their needs.
January is the perfect time to check in on students' progress and see what type of gains they have made. Additionally, this will be a good time for teachers to look at their curriculum and instruction to determine if they are meeting the students' needs in their rooms. Teachers will also be able to look at their SMART gaols to see if they are reaching their goals or to see if adjustments need to be made.
Our teachers continue to meet two times per month as a PLC (Professional Learning Community) to look at data and to collaborate on how to best meet the needs of our students. This PLC time will also allow us to look at the various initiatives we have been working on since the beginning of the school year.
Our teachers continue to do some amazing things with our students. We are fortunate to have great students and parents to help support us in this endeavor.
Bullying from November 2010 Newsletter
Dear Central Families,
Kidding, teasing, bullying, and harassing have been happening at schools, on the ball fields, and in the backyards since who knows when. In other words, these behaviors aren’t new. Nor are these behaviors ok. And these behaviors need to be addressed when they happen.
It seems as if many people have their own definition of kidding, teasing, bullying, and harassing. I believe, before we can address these behaviors, involved parties need to agree upon a common definition. My simple definitions are:
• Kidding – When I think the joke about me is funny. In other words I can laugh at myself.
• Teasing – I don’t like what is being said about me. My feelings are hurt.
• Bullying – I’m afraid and feel intimidated. I try to avoid you, but you seek me out. A bully is a person that uses their power to intentionally (physical or psychosocial), intimidate, mistreat or hurt someone in a group that is weaker.
• Harassing – I am teased or bullied because of my race, my religion, my disability, or my gender.
I could focus on the laws and policies that govern this matter, but it really comes down to RESPECT and treating others the way we would want to be treated. I wish I could tell you that schools can fix the problem of bullying and harassment, but we can’t do it by ourselves. In my opinion the real fix has to come from the home. I encourage parents to
teach their children at an early age to respect and treat others the way they would want to be treated. It’s very important for parents to teach their children that it isn’t ok to make fun of someone different from them. I also encourage parents to teach their children how to clearly tell someone to stop teasing them before the teasing becomes bullying. I further encourage parents to help their children know when to ask for help if the teasing has turned to bullying or
harassment so it can be addressed and stopped.
With the advent of students having cell phones and using the inter-net, the problem of cyber bullying has arisen throughout our country. Cyber bullying typically is more of a middle school and high school problem, but I was made aware that this is a problem at the elementary as well. Here are a few things parents can do to keep their child safe from cyber bullying:
• Keeping the house computer in a common area of the house like your kitchen. This way you are more likely to see what your children are viewing.
• Check the websites that were visited on your home computer weekly.
• Limit cell phone use, including text messaging, for your children.
• Don’t permit cell phone use by your children in their bedrooms. You really should know whom your elementary child is talking with.
• Only have cell phones charged in a common area of your home so you know if the cell phone is being used or not.
• And finally, remember you are the adult and your child is the child. You really do know what is best. They just think they do.
Our school will continue doing our best to have a bully free and a harassment free environment. Rest assured that when bullying and harassing allegations are brought to my attention the allegations will be investigated immediately. I have always strictly followed our school district policy guidelines to stop any bullying and harassing behaviors at Central to the best of my ability. I take this part of my responsibility as your child’s principal very seriously.
Kidding, teasing, bullying, and harassing have been happening at schools, on the ball fields, and in the backyards since who knows when. In other words, these behaviors aren’t new. Nor are these behaviors ok. And these behaviors need to be addressed when they happen.
It seems as if many people have their own definition of kidding, teasing, bullying, and harassing. I believe, before we can address these behaviors, involved parties need to agree upon a common definition. My simple definitions are:
• Kidding – When I think the joke about me is funny. In other words I can laugh at myself.
• Teasing – I don’t like what is being said about me. My feelings are hurt.
• Bullying – I’m afraid and feel intimidated. I try to avoid you, but you seek me out. A bully is a person that uses their power to intentionally (physical or psychosocial), intimidate, mistreat or hurt someone in a group that is weaker.
• Harassing – I am teased or bullied because of my race, my religion, my disability, or my gender.
I could focus on the laws and policies that govern this matter, but it really comes down to RESPECT and treating others the way we would want to be treated. I wish I could tell you that schools can fix the problem of bullying and harassment, but we can’t do it by ourselves. In my opinion the real fix has to come from the home. I encourage parents to
teach their children at an early age to respect and treat others the way they would want to be treated. It’s very important for parents to teach their children that it isn’t ok to make fun of someone different from them. I also encourage parents to teach their children how to clearly tell someone to stop teasing them before the teasing becomes bullying. I further encourage parents to help their children know when to ask for help if the teasing has turned to bullying or
harassment so it can be addressed and stopped.
