The Lion's Share
September 2022
Message from the Principal:
We have a lot of fun events on the horizon, including our annual Grandparents' Day Breakfast, 6th grade Science Camp, the Book Fair, and Fall Break.
Additionally, rather than sending home progress reports at the halfway point of the first quarter, we are trying something new here at Settler's. At the beginning of the year, all of our kindergarten through sixth grade students take a number of math and reading screeners. These screeners provide a snapshot of where your child stands academically at the start of the year. As a school, we use these results to plan instruction that best meets the needs of each student. We have printed a "Fastbridge Family Report" for each of our students to provide insight into how your student did on these assessments. On each report, there is a brief description of each assessment that was taken, how your child scored, and how that score ranks (in terms of percentile) versus their grade level peers in the district and nationally. These reports will be placed in the mail today.
When reviewing these reports, please know that this is just a "snapshot" of their reading/math proficiency. We know that some students get anxious about tests and there is a lot of other evidence that we gather to determine academic proficiency as a school, so this is not absolute. However, as a school, we felt it was important that you see the data that we are seeing. Parent teacher conferences, which are at the end of the month, would be a great time to ask your child's teacher about these results and how home/school can partner for academic success.
I am looking forward to a great month of September here at Settler's Point, and as always, if there is anything I can do to help support your student, please feel free to reach out to me.
Yours in Education,
Robert Bircher, Jr.
Principal
Annual Update in IC
It is extremely important that all GPS families complete the online 'Annual Update' in Infinite Campus every year. Even if your information has not changed you must still complete the 2022/23 Annual Update so we can ensure we have the most accurate information for your student in the case of an emergency. The information you provide is used by the district and your school to directly communicate with you regarding your student, or in the event of an emergency on campus. Please log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and complete the 'Annual Update' today!
Moment of Silence Statute
To be in compliance with this law, I will be adding a moment of silence to my daily morning announcements.
Please know that teachers have been instructed to ensure that the moment is silent, but are not to provide anymore guidance on how students should utilize that moment. Please review with your student(s) how you'd like to see them utilize that moment (e.g. prayer, meditation, etc.).
Special Education Policies/Procedures
What's Happening in September?
9/6 - Science Camp Chaperone @ 5pm in room 203
9/7 - Early Release @ 1:55pm
9/8 - PTO Meeting @ 3:30pm
9/9 - Grandparents' Breakfast @ 7:15am, Fall Picture Day
9/10 - Garden Clean Up @ 7am-10am
9/12 - Red, White and Blue Spirit Day
9/12-9/14 - 6th Grade to Science Camp at Chapel Rock
9/14 - Early Release @1:55pm
9/19 - 9/23 - Book Fair
9/21 - Early Release @ 1:55pm
9/22 - Half Day Release @ 11:55am-Parent/Teacher Conferences
9/23 - Half Day Release @ 11:55am-Parent/Teacher Conferences
9/27 - Raising Canes Night @ 4pm-9pm (Val Vista/Williams Field)
9/28 - Early Release @ 1:55pm
9/29 - 5th Grade field trip to ASU School of Earth & Science, PTO Meeting @ 3:30pm
9/30 - Half Day Release @ 11:55am
10/3-10/14 - Fall Break
Hispanic Heritage Month
As we've done in the past, from September 15 to October 15, we will feature a different "Person of the Day" on announcements. It's our hope that by featuring a different historical figure each day, we can build an appreciation for the different cultures that represent our Settler's Point community.
This month's historical figures will include: Sonia Sotomayor, Cesar Chavez, Roberto Clemente, Ellen Ochoa, Lin Manuel-Miranda, etc. When selecting historical figures, attention is given to a wide range of student interests.
Community Garden Clean Up
Settler's Point is looking for some families that are willing to come help us prepare our garden for the fall planting season. On Saturday, September 10 from 7:00AM-10:00AM, please come join us in cleaning up the space. Even if you can only come for a little while, we'd appreciate all the help we can get.
Bring a rake, shovel, water, if you are able and help us pull weeds, rake gravel and trim the bushes. Kids are more than welcome to come as well.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
As we've done in the past, we will send out Sign Up Genius links for you to select a time to visit with your child's teacher.
Sign Up Genius links will be sent to parents on Friday, September 9.
Please note that we will be offering both in person conferences, as well as, WebEx. As always, our goal is to meet with all of our parents.