One area of the curriculum that has been difficult for schools to deal with has been the tough new math standards. Grades in math have declined at all schools because the rigor of the math curriculum has forced teachers to teach many new concepts that were previously taught at a higher grade. For example, in grades 4 and 5 less than 50% of the material was similar to last year’s curriculum. The other half of math is either new or moved down from a higher grade level. This is all by state mandate and not from the local districts. So right now all teachers are trying to catch up to get students where they need to be at their current grade level. Because of the difficulty of this year’s Math STAAR test, 5th grade students are not required to pass the math section in order to be promoted. In fact only a raw score will be given in May for grades 3-5 and the pass/fail standard will not be established until August. Our teachers are working very hard to meet this new challenge so that our students will be prepared for future grade levels.
Yearbooks are all sale through this month only. You can order online also by visiting: http://www.ybpay.lifetouch.com; Yearbook ID Code: 8717015.
On a lighter note, the kindergarten students look so cute in their hundred day outfits. It is hard to believe we have passed one hundred days of school which means we are well over halfway through the school year. Many of the students and teachers in kindergarten dressed as older individuals symbolizing the aging process or what is would look like to be 100 years old.
Calendar of Events
February | | | | | |
5th | Choir: Speaking Parts Audition 2:30 | | | 9th | 5th Grade Extended Day (Reading) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | Speaking Parts Auditions: 7:15 | | | | 10th | Full Choir Rehearsal | | | | | 11th | Il Primo Spirit Night | | | | | 12th | Wertheimer Parent Meeting: 6:30 | | | 13th | Early Release: 11:30 | | | | | Jump Rope For Heart (during Specials) | | | | Valentine's Day Parties: 1st & 2nd | | | 16th | President's Day Student Holiday / Staff Development | 17th | 5th Grade Extended Day Begins (Math) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | 4th Grade Extended Day Begins (Math) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | 3rd Grade Extended Day Begins 2:45 - 3:30 | | | Full Choir Rehearsal | | | | | 18th | 4th Grade Extended Day Begins (Writing) 2:45 - 3:30 | | 19th | Art Club (2:45 - 3:45) | | | | 23rd | 5th Grade Extended Day (Reading) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | 4th Grade Extended Day Begins (Reading) 2:45 - 3:30 | | 3rd Grade Extended Day 2:45 - 3:30 | | | | Choir: Speaking Parts Rehearsal | | | 24th | 5th Grade Extended Day (Math) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | 4th Grade Extended Day (Math) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | 3rd Grade Extended Day 2:45 - 3:30 | | | | Full Choir Rehearsal | | | | | 25th | 4th Grade Extended Day (Writing) 2:45 - 3:30 | | | | | | |