With the advent of students having cell phones and using the inter-net, the problem of cyber bullying has arisen throughout our country. Cyber bullying typically is more of a middle school and high school problem, but I was made aware that this is a problem at the elementary as well. Here are a few things parents can do to keep their child safe from cyber bullying:
• Keeping the house computer in a common area of the house like your kitchen. This way you are more likely to see what your children are viewing.
• Check the websites that were visited on your home computer weekly.
• Limit cell phone use, including text messaging, for your children.
• Don’t permit cell phone use by your children in their bedrooms. You really should know whom your elementary child is talking with.
• Only have cell phones charged in a common area of your home so you know if the cell phone is being used or not.
• And finally, remember you are the adult and your child is the child. You really do know what is best. They just think they do.
Our school will continue doing our best to have a bully free and a harassment free environment. Rest assured that when bullying and harassing allegations are brought to my attention the allegations will be investigated immediately. I have always strictly followed our school district policy guidelines to stop any bullying and harassing behaviors at Central to the best of my ability. I take this part of my responsibility as your child’s principal very seriously.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A New Friend
Yesterday afternoon we had a new student come through the door. Although it didn't want to come to the office we had a hard time getting it out. Why is it that birds love coming in, but hate to leave? Is it really that nice inside? Eventually I gave up on getting our new friend to leave. A few hours later I happened to see my new friend walking down the hallway toward the exit. All is well in the building and hopefully my new friend wil visit me outside, instead of inside.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer!!!
Summer has arrived. That means sun, fun and building construction. The big dig has begun. On Monday, June 14th, they officially began removing dirt from the top of the building. Even with the amount of rain we have received as of late they are moving along as expected. Come September we will be looking at a completely different building. I think everyone will be happy with the finished product. If you happen to be in the area, please remember, we are a construction sight and need to treat it as such. Have a great summer and check back frequently.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Last Principal's Message for 2009-2010
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe that this school year is coming to an end. I enjoyed having had the privilege of being with your children for the 2009-2010 school year. It’s amazing how fast they grow. Especially those Kindergarteners. I am reminded of how new and fresh and small they are when they come in for their visits each Spring. The transformation is astonishing. I want to thank each of you personally for allowing me to be a part of your child’s life while they are in our school.
Your child’s 4th quarter report cards will not be sent home on the last day of school. We at CES are trying to show our students that school is important and needs to be taken seriously right up to the last day. As part of this process we will not finish grading till the last day of school which is the 4th of June. Our teachers will have till the following Monday to get their grades turned in, so they can be mailed. I am sure all of you can understand the importance of working right up till the end and receiving your report card a few days later is a small price to pay for learning a lifelong skill.
The Central Elementary School PST would like to thank everyone for participating in this years fundraiser, helping out with the teacher meals and for helping with the carnival. Once again the hard work of our students and the dedication of the parents showed through with a great overall sale.
And continued support.
Our last day of school is June 4th. Students will be dismissed at their regular scheduled time, which is 2:50 p.m.
Again, thanks for a great year and I look forward to seeing all of the smiling faces of our students in the Fall. In the mean time have a great summer, relax, and enjoy being off. Remember to exercise your body and your mind equally for continued growth.
It’s hard to believe that this school year is coming to an end. I enjoyed having had the privilege of being with your children for the 2009-2010 school year. It’s amazing how fast they grow. Especially those Kindergarteners. I am reminded of how new and fresh and small they are when they come in for their visits each Spring. The transformation is astonishing. I want to thank each of you personally for allowing me to be a part of your child’s life while they are in our school.
Your child’s 4th quarter report cards will not be sent home on the last day of school. We at CES are trying to show our students that school is important and needs to be taken seriously right up to the last day. As part of this process we will not finish grading till the last day of school which is the 4th of June. Our teachers will have till the following Monday to get their grades turned in, so they can be mailed. I am sure all of you can understand the importance of working right up till the end and receiving your report card a few days later is a small price to pay for learning a lifelong skill.
The Central Elementary School PST would like to thank everyone for participating in this years fundraiser, helping out with the teacher meals and for helping with the carnival. Once again the hard work of our students and the dedication of the parents showed through with a great overall sale.
And continued support.
Our last day of school is June 4th. Students will be dismissed at their regular scheduled time, which is 2:50 p.m.
