Prairie Elementary News
From Principal Kristen Jones
SMSD Elementary Grade Card Changes
For the first time in nearly three decades, the SMSD has updated the descriptors used in elementary English Language Arts and Mathematics report cards. The skills reflect high impact skills that students must have mastered for future academic success. For that reason, you may notice some differences in the information on the report card.
Here is some important information for you as parents to understand:
- While descriptors have changed, the grading process and expectations have not changed.
- This is not standards-based grading. Instead, it is an attempt to better align reporting with what students are actually learning.
- There will be a larger discussion about evaluating student progress in the coming year, which will include feedback from parents about what grading information you would find helpful.
- For students with support plans (IEP, 504, ELL, or other) the student must receive supports as noted in their individual plans. When accommodations/modifications are implemented, scores will reflect students' individual performance with those supports.
Summary of Elementary Subject-Area Grades (This has not changed.)
S, I, N, U are available in grades K-3 across all subjects. In grades 4-6, S, I, N, U are used in the specials subjects such as Art, Music, and PE.
S - Demonstrates steady growth and demonstrates consistent achievement of instructional outcomes.
I - Is beginning to demonstrate consistency in achievement of instructional outcomes.
N - Demonstrates inconsistent achievement of instructional outcomes.
U - Demonstrates unsatisfactory achievement of instructional outcomes.
A, B, C, D, F are used in grades 4-6 in the core subject areas.
A - Demonstrates advanced mastery of standards outlined in the curriculum.
B - Demonstrates proficient mastery of standards outlined in the curriculum.
C - Demonstrates basic mastery of standards outlined in the curriculum.
D - Developing mastery of standards outlined in the curriculum.
F - Indicates that the student's academic progress is below the standards set for a "D"
Skill Grade Indicators
+ Indicates exceptionally good progress toward end-of-year outcomes.
^ Indicates expected progress toward end-of-year outcomes.
- Indicate areas where improvement is needed.
(blank) Indicates that the skill was not assessed during the specified term
Red Ribbon Week Next Week: 10/25-10/29
Since 1985, the Red Ribbon Campaign has served as a symbol of the commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America. Red Ribbon Week serves as a reminder for communities to support the education of youth for drug awareness and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
Our 6th Grade Leadership Team is planning to make this a special week for our students! We suggest discussing this important topic with your children so we can work together to prevent drug abuse in our community.
Monday: "Your Future Looks Bright": Wear Sunglasses
Tuesday: "Be a part of the Drug Free Team": wear a team jersey
Wednesday: "Don't Mix with Drugs": Wear mismatched clothes
Thursday: "We are chillin' & relaxing because we have a happy, healthy drug-free life": Wear pajamas
Friday: "Say Boo to Drugs": Halloween costume
Digital Citizenship in SMSD
Why is it important to help our kids understand Digital Citizenship?
- Prevents Cyber Bullying
- Increases their Online Safety
- Supports a Balance with Tech in Their Lives
And these things are more important than ever before for adults and students. With the increase of technology integration in our lives in general, not just in the school setting, protecting our information, balancing technology for our health and learning to interact kindly online are all skills that will increase our overall digital wellness.
Please click here to visit our SMSD Digital Learning Resource page for families.
Growth Mindset:My Brain is Like a Muscle that Grows!
Exercising our brain makes it stronger. When we learn new things, our brains actually become denser and heavier. We also know the more you learn, the more pathways between neurons you create. Lots of strong pathways in the brain mean neurons can send more and faster signals to one another. "Neurons that fire together, wire together." So embrace challenges outside of our comfort zones, mistakes and all, where the biggest changes in our brains can be seen!
Halloween Reminders
- Students will wear the clothing for their costumes to school and put on accessories later in the day for the party. A mask can be an accessory as long as students can wear their Covid friendly mask too.
- No face paint, weapons or fake blood
- No visitors will be allowed in the building.
- Room parents will make arrangements for families to provide a snack and materials for games students can play during their party. Classroom teachers will communicate their needs to room parents.
- Students will participate in an outdoor costume parade on the playground. We are arranging for this to be viewed by our families virtually. Details coming soon!
- In the event of rain, students will parade in their grade level pods.
PTA General Meeting: 10/28 at 7:30
Meeting link: https://smsd.webex.com/meet/kristenshipp
Meeting number (access code): 280 675 938
We will be voting on our proposed 2021-2022 budget and on the proposed slate for the 2021-2022 PTA Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will be tasked with selecting future PTA leaders and filling vacant Executive Board positions for the upcoming school year.
Immediately following the General Membership Meeting, we will hold our regular monthly Executive Board Meeting which all PTA members are welcome to attend if you are interested in hearing more about our various committees and activities. We look forward to seeing you virtually next week!
Prairie Elementary
Email: kristenjones@smsd.org
Website: prairie.smsd.org
Location: 6642 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 993-4400