Dorn's December Dispatch
Principal's Message-Dr. McCaffrey
Last year I created “sight word videos” for our website. There are 8 videos in all. They go in order of how the sight words are introduced at school. Please play these videos for your children. 4 of them contain the kindergarten sight words and the other 4 contain the first grade sight words. They go in order of how the words are introduced at school. If your child is in first grade and struggling to learn the words, begin with the kindergarten words. If your child is in Pre-K and is ready, begin with the kindergarten words. If your child is in kindergarten and knows all of those words, move on to the first grade videos. You get the idea! All you have to do is sit your child in front of the computer and push “play” and then I will do the work for you (quizzing your child on his/her words). These videos can be found on the front page of the Dorn Website on the left side of the screen (there is a link). The words on these videos are the most common words found in books. So if they learn to read them quickly (without sounding them out) their reading levels will soar! And when your child is reading to you, or you are reading to him/her, point out any sight words that you see. Not only do they need to know them, they need to be able to read them in context. That is the whole idea!
Thank you to everyone who recently attended a parent teacher conference. It is important for your child to see you involved in her/her education and to know that you have an ongoing relationship with his/her teachers. YOU are your child’s most important teacher, and we need your input and support. Please do not let our relationship with your child’s teacher end now that the conferences are over. Continue to call with any questions or concerns throughout the school year.
We recently held our Pre-K and First Grade Thanksgiving Feasts. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I was that so many parents came out to volunteer for this event. The tables looked beautiful (tablecloths and centerpieces) and the food was plated for the children even before they arrived. They were served our version of a Thanksgiving Feast: chicken drumstick, potato wedges, Hawaiian rolls and corn. I am so grateful for all the people, especially our PTA board members, who helped make this happen.
December will be a busy month. Along with holiday happenings, we will do another round of assessments with our kindergarten and first grade students. Both grade levels will take the I Ready Assessment in math and reading and complete quarterly assessments. In addition, they will also complete the Fountis and Pinnell assessment. All of this information together gives us a clear picture of what skills we need to focus on with your child.
I hope that the December brings you a month of good cheer, quality time with your children and warm weather!
Later in this newsletter, you will read about a survey we are asking parents to fill out. Please read about it and complete the survey. We value your input.
VOLUNTEERS/CHAPERONES AND VISITORS
Victor Returns to Dorn/Erin's Law Assemblies
Erin’s Law, House Bill 6193 was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades Pre-K through 12. In 2020 Dorn Elementary School along with all other North Palos 117 Schools will be welcoming Victor Pacini to present his Be Seen Be Heard program. Mr. Pacini’s program is developmentally appropriate and the focus is to teach children basic skills to keep them safe from dangerous situations. A flyer will be coming home with more information. If you have any questions please contact Cathy Lewis, Social Worker at 708-233-5606.
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NPD 117 News
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released our annual School Report Card on Oct. 30 at www.illinoisreportcard.com. The Report Card shows how well our school is progressing on a wide range of educational goals. We are proud of our students’ growth and achievement. They work so hard!
This progress reflects the importance we place on how to meet the individual needs of our students. We value the information we receive from state, district, school and classroom student achievement data and use if to inform our decisions.
We would like to highlight Dorn School’s summative designation. The summative designation is a descriptor of how well our school is meeting the needs of all students. This designation is based on eight indicators of academic success and school quality. Our school has earned the designation of Commendable. Congratulations to all!
Our school is strongest when we all work together, so we encourage you to give us your feedback. Please share your feedback by completing the 5Essentials Survey https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/. We will use input gathered from the survey to continue to improve what we do.
At Dorn, we hold high expectations for all staff and students. We believe every student can meet his her or her highest expectations with the right supports. However, we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for your continued partnership and allowing us to live our motto, Investing in Our Future, One Child at a Time.
Thank You Mr. Boam
Parents make the difference!
- label household items- with your child's name, such as his coat hook, toys and bedroom door. Capitalize the first letter.
- Show you child- how to write his/her name on a piece of paper. Talk about each letter and the sound it makes.
- Write in creative ways-Help your child trace letters in his name on paper with glue, and sprinkle on some glitter. Have him write letters in sand using his fingers. He could even try to shape letters out of dough!
- Give your child challenges- Write his/her name on and index card. Cut the card into four pieces. Can he/she put them back together to make his name?
- Play name games- Clap the syllables of your child's name. ("jack-son Pear-son") Rhyme it with other sounds.