Dear Ashford ES Parents and Guardians,

As we enter the third week of the 2023-2024 school year, I want to provide weekly/bi-weekly updates to inform you about important school news and events. At Ashford, we are committed to implementing Houston ISD's six core values daily:

• Core Value #1: All students can learn and reach his or her potential.
• Core Value #2: Effective teachers make the most difference in student academic performance.
• Core Value #3: For every child to succeed, we must hold students and ourselves to high expectations.
• Core Value #4: We value parent engagement and community support.
• Core Value #5: We rely on clearly defined outcomes to guide our work and hold ourselves accountable.
• Core Value #6: We value equity and commit to reducing inequities in the education system.

We appreciate your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to another successful week at Ashford Elementary!

Sincerely,

Deshaun D. Harris

Principal, Ashford Elementary School

Next week, we start the beginning of year (BOY) testing for all students in grades PreK - 5th grade. BOY testing aims to provide teachers, administrators, students, and parents with the necessary data to develop deliberate and intentional academic decisions, strategies and supports to ensure all students can master grade-level standards. In addition, BOY assessments enable building-level administrators to develop strategies for supporting teachers' instructional practice as they monitor student learning. Data obtained from BOY assessments allows schools to provide evidence-based instruction and interventions that address the needs of all students.

Helpful tips for BOY Testing:

• Ensure your child receives adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast.
• Arrive to school no later than 7:45 a.m. Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.
• Communicate with your child's teacher in advance any anticipated absences and/or tardies.
• Encourage your child to do their absolute best as we will do the same!

BOY NWEA MAP Testing

September 18th - 29th

• Grades 2nd - 5th (Math, Reading, and Science)
• Kindergarten (Math)
• Learn more about NWEA MAP Testing: https://www.nwea.org/family-toolkit/

BOY CIRCLE

September 18th - October 20th

• Pre-K Only
• Learn more about CIRCLE Assessment: https://public.cliengage.org/about/

BOY Dibels/Lectura

September 18th - October 20th

• Kindergarten - 1st Grade
• Kindergarten Dyslexia Screener

Over the past two weeks, many stakeholders have toured Ashford to see the quality of instruction taking place inside our classrooms. Furthermore, Superintendent Miles and other district officials provided feedback on areas of effectiveness and opportunities to grow, all with the intention of taking Ashford to greater heights. Check out the videos below where Ashford Elementary was highlighted!