Eagle Updates
Week 32 in The Garden
What a wonderful time of year!
LEAP Testing
Here are some IMPORTANT reminders:
- 3rd Grade Test Dates: April 27 - May 3 (Paper-Based Testing)
- 4th & 5th Grade Test Dates: May 2 - 6 (Computer-Based Testing)
- Attendance is IMPERATIVE. If you MUST be absent, please contact our office as soon as possible so that Mrs. Fleury, our School Test Coordinator, may organize make-up testing for your child.
- Please arrive EARLY. We spend special time with the kiddos in the mornings prior to testing giving positive affirmations, easing any anxieties, and talking through their personal concerns. When they arrive late, they don't have time for this. I feel that it is important that we reassure them and show them that we are keeping the atmosphere light and comfortable.
- Refill ALL medications prior to your child's testing dates (if needed) so that they may not experience any difficulties during testing.
- Locate/Wear GLASSES if they are prescribed!
- Feed them a nutritious breakfast OR send them directly to the school's cafeteria for breakfast in the morning. I often remind the students that sometimes their tummies aren't hungry, but they need food so that they can think clearly and put forth their best efforts.
**Testing generally lasts until lunchtime for the students each day. We will keep the remainder of the day FUN for them, and there should be NO homework assigned during testing week(s) for the affected grade levels.
SAVE THE DATES!
MAY 6 - AR CUT-OFF
MAY 9 - 13: ARTBREAK DISTRICT-WIDE (FIELD TRIPS SCHEDULED FOR GR. 2 & 4)
MAY 10 - YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION SCHOOLWIDE & FREE DRESS DAY FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASED A YEARBOOK
MAY 12 - AR TREAT DAY
MAY 13 - 4TH GRADE MIDIEVAL DAY
MAY 20 - FIELD DAY
(10 - 11:45 grades K - 2)
(12 - 2:30 grades 3 -5)
** 5th Grade Ceremony Promptly at 12 noon on basketball court**
MAY 24 - HONORS ASSEMBLY
(8:30 grades 3-5)
(10:30 grades 1 - 2)
May 24th SENIOR REUNION @4PM
MAY 25 - 5TH GRADE GRADUATION @ 8:30
MAY 26 - STUDENTS' LAST DAY
GET YOUR FIELD DAY T- SHIRT ASAP! ORDERS DUE FRIDAY, 4/29!
Perseverance
As we navigated the unprecedented waters of the COVID pandemic, we (schools) were given a lot of "grace." We were given grace for due dates as a result of teacher/staff absences. We were given an entire year of grace without statewide testing. We were given grace in all of our responsibilities because that is what we, as human beings, do when one (or all) of us is struggling.
Likewise, we EXTENDED grace to those around us. We extended grace to our students when they could not complete assignments due to illness. We extended grace to students when they didn't achieve the required GPA to remain in a magnet program. We also extended grace to our students because we felt sorry for them (and ourselves) because we could not do the many traditional things that made up the Eden Gardens legacy- (the various programs, interaction among students, families on campus regularly, etc.)
We were given grace, so we extended grace- because we ALL needed it.
While the pandemic may not be completely over, we can see a light at the end of this "tunnel" that we haven't seen in years, and we are thankful for the grace that has been extended. However, in my many conversations with teachers and school personnel, we have discovered a pattern that now exists - not only at Eden Gardens, but in schools, in general. For three years, we have lowered accountability, so at this time, accountability is seriously lacking.
When I conduct my weekly checks of gradebooks, I have seen more missing assignments than I have ever seen in my 9 years in The Garden. Don't get me wrong, student performance is higher than it has been since the start of our pandemic, but many of our students have not had a "normal" school year in three years. I have asked teachers to work diligently to encourage students, to monitor their completion, and to keep parents in the loop when it comes to student performance AND accountability. I am asking that parents partner with us in these efforts. We cannot afford to enable an "I-will-do-it-later" attitude or a "status quo" one, either. If we want excellence from our students/children, it will take efforts from all of us (collectively) to change the narrative and instill PERSEVERANCE. Waiting until middle school to attempt this is far too late. It starts now. Let's continue changing our world... one little LEADER at a time.
In that same respect, we, as school staff, will model accountability and perseverance for the students. As we plan for the next school year, this is a theme that we hope will abound in every classroom and every home represented among our Eagle family!
As I enter the final month of my first FULL year as principal, I am THANKFUL for all of you. Thank you for helping The Garden grow.
Respectfully,
Dr. Gipson