Second Semester…….Continuation of Excellence

Did you know the district utilizes Fastbridge to assess students in their reading and math progress quarterly? Additionally, Fastbridge has a component, called SAEBRS, where we look at social/emotional needs. We use the data to help determine if students are progressing, in need of additional support, and to provide meaningful experiences in a safe and caring environment. Second semester is a continuation of learning and excellence. Your child(ren’s) teacher and staff members are working daily to help your child(ren) be successful, to this end your partnership is crucial, here are some ways you can help:

• School attendance: can’t stress the importance of being at school for your child’s educational success.

• Did you know that if your child misses just two days a month:

• They will miss 60 hours of reading and writing instruction over the school year?

• They will miss 20 days a year

• They will miss 30 hours of math over the school year.

• They will missover 1 year of school by graduation.

• Tardies count against student attendance, reach out to us if you or your child is needing support

• As the weather changes and get colder, please make sure that you have signed up for alerts from the school district about any school changes or closings.

• If you are in need of assistance this winter with food, utilities or clothing don’t hesitate to reach out to the counselors or social worker for assistance.

• Communicate with your child’s teacher with any changes, needs, or wonderings you have about your child(ren)

• Read your teacher’s weekly newsletter….shared electronically each Thursday

Month Average Attendance

• August 2022- 96.45%
• September 2022- 94.93%
• October 2022- 93.65%
• November 2022- 88.97%
• December- 88.67%

Our innovation team is working on putting together a Career Fair sometime after MAP testing in 2023.

We would love to get feedback from parents who might be interested in participating. Thank you!!

PARENT SURVEY

We would love your assistance to support our Pirates during lunch in the cafeteria. Please follow the link below to sign up for a time between 10:30 am - 12:00pm or 11:45 am - 1:30pm. Please bring in your ID when you arrive.

**on all early-release days, we will not be able to have cafeteria assistance**

• The Father Daughter Dance date is February 4th and here is the sign-up link: https://forms.gle/87tn1o4cKsfyQr6B8

The deadline for payments on this one is February 1st, then the rest are taken at the door of event.

We are excited to welcome you to visit your Pirate at lunch! If you are ordering a lunch to eat with your student, please call ahead or confirm your order as you sign up with the link below.

Pirates R.O.C.K. (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) is a program designed to surround our families with examples of strong character traits through school experiences, at home, and reinforced in their community. Each month our community focuses on a specific character trait and students are recognized for exhibiting these traits: Self Confidence, Pride, Responsibility, Citizenship, Compassion, Individuality, Self Control, Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Honesty, and Cooperation.

Teachers, support staff, and parents on the calendar committee developed a proposed academic calendar for the 2023-24 school year. The draft was formulated based on required student hours, teacher contract days, historical parent and staff survey data, parent and staff feedback regarding PLC days, as well as consideration of the alignment with other Northland districts from a programming perspective. Based on feedback, the draft calendar has the first day of school on August 22, the last day of school on May 22, and potential makeup days are planned for May 23, 24, and 28-31. It is important to note this calendar makes a shift from 2-hour early release days for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to full-day Professional Learning Days. The change in approach will provide teachers with more efficient and focused time for professional development, while reducing the number of days parents have to find day care alternatives for their children. Public review of the draft calendar occurs from December 16, 2022 to January 9, 2023. Comments may be emailed to Vicki Diggs. The Board will vote on approval of the calendar at the January board meeting.