Again, thanks for a great year and I look forward to seeing all of the smiling faces of our students in the Fall. In the mean time have a great summer, relax, and enjoy being off. Remember to exercise your body and your mind equally for continued growth.
Grandparents/Parents Days
Central Elementary grandparents and parents will have the opportunity to eat lunch with their child. On Tuesday, May 18, grandparents of Kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th are invited to join their child for lunch. On Thursday, May 20, grandparents of 1st, 3rd and 4th graders are invited to join their child for lunch. Then the following week we will invite the parents in. On Tuesday, May 25, parents of Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th graders are invited to join their child for lunch. On Thursday, May 27, parents of 1st, 3rd, and 4th are invited to join their child for lunch. We will send more information home on Monday regarding instructions for lunch sign up. The sign up form will need to be returned by the due date on the sheet.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
From the Principal's Desk Jan. 2010
Dear CES Parents,
This month I thought I would talk about motivation. At the half-way point of the school year people can become complacent and a little sluggish. The Minnesota cold will do that to you. Here are a few things to think about in regards to motivation.
Become your own cheering squad. Others can wish you luck and cheer for you, but only you can truly motivate yourself. You are the only one who can motivate yourself to get up each morning. Try to keep your thought positive and never be afraid to test your limits. Even when things may not be going your way, continue to find ways to stay inspired. Your mind can energize you, keep you focused, and provide you with the discipline you need to reach your goals. Your inner drive will give an extra push when you are feeling tired and encourage you to finish your toughest days. The mind and body need to work together. This balance does not come easy. You must first get to know yourself and make the proper adjustments in your lifestyle that will allow you to stay positive and focused.
I continue to enjoy my role as the principal of CentralElementary School and look forward to a great end of the year. In the weeks to come we will be doing Kindergarten Round-Up, making class lists, and preparing for summer school programs. If you have any questions or concerns my door is always open.
This month I thought I would talk about motivation. At the half-way point of the school year people can become complacent and a little sluggish. The Minnesota cold will do that to you. Here are a few things to think about in regards to motivation.
Become your own cheering squad. Others can wish you luck and cheer for you, but only you can truly motivate yourself. You are the only one who can motivate yourself to get up each morning. Try to keep your thought positive and never be afraid to test your limits. Even when things may not be going your way, continue to find ways to stay inspired. Your mind can energize you, keep you focused, and provide you with the discipline you need to reach your goals. Your inner drive will give an extra push when you are feeling tired and encourage you to finish your toughest days. The mind and body need to work together. This balance does not come easy. You must first get to know yourself and make the proper adjustments in your lifestyle that will allow you to stay positive and focused.
I continue to enjoy my role as the principal of CentralElementary School and look forward to a great end of the year. In the weeks to come we will be doing Kindergarten Round-Up, making class lists, and preparing for summer school programs. If you have any questions or concerns my door is always open.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Testing Information for January
We are currently testing all of our students in grades 2-5 with the Star Reader Test before the holiday break.
During the week of January 11, 2009 the elementary will begin retesting all of the students in grades 2, 3, 4, & 5 with the NWEA Tests in reading and math. These results will help us evaluate our progress and it will help us decide what changes, if any, we must do in order for our students to reach their full potential during the 2009-10 school year. In addition, we will test all of our first graders with the NWEA tests.
We will do Dibels Testing during the week of January 18th and 25th. (The Dibels Test checks for - Initial Sounds Fluency, Letter Naming Fluency, Phonemic Segmentation Fluency, Nonsense Word Fluency, Oral Reading Fluency, Retell Fluency, and Word Use Fluency.)
By comparing the results of these tests we should have a good handle on the progress our students are making in reading. We will use this information to adjust the individual needs of our students for the rest of the year.
During the week of January 11, 2009 the elementary will begin retesting all of the students in grades 2, 3, 4, & 5 with the NWEA Tests in reading and math. These results will help us evaluate our progress and it will help us decide what changes, if any, we must do in order for our students to reach their full potential during the 2009-10 school year. In addition, we will test all of our first graders with the NWEA tests.
We will do Dibels Testing during the week of January 18th and 25th. (The Dibels Test checks for - Initial Sounds Fluency, Letter Naming Fluency, Phonemic Segmentation Fluency, Nonsense Word Fluency, Oral Reading Fluency, Retell Fluency, and Word Use Fluency.)
By comparing the results of these tests we should have a good handle on the progress our students are making in reading. We will use this information to adjust the individual needs of our students for the rest of the year.
