We're nine weeks into the school year and things are beginning to settle in terms of routine for our students and teachers as well as recognizing academic outcomes. We are looking forward to seeing parents next week during parent/teacher conferences to discuss progress mid-way through the first semester. We hope that students and parents are talking regularly about the work that they're doing together to meet increasing expectations for student achievement. Staying abreast of student academic behavior is the number one factor for positive parental involvement as we all strive to push students toward meeting potential.

Speaking of academic outcomes, it's time for our Fall check-point. Each October, we set aside time for our students to produce a check-point for growth as we take the PSAT and NMSQT. The Pre-SAT (PSAT for 9th and 10th grade) and the National Merit Standard Qualifying Test (NMSQT - 11th grade) are nationally normed tests that give students a strong indication of how they perform compared to other students across the state and nation. It also provides a regular point in time examination of individual (and collective) student growth toward meeting the expected graduation requirements for Post-Secondary readiness. We ask that students do their best on this day and to prepare themselves for the experience as they look toward the SAT during Spring of their Junior year. Getting a good night's sleep and a great breakfast are important to performing well on these exams. Please help your student to do their best.

We look forward to the remainder of this semester and the many accomplishments that we know our students will meet! See you next week!