CGB Elementary News
September 30, 2022
The school year is off to a great start. I am truly blessed to work with so many great staff at CGB Schools. The district has done great work hiring some great new teachers and staff. I am mostly blessed to get to see such great kids each and every day. The smiles, laughter, and excitement for school truly makes our days as educators. We are thankful to all parents and families for supporting their learning each and every day.
The first 6 weeks of the school year is the most important time for students. It takes great energy from teachers to establish the routines and procedures in the first 6 weeks. It generally takes 6 weeks for this to happen and is continued to be practiced throughout the year. Parents, you may recognize that some off these changes of routines at home with school can take some time as well. Once October arrives we know we are close to those routines and learning begins to thrive. Thank you for your great support in making this a great school year!
P.A.W.S.
We have some exciting plans starting in October for recognizing positive behavior. You will start seeing PAWS tickets come home with your students. This will replace our monthly star student program. We are excited to begin this work to help recognize students working hard, accepting and respecting others, and making wise and safe choices. Any staff that recognizes a student doing something positive in the building will hand out these tickets to students. Students will be entered into a drawing for a weekly and monthly prize. Students will be able to bring these blue PAWS tickets home.
Literacy
1) Phonemic awareness
Phonemic awareness is all related to "sound" and language and is the foundation of reading. This is something that students start learning at the beginning of their life as babies begin to hear and identify sounds.
2) Phonics
We use an outstanding phonics program called Fundations. Phonics essentially matches sounds with symbols. Phonics also helps students sound out and blend words.
3) Fluency
Fluency consists of speed, accuracy, and expression of reading. Speed affects comprehension and comprehension may determine the speed of a student reading. Oral fluency and silent reading "fluency" is also a factor.
4) Vocabulary
Words, words, words. These words help readers to understand ideas and concepts.
5) Comprehension
Comprehension has to do with understanding what is read. Comprehension of non-fiction and fiction reading is much different and requires different strategies. Background knowledge plays a huge part in comprehension and one of the main benefits of reading to children at home - they learn so much background knowledge that supports reading development.
What is ADSIS?
What is ADSIS?
ADSIS stands for Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instruction Services.
What is the purpose of the ADSIS program?
The purpose of the ADSIS program is to provide supplemental instruction to students who need additional academic support to succeed in the general education environment. The goal is to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to special education by providing proactive instructional supports early to struggling students. We currently provide ADSIS students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
How do students qualify for the ADSIS program?
At CGB Elementary, students take reading and math assessments using FastBridge in September, January, and May of each school year. We review those results and identify students whose scores indicate they would benefit from additional academic support in reading and/or math. Upon parent approval, the students receive evidence-based interventions for 20-25 minutes each day in the applicable subject area. We monitor each student’s progress to ensure that the interventions are improving their reading and/or math skills.
Are the results from Star Reading and Star Math assessments used in conjunction with ADSIS services?
While we review the results from Star Reading and Star Math assessments and consider them in the students’ overall academic picture, we do not use Star results to make any qualifying decisions. Our ADSIS application with Minnesota’s Department of Education states that we will use only FastBridge results for such decisions.
Thank you to Mrs. Costello for such great work helping all of our students and for adding the information above.
Custodian Appreciation Day
Nate
Tara
Bus Safety
Homecoming Buttons for sale on Oct. 4
Homecoming week schedule change on Oct. 7
Homecoming Coronation will be held on Sunday, October 2 at 7pm. There is a bonfire scheduled following coronation at the high school.
Great article on the fascinating brain of 2 year olds
ECFE
The November event is scheduled for November 22.
If you have questions please contact Heidi Basta at hbasta@graceville.k12.mn.us
Social Worker
Safety and Security
Mr. Huselid
Elementary Principal
320-325-5224, Ext. 211
Email: jhuselid@graceville.k12.mn.us
Location: 601 1st Street, Clinton, MN, USA
Phone: 320-325-5224