Grades are an indicator of how children are progressing on their learning path. That is why it is important for parents to look at a snapshot of their child's progress periodically to measure growth. We have a new K-5 reading curriculum in Crown Point called Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA). CKLA is a comprehensive reading curriculum that is based on the science of reading. Because this is a more rigorous reading program we have noticed that students’ grades on assessments are lower than we typically see at this time. This is to be expected and we want to reassure you that our students will adapt to the rigor of this curriculum and will improve their reading and writing skills. Students have not had the opportunity to build skills previously learned in the program. We want to give our students grace and patience as they build their reading stamina and adjust to the new expectations. Also we will be hosting a reading night for 3rd grade parents in November to review the standards that are assessed on the IREAD-3 test and components of CKLA curriculum. Thank you for supporting your child’s growth as a reader. Growth is a much better indicator than single grades on reading assessments.

Ms. Linsley

Hello Jerry Ross Families,

October is Bullying Awareness Month. In order to meet with each grade level class, I began the Anti-bullying presentations on September 26th during Monday Library Specials, and have met with 10 classes so far. The presentations will be wrapped up by the end of this month, and I feel confident that our students are receiving information, education, and tips on how to be a Bully Free school. Each student received a “There is Power in Kindness” bracelet this week for our Awareness kick-off for the month. We will be having Pajama Day every Friday this month to show our support for being Bully Free by “Putting Bullying to Bed” starting this Friday October 7th.

Red Ribbon Week is October 24 – 31st and this year’s theme is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.” Each student will be receiving a Red Ribbon to wear to show our support for this important week. Also, will be having our Annual Red Ribbon Coloring Contest to begin on October 24th and end on October 28th, with one (1) winner from each grade level being announced on Monday, October 31st. The overall winner of our Coloring Contest will be receiving a brand new Bicycle that is being donated by a local family to our school.

Have a Healthy and safe weekend,

Mrs. Pape, PBIS Coach

Reminder: First Installment of School Fees Due 9/30

The first installment of textbook rental fees was due on September 30th. You may make an electronic payment using your RDS Parent Access account. Payments of cash or check are accepted in the school office.

Please contact Mrs. Lukas, School Treasurer, at 219-663-3010 with any questions.

Today there was a presentation on Growth and Development for the 5th grade class. The Health Educator for the Lake County Health Department presented information on puberty as these changes are a normal part of life. We thank the local church association of Helping Hands Ministry (Cross of Christ Church Lutheran Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and Church of Lake of the Four Seasons UMC) for their contributions and all the work that goes into the providing student’s hygiene bags.

I continued 3rd grade vision screenings this week. I will be finishing up with the rescreens. If your child did not pass the 2nd screening, a referral letter will be sent home with your student next week. If you have any questions/concerns, please call me at 219-663-3010 ext. 18081.

Please do not sent any over the counter medication to school with your child. Medical doctor orders are need to be giving medication, even over the counter medicines like cough drops. So please follow the medications policy.

Enjoy the nice weather and know it’s going to change. So make sure your child is dressed for the ever changing outside weather.

Please check in with your child to see if he/she is sick before sending to school. Here is the website to help monitor your child sickness to stay home.

https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/files/How-Sick-is-too-Sick.pdf.

Enjoy your weekend,

Mrs.Horst, RN

Please remember to bring in water bottles that can be refilled at our water filling stations. Thank you for your cooperation.