violation of PSD's Code of Conduct. Major and minor referrals do not. go on a student's permanent record, but major infr
February 2016
Wildcats Newsletter a PTA Publication
February 2016 5400 Mail Creek Lane
It’s a note from the principal . . .
Fort Collins, CO 80525 Dear Werner Community,
Principal Hayden Camp
Office 488-5550
Attendance Line 488-5551
Fax 488-5552 www.wer.psdschools.org
The great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” As a school, we believe in the importance of helping our students develop the mind, but also the heart. As part of our effort to support character development, we have implemented Positive Behavior and Intervention Support, or PBIS. PBIS is a school-wide strategy for helping all students achieve important social and learning goals. We know when good behavior and good teaching come together, students excel. Information about PBiS has been shared with our community in the past, but I wanted to provide clarification about what we are doing specifically to reach our goals. PBIS has a two-fold purpose: positive reinforcement of continued on next page
Page 1 Advertising in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by Poudre School District.
February 2016
Note From The Principal
continued
appropriate behavior and communication about, and interventions for, negative behaviors. We have several layers of opportunities for students to receive positive reinforcement of our schoolwide expectations, or ROAR code. Students can receive individual recognition in the form of a small paw sticker or a Cub PAW. The Cub PAWS are placed in our Wildcat Cage in the front office and every Tuesday and Thursday I draw names for a free book. Classrooms can also receive PRIDE PAWS. These are given to classes, which exhibit great behavior as a whole group. With an accumulation of a certain number of PRIDE PAWS, classrooms can earn a Paw Party. Classrooms can earn a “Golden Paw,” which is worth about three PRIDE PAWS. These are given to classrooms from guest teachers who feel students have gone above and beyond. With these efforts, we focus on effectively reinforcing and rewarding appropriate behaviors throughout the day and the school. Positive reinforcement is a central tenant of PBIS, but another key component is our referral system. Referrals are given to students when they do not follow our expectations, even after warnings or redirection. We use referrals as a communication tool to parents and as a data source for our staff. A feature of PBIS is the ongoing use of data for decision-making. These referrals give us broad information about school-wide issues and trends. Through an analysis of this data, we are better able to utilize strategies for preventing negative behavior. There are two levels of referrals, Minor and Major. Minor referrals are given to inform families of a problem and the possible motivation. Major referrals are given when there is administrative intervention needed. Sometimes, a major referral may involve a continued on next page
Page 2
February 2016
Note From The Principal
continued
violation of PSD’s Code of Conduct. Major and minor referrals do not go on a student’s permanent record, but major infractions of the Code of Conduct will. Again, it is our goal that students learn from their experiences and that this information will help us focus on building positive behavior and develop strong character. Together, with families, we are working towards helping our students be successful and prepared for the rigors of the 21st century. With your support, we are helping fulfill that mission to educate the mind and heart. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email me. Sincerely,
Mr. Camp
Page 3
February 2016 Dates to Remember 3
PTA Meeting 9:00 a.m. in the staff lounge Please join us and see what is going in our PTA and how you can help We will have a speaker for this meeting who will address anxiety in children and how we can help them.
5
Wildcat Spirit Day Sports Day – wear your favorite sports jersey or tee shirt
9
Preston counselors visit 5th grade This visit is for students only. Your student will bring home a registration packet with instructions for its return. Look for this in their backpack after school.
10
4th grade field trip to Denver Capitol 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
10
PTA Information Meeting Interested in learning more about PTA and the different options for volunteering? Please join the PTA board Wednesday, February 10th at 9 am in the teacher's lounge. Lights snacks & coffee will be served. Childcare will not be provided but children are welcome to attend. For more info please contact Lindsay Lambrakos at 970-556-1737.
11
Kindergarten registration 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
12
Kindergarten lottery for full day classes, if needed. continued on next page
Page 4
February 2016 Dates to Remember
continued
12
Elementary School of Choice deadline
12
Classroom Valentine parties. Most parties will start at 2:15 p.m. However, some classes will have alternate start times. Look for info from your child’s teacher.
