WPCA Scoop
February 2024
Hello families!!!
February means it is time for Conferences. Conferences are on Wednesday, February 7th, Thursday, February 8th, and Friday, February 9th. Wednesday and Thursday conferences are from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Friday conferences are from 12:00pm-3:00pm. Friday, February 9th is a half day for students with dismissal at 11:30am. Our goal is 100% participation in conferences. You can still sign up for conferences by clicking Conference Sign Up .
We have seen a lot of success on our ELA interims during this testing window. On Interim 1, our proficiency rate was 34%. This is up from last year, but it is not where we wanted to be. With over 85% of our students done with Interim 2, we are sitting at 40% proficiency in ELA! This is exciting news. From Interim 1 to Interim 2, we have grown 6%! This just goes to show the incredible things students are learning in class and that being in school every day and on time pays off! Math data and finalized ELA data will be published in the March Scoop.
We have seen some growth in our attendance. As of Friday morning, our chronic absenteeism is down 1% from last year! We will continue to work together to ensure that our students are getting the education that will set them up for success as they move forward. Thank you for your support in ensuring your child is here every day!
Throughout the month of February, our Moral Focus virtue is COURAGE. When we speak about COURAGE, we discuss our ability to face difficult challenges and doing what is right. We have hard times/ setbacks, but we continue to work towards our goals. Using COURAGE will help us reach those goals! Our Courage newsletter came out earlier this week! Look for more examples of discussing Courage with your student at home.
Literacy at Home
Try tagging common things around your home with a note card. Write the name of the object on the note card and place it at eye level for your student. For example, put the word ‘wall’ on the wall and ‘door’ on the door. This will expand their vocabulary and spelling knowledge. Creating note cards with Dolch or Fry sight words (you can find these online) and practicing these at home is beneficial to increasing their literacy skills.
For your older student, give them a word of the day. Challenge them to use this word in daily conversations. After watching a movie or show together, talk about plot, the characters, and the setting.
As always, keep encouraging them to read, read, read
WPCA Goals
In ELA this year, we are aiming for at least 57% proficiency on state testing in grades 3-8.
In Math this year, we are aiming for at least 40% proficiency on state testing in grades 3-8.
In Science this year, we are aiming for at least 47% proficiency on state testing in grades 5 & 8.
In Social Studies this year, we are aiming for at least 26% proficiency on state testing in grades 5 & 8.
In K-2 ELA and Math, we are looking for 10-15% growth on school/district wide testing.
Where are we?
37.0% Chronic absenteeism (Goal is to be under 20%; year over year we are down 1%.)
90.0% Daily membership (10% of our students are absent on a daily basis.)
The state of Michigan recently released report cards for schools! WPCA saw all passing grades in proficiency and growth. Along with this, we scored Significantly Above Average with Performance among peers (similar schools with similar demographics), Student subgroup performance, and Assessment Participation. Our only focus area, which was rated below average, was Attendance (focused on Chronic absenteeism).
I am proud to share this news as we move into the testing prep season. Even though state testing is in April and May, our scholars are working on prepping for state testing every day in the classroom. Overall, we outperformed the local districts, districts with similar demographics, and we were only 2% below the state average on state testing! This year will be our year that we pass the state average and continue to outperform local and similar districts.
Scores go up when you show up; scores go down when you're not around. Be on time... every time!
Please be sure to help us reach our goals and ensure that students are in class on time and every day.
Did you know?
Missing 5 minutes a day equates to 3.5 days missed a year which equals 20 lessons missed.
Missing 10 minutes a day equates to 7 days missed a year which equals 41 lessons missed.
Missing 15 minutes a day equates to 10 days missed a year which equals 55 lessons missed.
Missing 20 minutes a day equates to 14.5 days missed a year which equals 82 lessons missed.
Missing 30 minutes a day equates to 22 days missed a year which equates to 123 lessons missed.
Important Dates to Know
February 5-9: Scholastic Book Fair (traditional book fair with books and other items to purchase)
February 5: Late Start Monday (school starts at 10:00am, doors open at 9:45am. NO breakfast served.)
February 7: PM Conferences (4p-7p)
February 8: PM Conferences (4p-7p)
February 9: PM Conferences (12p-3p)
February 9: Green Day (invite only)
February 9: 1/2 day for students (PM Conferences)
February 13: Coffee with the Principal (9:00am-10:00am)
February 14: Wear a red, white, or pink shirt with jeans for no cost
February 14: Valentine's Day and 100th Day of School
February 16: NO SCHOOL (Staff Professional Development)
February 21: WPCA Spirit Day (WPCA shirt or Red, White, and Blue shirt with jeans for no cost)
February 27: University Top Day (University shirt/hoodie with uniform pants for no cost; University shirt/hoodie with jeans for $1)
February 28: Black History Month Exhibition (4:30p-6:30p)
February 29: LEAP DAY (Wear a blue or yellow shirt with jeans for no cost)
March 4: Late Start Monday (school starts at 10:00am, doors open at 9:45am. NO breakfast served.)
March 11: NO SCHOOL (Staff Professional Development)
March 15: End of Trimester 2
Coffee with the Principal
These are informal meetings to discuss amazing things that are happening at WPCA, and the meetings also provide you an opportunity to ask questions about WPCA. Please join me:
February 13 9:00am-10:00am (meet.google.com/tzv-oczt-ymu) (Topic: Interims and 24-25 school calendar)
March 12 9:00am-10:00am
April 9 9:00am-10:00am
These events will be held at WPCA in the staff lounge. Please check-in in the front office with Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. Gallimore.
Clubs and Tutoring
Sylvan tutoring runs weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
WPCA tutoring has begun. It varies on days depending on grade level and subject.
There is still room to sign up for clubs. If you are interested, please reach out to the school 517-327-0700.