December 2009, Newsletter
It’s hard to believe that we are on the cusp of the holiday season. Where has the time gone?
I want to start my article by saying thank you. Thank you to all of the parents, staff and community members that played a role in getting the referendum passed. The staff and students are excited to start a new chapter in the Central Elementary School history books. Thank you for showing your support of our schools, students, and staff.
Mid January will signal the end of the second quarter. The half way mark if you will. At the mid-point of the year it is time to take a pulse on students learning. Not only will report cards be coming home, but we will embark on another round of NWEA testing, DIBELS testing and STAR Reading. All designed to help us pin point your child’s needs. I am very anxious to see the data that we collect from our students this time around for many reasons, but one very specific reason. The teachers have been working very hard this year under the direction of Jody Rodine to implement Guided Reading. Guided reading is a strategy that helps students become good readers. The teacher provides support for small groups of readers as they learn to use various reading strategies (context clues, letter and sound relationships, word structure,
and so forth). Although guided reading has been traditionally associated with primary grades it can be modified and used successfully in all grade levels. For example, older students may need to learn new strategies to understand how to read an information book in a way that is going to give them access to the information they are seeking.
Our teachers have been meeting every Wednesday morning at 7:oo AM since the beginning of the year with one goal in mind. Learn how to effectively use Guided Reading in their classrooms. From what I have seen and from what I have been hearing they are doing a great job of using this new tool to take students to new levels.
Be sure to keep your eye open for more information on how your child is doing. Once you know where they are I ask that you ask yourself the same question our teachers ask themselves. What can I do to take them to the next level?
I want to start my article by saying thank you. Thank you to all of the parents, staff and community members that played a role in getting the referendum passed. The staff and students are excited to start a new chapter in the Central Elementary School history books. Thank you for showing your support of our schools, students, and staff.
Mid January will signal the end of the second quarter. The half way mark if you will. At the mid-point of the year it is time to take a pulse on students learning. Not only will report cards be coming home, but we will embark on another round of NWEA testing, DIBELS testing and STAR Reading. All designed to help us pin point your child’s needs. I am very anxious to see the data that we collect from our students this time around for many reasons, but one very specific reason. The teachers have been working very hard this year under the direction of Jody Rodine to implement Guided Reading. Guided reading is a strategy that helps students become good readers. The teacher provides support for small groups of readers as they learn to use various reading strategies (context clues, letter and sound relationships, word structure,
and so forth). Although guided reading has been traditionally associated with primary grades it can be modified and used successfully in all grade levels. For example, older students may need to learn new strategies to understand how to read an information book in a way that is going to give them access to the information they are seeking.
Our teachers have been meeting every Wednesday morning at 7:oo AM since the beginning of the year with one goal in mind. Learn how to effectively use Guided Reading in their classrooms. From what I have seen and from what I have been hearing they are doing a great job of using this new tool to take students to new levels.
Be sure to keep your eye open for more information on how your child is doing. Once you know where they are I ask that you ask yourself the same question our teachers ask themselves. What can I do to take them to the next level?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
End of Day
Dear Central Families,
Somewhere over the course of time we have lost track of time. As schedules sometimes go we got a little lax on our dismissal time. At the start of the school year we were dismissing students at 2:40. This was well ahead of the busses but we needed to line the kids up. Well, as the days went by we had students coming out earlier and earlier, and then it rained. The rain brought about some new ideas and a return to the original dismissal time of 2:50. Just like that we were back on track. I bring this up because if you pick up your child from school you should know they are in class till 2:50 and will not be released before then. I know you will understand and appreciate our effort to squeeze the most learning out of the day that we can. On the flipside, we have students being dropped off well before school starts. This is an issue because we do not have supervision for these students till 7:45. If you need to drop off your child before this time you can arrange a plan with Kids Company. Thanks for your understanding.
Somewhere over the course of time we have lost track of time. As schedules sometimes go we got a little lax on our dismissal time. At the start of the school year we were dismissing students at 2:40. This was well ahead of the busses but we needed to line the kids up. Well, as the days went by we had students coming out earlier and earlier, and then it rained. The rain brought about some new ideas and a return to the original dismissal time of 2:50. Just like that we were back on track. I bring this up because if you pick up your child from school you should know they are in class till 2:50 and will not be released before then. I know you will understand and appreciate our effort to squeeze the most learning out of the day that we can. On the flipside, we have students being dropped off well before school starts. This is an issue because we do not have supervision for these students till 7:45. If you need to drop off your child before this time you can arrange a plan with Kids Company. Thanks for your understanding.
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