This week has been so productive. I am so impressed how our students have transitioned right back to learning so quickly! The work production was amazing this week! Kids were writing narratives in 4/5 about their winter break. K/1 completed AVID one pagers about their winter break. 2/3 has been practicing marking the text and utilizing AVID strategies like four corners to have students voice their opinions and verbally back up their thinking with explanations.

WOW!!!

Thank your parents for sending kiddos in boots and good winter weather gear this week! We were able to enjoy fresh air everyday and send the kids outside. Many kiddos were able to seamlessly come in from recess grab their backpack and change into dry clothes which makes a huge difference!!! No one wants to sit in damp cold pants. Please keep up the practice of sending a spare set of clothes for kids of all ages!! They are using them.

As we approach our 3 day weekend please go enjoy yourselves, have fun, play outside but keep those masks on if you are around others indoors. Lets keep our families and friends safe and in school! If you have questions if your kiddo should attend on Tuesday (if they have symptoms or are exposed) just email, call (it will go to my cell phone if you use my extension), or send a text and we can figure it out together.

Have a wonderful weekend. Please read below some reminders and info on state testing.

Sincerely,

Adrienne Acosta

Adrienne.acosta@hoodriver.k12.or.us

541-374-8467 x 3790

We will go outside for recess unless there is ice on the playground. This means rain, snow, wind...we will be outside. Please make sure your students are dressed appropriately. Every student has their own locker. They may leave items like boots gloves/mittens hats etc in their lockers for colder days. Our weather changes so quickly...It may be dry when they leave for school but be raining heavily by recess time. Another great idea (especially for our K-3 kiddos, but even 4/5) would be to have them bring a set of clothes and leave them in their lockers too... Sometimes they get a little over zealous and a fun scoot down the slide turns into soaked bottoms! Or a slip on the grass = instant soggy pants and undies.

Please make sure they bring a jacket each day to school....A cotton sweatshirt is not appropriate for Cascade Locks winters. If your child needs a winter jacket please call Danielle Herndon at the office and let us know 541-374-8467. We will get them a warm coat in their size. If you have already shopped and they have one please send them to school with it. Remember that 20 minutes outside is a long time when its cold. Our students' tiny bodies get colder faster than adult bodies (especially their hands and ears!). Let's work together to set them up for successful, fun, outdoor time!

Jody Clough and Blair Holman will be conducting hearing s screenings Tuesday 1/18/21. Parents will be notified is any hearing concerns are found.

January 17- No School Martin Luther King Jr Day

January 31- No School

February 21- No School Presidents' Day

• ExCEL will be canceled if we have a 2 hour delay in the morning.

• ExCEL will be canceled if we release students early due to weather.

• ExCEL will be canceled if district wide after school activities are canceled.
  
• ExCEL will be canceled if staffing is effected by quarantines.

Please make sure the school has your contingency plan for your student if ExCEL is canceled. You may text Danielle (on talking points), call (541-374-8467) or email Danielle Herndon @ Danielle.herndon@hoodriver.k12.or.us to let us know your plans if they will be changing.

This spring we will be administering the OSAS state test in ELA and Math to our 3-5 grade students. 5th graders will also take the science test. Our teachers work to create a calm, low pressure testing environment with lots of breaks and thoughtful planning throughout the day to support the students while we are testing.

Why does participation matter?

While no single test can give a complete picture of your child’s progress, statewide tests provide educators and administrators with information about what educational approaches are working and where additional resources are needed. Your child’s participation is important to ensure schools and districts receive the targeted resources they need to help all students succeed.

Parents do have the right to opt out of testing. If you are curious about this option please read the document linked below and submit an opt out form.

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