Hello SW families,
What a beautiful week we have had, and we are looking forward to another wonderful week ahead! I hope you can join us for the Makers Market on Wednesday from 5:30-7:00, where SW students will be selling their wares, treats, and fun creations. Feel free to invite friends, family and neighbors to this fun event.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT
Tonight, we are excited to honor our dedicated volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Parent/Guardian Night Out. We couldn't accomplish all that we do without the tremendous support from our parents and families, whether it's through art docents, field trips, classroom parties, or assisting our staff in preparing instructional materials. Thank you for all that you do!
SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT
I also want to share important information regarding the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for our students in grades 3-5. The schedule for the SBA is below. As we prepare for the assessment, here are some tips from a parent's perspective to help your child succeed:
1. Ensure a Good Night's Sleep: Help your child get plenty of rest in the nights leading up to the test. A well-rested mind is crucial for optimal performance.
2. Solid Breakfasts: A nutritious breakfast can fuel your child's brain. Opt for high-protein and whole-grain options to provide sustained energy throughout the day.
3. Healthy Snacks: Consider packing healthy snacks for your child to enjoy during breaks. Fresh fruits, nuts, or yogurt are great choices to keep their energy levels up.
4. Words of Encouragement: Remind your child that it's okay to feel a bit nervous and that they are well-prepared. Encourage them to do their best and reassure them of your support.
Please remember that SBA scores are one of several factors we consider for middle school math placement decisions, in addition to i-Ready Diagnostic scores.
Speaking of i-Ready, many of our grade levels continue to push students to grow more than one academic year, which we refer to as typical growth. Additionally, many students are achieving what we call stretch growth, meaning they are surpassing one year’s growth plus some! If students consistently hit their stretch growth over multiple years, they are either highly accelerating their learning beyond grade level expectations or closing the gap to reach grade level proficiency. We look forward to sharing this data with you soon.
EVENTS AND CLARITY AROUND VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
As always, May and June are full of exciting events. Please refer to the Important Dates and Events calendar for details. Families are invited to concerts, all-school picnics, and celebrations in the multi-purpose room. For in-classroom volunteering, art docents, and class activities such as parties, we require only VIPS cleared volunteers, and siblings or uncleared individuals are not permitted.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Have a fantastic week ahead!
Best regards,
Andre Koch
Principal
Sawyer Woods Elementary
