January 06, 2023
Work Hard, Play Hard
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Have you ever had a moment when your life’s purpose became crystal clear? It happened for me during the fall of my senior year at Crown Point High School. A teacher recommended that I volunteer in a classroom that serviced students with special needs. I remember making a glycerine bubble solution and creating enormous bubbles with the class on the front lawn of the school. We laughed uproariously that day and I discovered how fulfilling it is to work with students with disabilities. I also learned that all people have value and that a disability does not define a child; there is so much more to a person than that label.
This morning while visiting classrooms, I interacted with a little boy who is non-verbal and uses an electronic communication device. He pushed the “bubbles” button on his device as his choice for a reward after finishing work. I blew hundreds of bubbles while he giggled and blew them all out. This brought me back to my passion for helping all children, regardless of their needs, and that children with disabilities give more to me than I could ever give to them.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ms. Linsley
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
NWEA MAP Growth Testing
NWEA MAP Growth testing will begin next week. As a reminder, NWEA MAP Growth is a computer-based assessment that adapts based on each student’s performance. Grades 3-5 will participate in practice tests, followed by English/Language Arts and Math. Third grade additionally takes an assessment called NWEA MAP Fluency, which measures oral reading skills and comprehension.
Students participated in NWEA MAP Growth testing at the start of the school year and achieved a score based on their individual performance. The testing platform provided an individualized goal score for each student for this winter round of testing. Students are aware of their individual goal score and have discussed it with their teachers. They additionally made a graph of progress and will learn how to create an “Action Plan” to help them continue to grow as learners.
Our motto for testing is Progress, not perfection. We encourage students to work hard, persevere, and give their best effort to reach their goals. However, we emphasize that any kind of progress is worth celebrating, even if students do not reach their goals. There is no need to study or prepare for these tests. They are used as a tool for teachers to understand concepts students have mastered and those that need to be introduced or reviewed. NWEA MAP Growth results help teachers form groups within the classroom. They also provide information about additional support or enrichment students may need. Again, advanced preparation is not necessary, but here are some tips to consider:
- Avoid making appointments or trips during testing. Attendance is key.
- Ensure your child is rested and eats a healthy breakfast.
- Encourage your child to do his/her best and to persevere even when the test becomes challenging. Challenging questions actually mean that the student is progressing well, and they are ready for more advanced content.
- Encourage your child to take his/her time. Rushing through the test will not provide an accurate depiction of your child’s abilities.
- Ensure your child comes to school with a fully charged Chromebook.
We look forward to celebrating the growth students demonstrate on the winter round of NWEA MAP Growth testing!
Have a good weekend,
Mrs. Reeder
ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS
The ELL department continues to share information about important holidays celebrated by the Crown Point families. On January 7th, Orthodox Christians in central and eastern Europe and other parts of the world celebrate Christmas. These countries are Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Many Orthodox Christians fast before January 7, usually excluding meat and dairy products. Some attend a Christmas mass on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day; however, people enjoy a feast and visits from their family and friends. The type of food and activities may vary depending on the country’s culture and traditions.
In Macedonia, the Christmas festivities and celebrations begin very late in the evening on January 5th when the traditional Kolede bonfires are lit across neighborhoods in cities and villages. The bonfires continue to burn into early morning Christmas Eve (Badnik – January 6th), when young children wake up and take off in groups to go from house to house singing traditional Kolede songs to all who open their doors. According to the custom, the homeowners then reward the young carolers for their well wishes and singing with pogacha (traditional bread), treats, chestnuts, walnuts, apples, and coins (taken from https://iammacedonian.com/).
In Ukraine, Christmas Eve is called Sviatyi Vechir (Святий вечір). At the end of the Sviata Vechera, children or anybody who chooses to do so, go door to door singing carols (koliadky) and collecting treats or donations. On Christmas Eve, people cook a traditional meal called kutya, which is considered sacred. It is made from water, welded wheat, honey, poppy seeds, nuts, and raisins. The holiday period from January 7 to January 19 (called Svyatki) is considered special in Ukraine. Ukrainian ancestors believed that during this time the fate could open its secrets and mysteries, so they tried to get answers to the most personal questions. Young, unmarried women may take part in fortune-telling rituals trying to see what the future holds for them.
FUN FACTS
Miss Erica
* I want to chase tornadoes
* I used be an EMT
Miss Lauren
* I have a BA in Criminal Justice
* I met former President, Jimmy Carter, on a trip with my college professors
Miss Nicole
* I am the youngest of 10 siblings
* I love music and singing
FROM THE TREASURER
*** RDS PARENT ACCESS IS NOW AVAILABLE ***
Reminder: All School Fees Were Due November 30
Any outstanding balances are now overdue. Unpaid accounts will be turned in to Kinum, Inc. collection agency. In addition, a collection fee will be assigned to your account.
Credit card payments are taken online at www.cps.k12.in.us using your RDS Parent Access account. Payments of cash or check are accepted in the school office.
Please contact Mrs. Lukas, School Treasurer, at 219-663-3010 with any questions.
FROM THE NURSE
Please make sure your child gets enough sleep for testing in school over the next few weeks.
Flu season is in full swing. If your child is exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, please keep them home until symptoms are resolving and fever free for 24 hours with no fever reducing medications.
How sick is too sick is a web site for parent information on keeping your child home if sick.
https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/files/How-Sick-is-too-Sick.pdf
Have a good weekend,
Mrs.Horst, RN
CLUB SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING WEEK
Week of January 9th
Tuesday: Student Council at 8:05 am; Math Bowl Try Outs at 8:10 am
Thursday: Art Club until 4:45; Science Olympiad Try Outs until 5:15 pm
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS
January
10-13th: 5th Grade NWEA
16th: Martin Luther King Day; NO school
17-20th: 4th Grade NWEA
24-27th: 3rd Grade NWEA
February
1st: E-learning day
20th: President's Day; NO school
Volunteers needed for CAFE
WATER BOTTLES
Please remember to bring in water bottles that can be refilled at our water filling stations. Thank you for your cooperation.
Jerry Ross Elementary School
Jenn Linsley, Principal ext. 18001
Kate Reeder, Assistant Principal ext. 18003
Karie Lukas, Treasurer ext. 18000
Cindy Dissette, Secretary ext. 18002
Karen Horst, Nurse ext. 18081
11319 Randolph Dr., Crown Point, IN
219-663-3010; jerryross.cps.k12.in.us