Weekly WOW - January 21, 2019
East Vincent Elementary School
GREETINGS FROM MS. SEELEY
Tomorrow, we facilitate our second data day of the year. Data day is when our specialists and classroom teachers come together to discuss what is working and what needs to be improved to help each one of our students be successful. We analyze reading, math, and behavior data and make decisions based on student performance and progress. Some of the decisions include changing the way we deliver academic and behavioral supports and who receives the same supports. While our students are not numbers, we carefully consider multiple data points when determining what students may need beyond the tier one curriculum and programming.
What is tier 1?
Education has a lot (and I mean a lot) of lingo! Tier 1 is essentially the curriculum and programming that everyone receives. For reading and writing, all students participate in the Reading and Writing Units of Study. For math, all students participate in the Everyday Math Program. For behavior, all students participate in SWPBS (school-wide positive behavior system), Responsive Classroom, and soon to be OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program. When a student is not performing at grade-level expectation and/or not on track to make at least one year's growth in one year's time, then a student is considered for tier 2 or tier 3 instruction... as long as at least 80-85% of the grade level is meeting performance and growth expectations.
SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SYSTEM (SWPBS)
Speaking of tiers, since we began the School-Wide Positive Behavior System and the Responsive Classroom approach in August, unexpected behaviors have decreased significantly since last year.
90% of our student population has 0-1 behavior referrals for the first semester of school!
About 3% of our student population has behaviors in the tier 2 range.
About 7% of our student population has behaviors in the tier 3 range.
What does that mean?
1. With 90% of the student population responding positively with 0-1 behavior referrals this year, our tier 1 approach of SWPBS and Responsive Classroom is working.
2. Our students who are in the tier 2 range sometimes have behavior plans/charts and meet for behavior group instruction.
3. Our students who are in the tier 3 range have behavior plans/charts and meet individually or in small groups for behavior instruction.
SAFETY IN OJRSD
Reprinted from Dr. Lloyd's and Mr. Daniels' January 11, 2019 Letter:
Dear OJRSD Families:
As a school system, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators and administrators.
To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health & wellness professionals and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students.
I am happy to announce the launch of the “Safe2Say Something” (S2SS) anonymous reporting system will take place on Monday, January 14, 2019. This program, which is mandated under PA state law/Act 44, teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system.
Our students often are aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to know the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to be looking out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. S2SS teaches students in grades 7-12 what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. Owen J. Roberts Middle School and High School students will receive this valuable instruction the week of January 21.
Please click here for a full brochure outlining the S2SS program. Chief Daniels and I will be holding a parent information session regarding the S2SS tipline on January 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School LGI.
The S2SS program is being provided through Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nation-wide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 10,000+ schools and over 5.5 million students and adults trained. They have a track record, reputation, and knowledge of how to work effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture. The program is age-appropriate and research-based. They also have funding to provide and sustain the program at NO COST to our school (and all schools statewide).
We anticipate that S2SS will help stop school shootings, suicides, and gun threats; it will help reduce bullying and cyberbullying; help intervene upon cutting, drug use, racial conflicts, and other violent and victimization acts.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email us directly.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan T. Lloyd/Brandon Daniels
Superintendent of Schools/Chief of Security & Safety/School Police Chief
slloyd@ojrsd.com/bdaniels@ojrsd.com
Owen J. Roberts School District
Administration Building
901 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA 19465-8402
Telephone: 610-469-5100
Fax: 610-469-0403
SAFETY AT EV
Mock lock down drills begin this week. Students and staff will practice interior and exterior threat lock down drills in the cafeteria and playground settings. Sixth grade CATS Ambassadors and members of the EV safety team will be present to guide students by grade levels during the drills.
The goal of this drill and all drills is to practice what to do in case of an emergency by remaining calm and listening to adult directions.
EV NEWS BROADCAST
EV has a very talented news team comprised of 6th grade students who participate in an independent study. Under the direction of Mrs. Sarkar and with assistance from Miss Mitton, students produce a weekly news broadcast, which started in November. EV News reports school-related news, jokes, the weekly challenge, special features, and even bloopers! We plan to start sharing our EV News with our families each week. Enjoy!
GRADE 6 CATS AMBASSADORS
CONGRATULATIONS - SCIENCE FAIR
On Thursday, the EV Science Fair was held in the Innovation Center. Projects were reviewed and students were interviewed by teams of judges. Afterwards, the judges discussed the projects and determined those that displayed excellence in following all aspects of the scientific method.
Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding work on their science research projects.
Honorable Mention
Marcus W, grade 6
Colin D, grade 6
Sophia S, grade 5
Dylan K and Jonathan B, grade 5
Delaney L and Sarina S, grade 4
Distinguished Honors and Moving to the Chester County Competition
Lily C, grade 6
Kenny S, grade 6
Andrew D, grade 6
Victoria N, grade 5
Patrick R, grade 5
Tyler R, grade 5
Brooks G, grade 5
Tyler M and Patrick W, grade 4
Jonathan A, Jason S, and Cooper M, grade 4
Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the science fair. There will be an information meeting for students who are advancing to the county fair sometime during the week of January 22.
East Vincent Elementary School
Email: eastvincentoffice@ojrsd.com
Website: www.ojrsd.com/ev
Location: 340 Ridge Rd, Spring City, PA 19475, USA
Phone: 610-469-5106
Facebook: facebook.com/EastVincentElementarySchool
Twitter: @OwenJRobertsEV