17
Dress rehearsal for 1st grade music program. Look for more info from Ms. Williams.
17
PTA meeting 6:00 p.m. in the media center
18
1st grade music program Two classes will perform at 6:00 p.m. and two classes will perform at 7:00 p.m. Look for more info from Ms. Williams.
25
End of the 2nd trimester Report cards will come home early March
26
Teacher work day – NO SCHOOL
Important March Dates 1
Lifetouch class picture day – class group pictures Look for order forms coming home in February.
1
Science Fair set-up 5:00 p.m.
2
Science Fair Judging day and Open House. Look for info in your student’s Friday folder in February.
3
Wildcat Choir Concert 6:30 p.m.
14-18 SPRING BREAK
Page 5
February 2016
Note from the Office State Testing We want parents to be aware that the state testing window will be from March 28-April 29 this year for students in 3rd-5th. Testing will take approximately 9 hours over the course of the testing window. When scheduling appointments, please keep in mind these dates and make every effort possible to minimize the impact on time away from school. We are working on scheduling and will be sending out more communication about specific dates & times of those assessments, as well as other communication about testing. Attached to this newsletter is some information Mr. Kind shared at the January PTA meeting around common Myths about testing.
Colorado Measures of Academic Success PARCC assessments ask my child to provide private information about our family. MYTH. At no time are students asked to supply personal information about themselves or their families. Student data is well protected. TRUE. Student data has always been protected, and nothing will change. Privacy of all student information is protected by federal and state law. Student Identifiable information has not and will not be shared with the federal government, nor sold by PARCC or anyone else. This is defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, otherwise known as FERPA.
The State could face financial consequences if students opt out. TRUE. If participation rates drop below 95 percent for all students and/or any specific demographic group of students, The state of Colorado could face consequences from the federal government and have funding restricted or dictated for how it is utilized.
Page 6
Opting my child out of PARCC assessments is the best way to get the attention of our legislature. MYTH. The best way to get the attention of the legislature is to contact your representative directly. continued on next page
February 2016
Note from the Office
continued
Colorado Measures of Academic Success Teachers will receive bonus checks based on how well their students do on PARCC. MYTH There is no monetary benefit for staff from PARCC testing. For more information please go to:
The PARCC Homepage: http:// www.parcconline.org
Colorado Department of Education C.M.A.S. (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) main page: https:// www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/newassess-parcc
Colorado Department of Education Assessment Page: https:// www.cde.state.co.us/assessment/newassess-sum
Wellness Did you know that the average American kid watches 3 to 4 hours of TV a day? Despite expert recommendations that kids get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, less than 25% of kids get at least 30 minutes of any type of daily physical activity and less than 25% get 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity per day. Studies show that when kids’ exercise and fitness needs are met, they are more able to learn and achieve. Take an opportunity this month to take advantage of the many opportunities, promoted from school, to help promote a healthy lifestyle with your family. Page 7
February 2016
Note from the Office
continued
Attendance Policy PSD’s goal is to provide academic success for all students. Regular attendance is a crucial factor in reaching this goal. Regular attendance also provides opportunities for the emotional and social growth of our students. Children learn a great deal from consistent, daily interactions with adults at school and with other students. The State of Colorado and PSD’s goal for attendance is 95%. In order to attain this goal, a student cannot miss more than 9 days during the entire school year. Making up work cannot fully replace the instructional programs provided at school. While we know that illness is always factor that can’t be prevented, we ask for your support in trying to schedule family trips during school breaks, rather than during school, in order to minimize the impact on your child’s education. We believe that by working together, we can help your child be a successful student.
Cold Weather Policy Remember to help your kids dress appropriately for the weather. We will go outside for recess almost every day. The only exceptions are for rain and very cold weather (below 10° F with wind chill). If you are new to the area and from a warmer climate, be prepared for some cold days. One mistake kids make is to wear a light jacket or sweatshirt on a bright, sunny 30° morning. In Colorado, the wind chill will often be 15° by noon. It’s also a good idea to label coats, hats, boots, and gloves. We have a large amount of items in our lost and found box located outside the art and music rooms. Page 8
