GATOR TALES
Grace Abbott Elementary
December 4, 2020
Principal: Dr. Erik Chaussee, epchaussee@mpsomaha.org
Secretary: Cindy Wrenn, clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
About Us
Email: clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
Website: abbott.mpsomaha.org
Location: 1313 N 156th St, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-2900
Facebook: facebook.com/GraceAbbottElementarySchool
Twitter: @MPS_Abbott
NEWS FROM DR. CHAUSSEE
Good news and thank you to parents and guardians!
If anyone read my last Gator Tales newsletter one could sense the staff and I were nervous about what Thanksgiving would bring in terms of increased cases. However, as of early Thursday morning, it appears to be good news. We have two students who tested positive for Covid but neither have been in the school in at least four weeks. We have four students who are direct exposures and all are quarantining.
The staff in Millard has an opportunity to to undergo surveillance screening which involves a saliva sample. It is a screening and not a test. If any staff member screens positive, he/she is to be tested immediately. The results are in and they are very positive. At Abbott 19 staff members, of whom 15 are teachers, were screened and all screened negative. After one day of screening in the district, 441 staff members were screened and all are negative. There are additional 13 who are being rescreened due to saliva errors (not enough spit???).
I’m assuming families are making decisions regarding keeping everyone safe. If so, a huge thank you from the Abbott staff. Keeping my fingers crossed (and washing desks and wearing masks) to have next week go well.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!
COVID Q & A Week 13
Q. A parent is awaiting Covid test results. Should their child/children stay home if they have no symptoms?
A. While not mandatory, it is appreciated if the child stays home until results are in.
5TH GRADE PARENTS
December, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians of Fifth Grade Students,
In preparation for sixth grade registration, the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognostic Test will be administered to most fifth grade students. This test will help determine the appropriate sixth grade math placement for your child. The Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognostic Test is scheduled for administration in your child’s elementary school building on January 5-22 , 2020.
The Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognostic Test has proven to be an excellent predictor of abstract mathematical ability. It provides us with information that will increase the likelihood of an appropriate math placement at the middle school level. The test does not measure past mathematical performance, but rather predicts a student’s readiness for independent learning and more abstract math concepts.
In addition to the Orleans-Hanna results, data from the Winter MAP assessment will be considered when determining appropriate 6th grade math placement. MAP is a nationally normed test, aligned with the current Nebraska State Mathematics Standards, that provides reliable information about what your child understands and is able to do with mathematics.
If you do not wish for your child to take the Orleans-Hanna assessment, please contact your elementary principal by December 18, 2020.
Thank you,
Tony Weers, Ed.D.
Director of Secondary Education
Millard Public Schools
FROM OUR COMMUNITY COUNSELOR
MILLARD SCHOOL BOARD 2020
President - Linda Poole
Vice President - Dave Anderson
Secretary - Stacy Jolley
Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson
Board Member - Mike Kennedy
Board Member - Mike Pate