News from New Haven
Posts from the Principal
October!
I hope that this new month finds everyone well! It has been a very busy start to our school year, and it doesn't look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. New Haven is officially the largest elementary in Boone County with about 900 students, and we are thrilled to welcome new families to our school. It is our hope that our families are able to get connected with different parent groups and student activities to become an active part of our growing community.
Our monthly school newsletter is intended to keep you informed on a variety of events, mandates, and achievements that are taking place at New Haven. However, if at any time you have questions please feel free to contact myself or any faculty member.
In this months newsletter you will find information regarding our state scores, safety protocol reminders, shout-outs, upcoming events, and.
News to share....
2015-2016 State K-Prep
In the spring of last year our 3rd-5th graders took the state assessment that specifically looks at reading and math across all 3 grade levels, but also adds other content areas in 4th and 5th grade. Our state department of education did change the way the assessment was scored, so comparing the 14-15 years scores to 15-16 years is unfeasible. The new calculation includes Novice Reduction and Categorical Growth categories. This week the scores were released and New Haven scored another year as proficient, being 1 point from distinguished. We are very proud of the work our students did, and the significant accomplishments that they made, and will continue to make. We had great gains in all grade levels, but did particularly well in 5th grade for all students. I have attached a brief score summary sheet (below) for you to see how we did in comparison to the district and state. The bar shows how many of our students scored in the top categories (proficient / distinguished) for their grade level. New Haven is the red, Boone County school district is blue, and the state of Ky is green. Although, we continue to make wonderful achievements with our students, we will continue to focus on our GAP group students and making sure that our novice scores are reduced.
Safety for our students
It has been brought to my attention that we have some parents that are approaching our playground during the school day in order to pick their child up. This is not allowed for a variety of safety reasons. All visitors must check in through our office where students will be signed out and called down for pick up. This is part of our safety plan, and we must execute all protocols for the safety of every child. Given the current issues that are already bombarding our communities, we are asking that all parents respect the procedures we have in place.
Shout-outs
We have some pretty awesome things going on at school, but honestly those things don't get organized or even implemented without behind the scenes people. At school, we've started doing end of the day "Shout-outs" for students and staff that illustrate great things that are going on during the day. We highlight great deeds, students that clip all the way up to our Tiger, and all around amazing deeds.
I do want to give a shout out to some pretty convincing 5th graders who have been working together the last several weeks to convince me that we needed a "pet" in the court yard to enhance our science curriculum, and teach students responsibility, etc. They started with some pretty sound reasons that supported their position. I had a million reasons why we SHOULDN'T have one, and they continued to research and interview people to counter my reasons. They would make appointments :) with me to present their new research, and I have to say I was very impressed with their team work, persistence, and presentation.
So, we currently have 2 pygmy fainting goats (ON LOAN) to us for a couple of weeks. The students voted and their names are Mirabelle and Pepe. I can't say I'm over the moon about the goats, but I couldn't say no to those 5th grade faces after the hard work they put in convincing me. The next time you are at NH to visit, please stop by to see Mirabelle and Pepe!
REPEAT NEWS:
School times
Just as a reminder, our office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with someone answering phones until 4:30. Buses begin dropping students off about 8:15 to 8:30. Students who are wanting to eat breakfast at school have the option beginning at 8:00 when the doors open. The serving line for breakfast closes at 8:35.
The instructional day begins at 8:40 and ends at 3:40. Any student coming to school after 8:40 is considered tardy, and needs to receive a classroom slip from the office.
Upcoming events @ New Haven
October
3rd- Archery Parent meeting (interested 4th / 5th graders @ 6:30 in the café)
6th- Kindergarten field trip
Odyssey of the Mind fundraiser begins
Walk-a-thon Top 5 winners evening with Mrs. Collette and Mrs. Goble
7th- No school
10th- No school
11th- Reflections Deadline
13th- Spirit Store!
14th- Spirit Store
17th- 21st - PENNY WAR!!!
21st- Me & My Guy Dance
1st grade field trip
22nd- Early Bird Yearbook prices end
24th- 1st Report card (intermediate)
27th- Scholastic Book fair begins
28th- Spirit Day (PINK OUT for Breast Cancer Awareness)
Pumpkins with Pops! (Family pumpkin painting- sponsored by PTA)
November
2nd / 3rd - 1st grade to Drake Planetarium
3rd- Parent / Teacher Conferences
6th- Day light savings
7th- Parent / Teacher Conferences
8th- No school (Election Day)
11th- Veteran's Day
15th- PTA General Meeting & Reflections award night! 6:30 in the library
17th- 5th grade "NIGHT OF GRATITUDE"
21st- Midterm #2 (intermediate students)
23rd- 25th- No school
28th= 1st day of Santa's Workshop!
Volunteering
We follow a strict policy regarding adults volunteering. We welcome volunteers, but also see the need to protect all of our students as well. In order to volunteer at New Haven you must 1) have an approved background check and 2) complete the volunteer orientation training (on-line) http://www.tildee.com/DiFKOb - You can also find the link on our webpage along the left hand side.
If you think you would like to volunteer or even go on a field trip with your child this year, you must have this in place. Please do not wait until the last minute, as the background checks are state controlled and we have no influence on how long it takes to get them back. If you do not have an approved background check on file a the time of your event / field trip there will be no exceptions made.
New Haven Elementary
Email: mary.goble@boone.kyschools.us
Website: www.newhaven.boone.kyschools.us
Location: 10854 Old US Hwy 42, Union, KY, United States
Phone: 859-384-5325
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newhavenelementary
Twitter: @NewHavenES