Hoping that everyone is staying healthy and enjoying their weekend. It has certainly been a challenging month for so many in our DHCommunity, and I appreciate everyone's efforts in making the best out of our current situation. The days are getting longer and the warmer temps hopefully will be coming our way in just a handful of weeks.

Quick notes for this week:

1. EARLY RELEASE ON WEDNESDAY/ 12:30 DISMISSAL:

This Wednesday, January 26th, we will have an early release day for students (12:30PM Dismissal). Please note that our staff will be engaged in Professional Development during the afternoon. We will have a bagged lunch option available for students who need it. If students require/ request this lunch option they will bring home a bagged lunch in their backpack. There is no Holden Recreation After School Program on Wednesday.

2. REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26TH AT 4:00PM:

Report Cards will be available via the PowerSchool Parent Portal on Wednesday, January 26th at 4:00PM.

*Please note that grades are not final until Wednesday at 4:00.

A quick note about grading with standards based report cards is below in the 'Important Information' Section for anyone interested.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

"The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."

-Denis Waitley

Wednesday, January 26th:

-12:30 Dismissal/ Professional Development Half-Day

Wednesday, January 26th:

-Report Cards Available via PowerSchool Parent Portal (4:00PM)

Wednesday, February 2nd:

-PTA Food Pantry Donation Day

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Please Note: Dates may be subject to change pending circumstances outside of our control.

PLEASE SEE BELOW BORROWED FROM A COLLEAGUE THAT HOPEFULLY WILL BE HELPFUL FOR ANY FAMILIES UNFAMILIAR WITH THIS GRADING SYSTEM.

What is a standard-based report card?

WRSD uses a standard based report card. Grades on a standard based report card are different from grades on traditional report cards. A traditional report card grades how well the student performs on assignments and tests. Standard-based report cards provide information and feedback to students and their families on the student’s progress towards meeting grade-level standards. This type of reporting is expected to provide more consistency between teachers than traditional report cards because all students are evaluated on the same grade-appropriate skills. In the first two quarters, many standards have just been introduced, so very few children will demonstrate the ability to meet the standards, but as the year progresses students should demonstrate progress in meeting grade-level standards. Early on in the year, there may be many 2s on the report card, which lets you know that your child is making progress towards the standard.

Always, always feel free to contact your child's teacher(s) with any questions, concerns, etc. after viewing your child's report card. We are definitely extremely fortunate to have our awesome DHTeachers supporting our students and working with our families to help all of our Dragons learn and grow as individuals.

The Infamous Bike Example, an analogy by the Quabbin School District, best explains standard-based grading.

Your Goal/ The Standard: To ride a bike by yourself

4. Exceeding the Standard

Wow! You not only ride a bike on your own, but you can pop a wheelie, jump ramps, and perform other bike stunts.

3. Meeting the Standard

Congratulations! You are successfully riding a bike by yourself. (This will only happen when your child can demonstrate mastery of a standard independently.)

2. Progressing Toward the Standard

You are pedaling well and staying upright as long as someone is holding on and giving you a little push. (For the first two quarters, most of our students will be working towards their grade-level standards or riding a bike. Therefore there may be quite a few 2s. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any concerns.)

1. Not Meeting The Standard

You are riding a bike, but using training wheels.

Just a reminder of COVID policies:

• Please remember to complete the COVID self screening tool everyday

• We are continuing to follow the quarantine guidelines developed by the district this year. These guidelines are based on the recommendations of the MA DPH, DOE, and CDC guidelines.

Please see the button below for the PTA Membership/ Contact Form if you are interested in becoming a member!

Also included below is a button to go directly to the PTA Website. Check it out!