Principal and Parent Partnership
Dos Rios Elementary Rocket Review - February/March
Principal's Connection
The year is going by so quickly. We are almost to the end of the third quarter and we are moving in the right direction. Students are demonstrating great gains in our quarterly assessments.
Almost all grade levels have shown an increase from Beginning of Year to Middle of Year on our Galileo Assessment. The assessment measures both individual Student Growth as well as Student Proficiency (which is grade level benchmarks). Also, we continue to make year-to-year gains. Looking at 3rd-8th Grade, here are some of our rising scores:
- 3rd Grade Reading 32% in 2017 - - - 42% in 2018
- 4th Grade Math 34% in 2017 - - - 40% in 2018
- 6th Grade Math 27% in 2017 - - - 46% in 2018
- 6th Grade Reading 36% in 2017 - - - 57% in 2018
- 7th Grade Reading 31% in 2017 - - - 44% in 2018
- 8th Grade Reading 18% in 2017 - - - 29% in 2018
Parent/Teacher Conferences are the week of March 5th-9th. March 6 & 7 are Early Release Days. Please make sure your teacher has contacted you for an appointment.
- March 6: Conferences 1:00-7:00 (staff dinner break 5:00-5:45)
- March 7: Conferences 1:00-4:00
Safety Drills
In light of the recent tragedy in Florida, we will be doing an announced Safety Drill/Lockdown on March 1st or March 2nd. Please talk to your child about the importance of following directions and that Dos Rios is vigilant about our students' safety and that they don't have to be fearful.
Principally yours,
Mrs. Annamarie Dowling-Garrott
One World*Many Hands Black History Program Feb. 28, 2018 (K-4 1:00 / 5th-8th 2:00)
8 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Standardized Tests
1. Stay on top of homework.
Slow and steady progress throughout the year is a good way to prepare. Trying to cram for the test at the last minute isn’t very effective.
2. Talk with your child’s teacher.
Get frequent progress reports to find out whether your child understands the material. The teacher can also explain why the class is being given certain assignments. Knowing the purpose of these assignments—and if the material will be covered on the standardized test—can help motivate your child to complete them.
3. Read with your child regularly.
This is a good way to expand your child’s vocabulary. Read anything that interests your child, including comic books, magazines and cookbooks. Given that many state tests now emphasize nonfiction, you also may want encourage reading the newspaper. Ask questions about what you’ve just read together. That will give you insights into how much progress she’s making in reading comprehension.
4. Practice filling in the bubbles.
Make sure your child knows test-taking techniques. Does she know how to fill in the bubbles on test forms? Can she use the computer program if the tests are online? Ask her teacher if practice tests are available.
5. Use relaxation techniques.
Long before test day, teach your child how to stretch, breathe deeply and stay calm. Practice using these strategies so your child feels comfortable using them on test day. Explore ways to help your grade-schooler or middle- or high-schooler stay positive.
6. Talk about what the test is like.
Knowing what to expect can help your child feel less anxious. Let your child know well in advance what day the test will be and what to expect during the test. This includes how often there will be breaks, where the bathrooms are and who to ask for assistance. (Older kids can likely find out this information on their own—but encourage them to do so.)
7. Go over his/her accommodations.
Does your child qualify for special education? Make sure his/her individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan clearly outlines the accommodations they'll receive during testing. Follow through with the school to make sure he/she gets them. Discuss accommodations with your child ahead of time, too. It’s important for them to know, for instance, that they're being moved into a separate room for the test (and understand why).
8. Be calm and upbeat.
If you seem worried, your child will likely pick up on that and worry even more. So stay calm and be supportive. The week of the test, try to make sure your child gets plenty of rest. The day of the test, make sure she has a good breakfast. Tell your child how much you love her and how confident you are in her abilities. Tell her to try her best and use the strategies she has learned. Send her off by saying, “You’re gonna do just fine.”
Donuts with Dads
Monday, Mar 5, 2018, 07:15 AM
Dos Rios Elementary School, South 87th Avenue, Tolleson, AZ, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Muffins with Moms
Monday, Mar 19, 2018, 07:15 AM
Dos Rios Elementary School, South 87th Avenue, Tolleson, AZ, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
District Science Fair Winners
This year, we were so proud of all of our students. At our K-4 and 5th-8th Grade Fair, we increased student participation by almost 70% over last year. There just over 300 projects presented and each class had 3 semi-finalists represented to be judged.
Our judges included airman from Luke's Air Force Base, Tolleson High's science teacher, a former scientist from the Environmental Protection Agency, a local Optometrist and District Office personnel.
The 1st place winners from each grade level moved on to our District Science Fair to compete against, Union Elementary and Hurley Ranch.
Our students did a fantastic job at the District Science Fair representing Dos Rios.
COMPETITION 1ST PLACE WINNERS:
K-2: Javier-Dos Rios
3-4: Jacob-Dos Rios
5-6: KC-Dos Rios
7-8: Esmeralda, Edward, Isaiah-Dos Rios
SHOWCASE 2ND PLACE WINNERS:
Emma-Dos Rios
Adonai-Dos Rios
Jube-Dos Rios
Teresa-Hurley Ranch
The First Place winners will move on to the West-side Impact Science Fair for Competition on March 3rd, in grades: K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. The Second Place winners will move on to the West-side Impact Science Fair as a Showcase project.
Congratulations to everyone!
District Spelling Bee Winner
Upcoming Events
- February 19th: NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
- February 21st: EARLY RELEASE 12:00 Dismissal
- February 22nd: 2018-2019 Kindergarten Registration 9:30-10:30 or 1:30-2:30
- February 22nd: Union ESD Job Fair 4:30-6:30 @ District Office
- February 23rd: Dollar Dress Down Day
- February 26th-March 2nd: Book Fair
- February 27th: PTA Meeting 5:00
- February 28th: Dos Rios Black History Programs (K-4 1:00 / 5th-8th 2:00)
- March 1st: 6th-8th Grade Spring Dance
- March 2nd: Dr. Suess' Birthday Reading Night Celebration 4:00-6:00
- March 5th: Donuts w/ Dads 8:30-9:30
- March 6th & 7th: EARLY RELEASE 12:00 Dismissal
- March 6th: Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00-7:00 (Staff Dinner Break 5:00-5:45)
- March 7th: Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00-4:00
- March 7th: Blaze Pizza Fundraiser Night
- March 9th: Quarter 3 ENDS / Report Cards GO Home
- March 12th-16th: SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL
- March 19th: Muffins w/ Moms 8:30-9:30
- March 21st: EARLY RELEASE 12:00 Dismissal
- March 22nd: 2018-2019 Kindergarten Registration & Informational Night
- March 27th: AZMerit State Testing Begins
- March 30th: Dollar Dress Down Day
- March 27th: PTA Meeting 5:00
Rising Rockets Club Upcoming Events
· Family Reading Night – March 2, 2018
· Donuts With Dads: March 5th from 8:30-10:00
· Parent/Teacher conferences: March 6-7, 2018
· Mornings With Mom: March 19th from 8:30-10:00
· Family Math Night - TBAnnounced
· Pick a day to visit your child’s class during math and learn a strategy!
Dos Rios Elementary School
Email: adowling-garrott@uesd.org
Website: http://uesddosrios.ss9.sharpschool.com/about_us/principal_s_message
Location: 2150 South 87th Avenue, Tolleson, AZ, United States
Phone: (623) 474-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DosRiosElementarySchool/?pnref=about.overview