THE ANCHOR
Invigorating the Educational Spirit
WE ARE A STEAM SCHOOL
STEAM stands for "Science, Technology, Education, Art, and Math"
Ardmore Elementary School's Motto is:
Be Ready! Be Responsible! Be Respectful!
March 2016 Issue 7 Volume 11
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 1 - Black History Month Program
March 1-4 - Read Across America Ardmore Spirit Week
March 2 - Read Across America Day/Dr. Seuss's Birthday Celebration
March 2-21 - MSA Science (5th Grades)
March 7 - Third Quarter Progress Reports ReleasedMarch 10 - Parent Forum "How to Keep your Child Safe" @6:30 p.m.
March 23 - End of Third Quarter (41 Days)
March 24 - Teacher Grading/Planning (School Closed for Students)
March 25 & 28 - Easter Holiday (School Closed)
March 29-31 - Spring Break (School Closed)
April 1 & 4 - Spring Break (School Closed)
April 5 - Mobile Dentist
April 5 - Picture Day
April 12 - Third Quarter Report Cards Released
April 18 - May 31 - PARCC for 3rd through 6th Grades
April 23-30 - Passover
April 26 - Primary Election Day (Holiday/School Closed)
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM DR. KEVIN M. MAXWELL, PGCPS CEO
Thank you to all the individuals who made this special Black History program possible!
PARTNERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT OF READINESS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER (PARCC)
WHAT ARE PARCC TESTS?
The PARCC tests measure whether students are meeting new, higher academic standards and are mastering the knowledge and skills they need to progress in their K-12 education and beyond. These tests capture more complex skills like critical-thinking, persuasive writing, and problem-solving skills that were not measured on previous state tests. Scores may look different on this new test compared to previous assessments. Low scores do not mean students are learning less. Instead, low scores mean the tests have changed and the state has asked students to meet a higher bar.
PARCC ADMINISTRATION
Students in grades 3-8 will take the PARCC tests in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics. At the high school level, students will take PARCC assessments in Algebra I, Algebra II, English 10 and English 11.
PARCC assessments are designed for online administration and are given in 1-1.5 hour units. Students take multiple units per content area with a total testing time of 4-5 hours for a subject. Testing dates:
- April 11 - May 23, 2016 - Algebra 1, Algebra 2, English Language Arts 10, English Language Arts 11
- April 18 - May 31, 2016 - Elementary/Middle English Language Arts and Mathematics
May 9 - June 10, 2016 - PARCC Assessments for Spring Block Schedules (HS Semesterized Courses)
The test is designed to allow students to use the same computer-based tools that are used during instruction. Students with special needs will receive the same accommodations for the PARCC that they do for their regular instruction.
PARCC RESOURCES
Download, bookmark or click the link using Intenet Explorer, Mozila Firefox, or Safari http://parcc.pearson.com/ (Google Chrome does not support the website).
Download Flyers and Fact Sheets Below:
The PARCC Difference: A Better Measure of What Students Should Know
Preparing Our Students for a Changing World
We Are Preparing Maryland Students for Success
Overview of K-12 Testing in Maryland
Parents Resources for Mathematics
Helping Your Pre-K-2 Student in Math
Helping Your Grade 3-5 Student in Math
PARCC English Language Arts Literacy/ELA Practice Tests (Download the website using Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari only)
PARCC Mathematics Practice Tests (Download the website using Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari only)
Read, Read, Read!
Ardmore Elementary School celebrated reading and literacy during the Read Across America Spirit Week along with Dr. Seuss's Birthday on March 2nd. Teachers, students, and staff wore costumes featuring Dr. Seuss characters. Online storytelling was heard via the Ardmore School broadcast system, WEAS. There were read alouds featuring Dr. Seuss books from Tuesday, March 1st through Friday, March 4th.
Read Across America Spirit Week concluded with a book read by mystery guest reader ,Mr. Z himself, Dave Zahren!
THANK YOU TO MR. DAVE ZAHREN, OUR MYSTERY GUEST READER!
MARCH ACCELERATED VOCABULARY
WEBSITES OF THE MONTH
Seussville - Visit Dr. Seuss' world with his famous books and characters. Enjoy puzzles, videos, games, and more for all ages.
Reading Rockets - Reading Rockets offers strategies, lessons, activities, and ideas designed to help young children learn to read.
National Geographic for Young Explorers - National Geographic Young Explorers is a magazine designed specifically for kindergarten and first grade students. Children can listen to the magazine being read to them as they follow along with the highlighted text.
Time Women's History - Time for Kids and The U.S. celebrates Women's History Month.
Peep and the Big Wide World - Play fun math and science games, videos, and activities with Peep and his friends! Explore preschool curriculum and at home activities.
ARDMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal
For additional information, articles, updates, announcements, and events, email: maryjane.christou@pgcps.org or mania.missirian@pgcps.org
Email: ardmore@pgcps.org
Website: http://www1.pgcps.org/ardmore
Location: 9301 Ardwick Ardmore Road, Springdale, MD, United States
Phone: (301)-925-1311
Twitter: @ArdmoreES