Blackman Banner
Blackman Elementary Newsletter - September 2016
WELCOME BACK
Welcome to our new families and welcome back to our returning families. We are excited for all you to be here this school year. It is going to be an exciting time.
New Physical Activity Law
This school year, the State of Tennessee has implemented a new Physical Activity Law. Ms. Paige Hill from News Channel 2 visited us on August 24, 2016. Please see the link below featuring her story on how we are implementing a new Morning Activity Time. Thank you Ms. Hill for joining us, and sharing with the greater Nashville area about our fun dancing.
Agendas
Students in grades K-5 were given an agenda this year. What is an agenda you may ask? Agendas are valuable daily companions that help students understand expectations, create timelines, set goals, monitor progress, and track their own success. The agenda also contains the student handbook, our “Character Education” lessons, and the Accelerated Reader Logs.
The agendas represent a learning tool for students, a communication tool for parents, and a teaching tool for educators. We trust that through the cooperative efforts of all concerned, we may be able to help our students achieve their full potential. The staff is helping the students develop the “agenda habit” by teaching them how to enter assignments and by doing regular follow-ups. The school will be monitoring the use of the agendas on a daily basis. Behavior tracking marks are also recorded in the agenda. We would ask that you do the same at home.
We ask that parents sign the agendas each night. Should a parent forget, students may ask either of the administrators to sign.
The Blackman Elementary School PTO is the sponsor of the agendas this year.
Lunch Reminders
· You may have lunch with your child/children whenever you desire. Please keep in mind that you must have your photo ID with you when you check into the office. We do have special seating for you and your child to enjoy your lunch together. Please know that when we leave the cafeteria we continue on with our instructional time, so we ask that you exit the building after enjoying lunch with your child/children. Also keep in mind that parents are not permitted to have breakfast with their child/children.
· Students may purchase Ice Cream every Friday beginning on Friday, September 9th.
· Meal Pay is up and ready.
· Please check your child’s/children’s lunch account balance. This will prevent them from becoming upset with the alternative meal.
Cognitive Abilities Testing for Second Grade: September 19 - 22, 2016
All second grade students in Rutherford County will be taking the Cognitive Abilities Test on September 19 - 22, 2016.
The Cognitive Abilities Test appraises the level and pattern of cognitive development of students in the second grade. This test measures both general and specific cognitive abilities. The development of these abilities, which starts at birth and continues through early adulthood, is influenced by experiences both in and out of school.
These developed abilities are closely related to an individual’s success in school in virtually all subjects. Test results may be used in planning effective instructional programs and, in combination with other relevant information about the student, can be used to enhance the student’s chances of success in learning.
As with all testing, make sure your child gets plenty of sleep the night before and has a good breakfast the morning of testing. Also remember to encourage your child to relax during testing and to do their best.