Mrs. Kirchberg's News
Weekly news from the Learning Cabin
Next Week at a Glance
Reader's Workshop: In Reading we will start talking about character's feelings in a story. We will also look at the mood of a story and how the mood is important to the story. As we add new skills into our Reader's Workshop, we will also spend time reviewing previous skills.
Math Workshop: We will begin the week by talking about estimating sums and differences. We will review estimating, rounding, addition, and subtraction towards the middle of the week and will be taking our Topic 2 test on Friday.
Writer's Workshop: In Writing this week we will continue working on our small moments. We will work on adding a good beginning to our writing so that we can "hook our readers." We will also start adding "juicy words" to our writing to make it more interesting!
Science/Social Studies: We will be working on our Geography unit in Social Studies. We will be finishing our "Me on the Map" projects. This project has taken a little longer than anticipated, so once we are finished with them we will be working on cardinal directions.
Technology
If you haven't already done so, please make sure your child has all requested apps downloaded as soon as possible. Also, iPads should be coming to school fully charged each day. Please let me know if you have any questions!
NWEA
We have finished our Fall NWEA testing! Below is information regarding the NWEA testing.
Northwest Evaluation Association™ (NWEA™)
Students in grades K-4 just completed their fall assessments in the adaptive computerized assessment through NWEA. Students will participate in this assessment three times a year in the fall winter and spring. NWEA is a global not-for-profit educational services organization with over 30 years of experience developing adaptive assessments, professional development and educational research.
Fall results will be sent home to you electronically by your child’s teacher early next week. These results will likely also be discussed at the upcoming fall Parent Teacher Conferences in October.
How are NWEA assessments used?
Assessments are used to measure your student’s progress or growth in school. You may have a growth chart in your home on which you mark your child’s height at certain times, such as on his or her birthday. It shows how much he or she has grown from one year to the next. NWEA assessments do the same sort of thing, except they measure your child’s growth in mathematics and reading.
What does the assessment look like?
The NWEA computerized assessments are adaptive whereas the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level.
How do teachers and families use the test scores?
NWEA provides information to guide instruction in identifying the needs of students from struggling to advanced learners, providing teachers with information for below, on and above grade level needs. NWEA utilizes engaging electronic test items that encourage student participation for more accurate results. These tests are tailored to an individual’s current achievement level. Progress and growth in basic skills are monitored. They let teachers know where a student’s strengths are and if help is needed in any specific areas. Teachers use this information to help them guide instruction in the classroom. They will also work with students and families on targeted growth through goal setting for individual student needs. Families will receive a (fall, winter and spring) report after participation in this assessment. The report shows student results compared to district and national norms as well as targeted growth for the next assessment date.
Dates to Remember
September 20 - Library from 9:45-10:15
**Library change for next week only**September 22 - Anti-Bully Lesson with Mrs. Lance from 10-10:30