October Newsletter
Stay in the Know
Let's Take a Look Back
Parents,
I wanted to take a moment and just pause to take some time to look back on last year. There are lots of ways to do this and one way is looking at our A-F report card. I have included it below. As you can see, there are four categories and then an overall grade assigned. I am thrilled to announce that our overall grade is a B! This is the highest score we have earned since we opened in 2017. This is because of all of the hard work by our teachers and students along with the great parental support we have at Timber Ridge.
The first two categories (Academic Achievement and Academic Growth) are based on our scores on the state assessments for reading, math, writing, and science. ELPA is specifically looking at our English Language Learners (students who speak another language at home) and how they perform on their assessment to document their language growth in English. This is a separate assessment from the state assessments. The final category is based on our student attendance throughout the year.
How can we earn an A? I'm glad you asked!
As you will notice, our lowest grade is in Chronic Absenteeism. This is the area in which we need the most parental support as we rely on you to get your child to school all day, every day. (Unless they are running a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea). Chronic Absenteeism is determined by the State Department of Education and is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. As we attend school for 180 days, that would mean more than 18 absences, no matter the reason. Doctor's notes, illnesses, vacations, family emergencies, they all count towards this 10%. So, if your child isn't truly sick, please send them to school. If they have an appointment, please have them come to school for at least part of the day. Absences can add up quickly so stay diligent in getting your child to school. I know with your help, we can earn a higher grade in this category this year!
The other thing that will make a difference is just encouraging your child to do their very best each and every day. And that means paying attending in class, following directions, completing their work, not distracting others, keeping themselves and others safe, and putting forth their best effort on the STAR reading and math assessments that we take throughout the year. All of these things will prepare them to be successful on the state reading, math, writing, and science tests that students take in grades 3-5th which contribute to the other two categories in our state report card.
We are so proud of our students for their work and growth last year as you can see in the top two categories of Academic Achievement and Academic Growth. Timber Ridge students are learning and growing each and every year which is our goal for all of them! We know that they will continue to grow this year and we greatly appreciate all of your support and encouragement.
If you would like to learn more about the A-F report card system, I have included the link to the State Department of Education for you. Just click on the icon labeled "Oklahoma School Report Cards".
Upcoming Events
Skate Night-Oct. 12
Join us for skate night from 6-9pm at Broken Arrow Roller Sports.
Distance Learning Friday-Oct. 6th
Students will have assignments to complete at home this day.
Chili's Night-Oct. 25
Swing by Chili's for lunch or dinner to help support our PTA. Be sure to mention Timber Ridge when you order!
Classroom Pumpkin Contest-Oct. 9-17
Fall is in the air so that means it is time for our Classroom Pumpkin Contest!! Pumpkins will be on display from Oct. 9-17 so be sure to come by and vote!
Bring a Parent to PE-Oct. 9-12
Join your child during their PE day during the week of Oct. 9-12. Your child's teacher will let you know what day and time. Be sure to bring your ID and a pair of tennis shoes so you can join in the fun!
Health Week-Oct. 9-12
During the week of Oct. 9-12, we will be focusing on various aspects of health throughout the day.
Red Ribbon Week-Oct. 23-27
Red Ribbon week is coming! Students will learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe this week. We will celebrate with dress up days and other fun activities. More information will be coming soon about that.
Parent Teacher Conferences-Oct. 16 and 26
If you haven't already, please reach out to your child's teacher to get a parent teacher conference scheduled.
Book Fair-Oct. 9-17
Apply for Free/Reduced Lunches
The last day to apply for free and reduced lunches is Oct. 1st for it to count towards our state percentage! These applications help us get more federal funds to better support our students! Use the link below to apply today.
September Teacher of the Month! Congratulations Ms. Iida!!
Ms. Iida is the Teacher of the Month for September! Here is why she was nominated.
"She’s so hands on. She explains everything to me, as a parent who can get confused with all the online stuff it’s much appreciated. My daughter comes home everyday with new stories about how awesome her teacher is. You can tell she cares about her students."
Ms. Iida has been teaching for 13 years here in Broken Arrow. She started at Oak Crest Elementary and then came to Timber Ridge when we opened in 2017.
Thank you to our local Walmart store on Hillside Drive for donating the $40 gift card to celebrate Ms. Iida. If you or your business would like to sponsor a month, please contact Kayla in the front office at 918-505-5260. We would love for you to help us celebrate our wonderful staff.
Submit a teacher of the month for October!
Nominate a teacher who is going above and beyond in making a difference in the lives of our Timber Ridge students and families. Nominations are due by the 25th of October!
Attendance Challenge
September Attendance Challenge!
Our September attendance challenge was great! So many students earned a blow pop for being at school all day for 9 days straight. The first two weeks we had over 400 students earn their blow pop. Stay tuned for our October attendance challenge!