January 2009

From the Principal’s Desk…

Happy New Year! We are getting back into the swing of daily routines here at school. It’s always difficult for the first couple of days as we (children and adults alike!) adjust back to “school schedules.” You can help us at home by using those same routines at home-a consistent bed time, some quiet “reading together” time, and morning routines that include a good breakfast-whether at home or at school. All of these things will help your child to do his/her very best and be successful here at school.

This month’s newsletter highlights important school activities, including our annual school carnival, which will be held on Saturday, February 7th. There is much planning that goes into a project of this magnitude, and we need all helpers~no matter how much or little time you have~to make our carnival a success! Please plan to attend the next Midland PTO meeting in our cafeteria, starting at 6:30 pm on Monday, January 26th to learn how you can help at this annual event.

On January 12th, we will begin our winter MAP testing for all students in grades K-4. MAP-Measures of Academic Progress-is a computer-based student assessment in which students are tested in the areas of reading and math. We use this information to assist our work and instruction with your child. Data is used to help direct our instruction, plan for Tier II Math and Reading services and determine areas of growth and areas for needed assistance. Your child will take the tests during a schedule time in the computer lab between January 12th and January 30th. We will have results available for parents in February. Once the schedule has been determined, teachers will inform parents, and we hope that you will help encourage your child to take the computer tests seriously (it’s not a game!) and do their very best. Your encouragement at home and ours here at school will help our students do their very best.

It’s a new year! It’s a chance for new beginnings and a time for resolving to make positive changes in our lives. I hope this new year finds you healthy, hopeful and ready for the challenges in the year ahead.   Happy New Year!!

Julie Albers

Principal