Concord Academy Petoskey News
April 2023
Director's Corner
Hello Concord Students and Families,
We hope that you all enjoy your time together over Spring Break! When we return to school on Tuesday, April 4 it will be the start of the fourth quarter which marks a very busy time of year. Spring testing begins, our re-enrollment period occurs, spring concerts, the musical, field trips, prom, graduation, end-of-the-year activities, and planning for next year. This month's newsletter contains lots of important information regarding what's happening, please refer back to it as many times as you may need. We wish you all a fantastic fourth quarter!
Call to Action
We love our charter schools and right now we really need you to share with lawmakers why you do too! We want the Governor's promise to invest in ALL kids to also include all charter school kids. Your voice truly does matter and we really need your help! Please tell our lawmakers that our students deserve an equal foundation allowance and access to the resources outlined in the “MI Kids Back on Track” program. https://bit.ly/24schoolaidbudget
Thank you for being so supportive, we truly appreciate it!
"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." ~Albert Einstein
3rd Quarter Report Cards
April 10: - DK-4 Report Cards will come home in your student's Monday folder.
- 5-12 grades are available on PowerSchool. If you would like a printed copy of your student's Report Card you can request one from the front office. Mrs. Merrill will print one and send it home with your student.
Class of 2024 Fundraisers
SAT/PSAT Testing
- Please make sure your child arrives early, as testing will begin promptly at 8:00 am on Wednesday, April 12 for students in grades 8th-11th.
- Students will need pencils and a calculator. The school will provide a calculator if you do not have one.
Please remember punctuality and attendance are extremely important as there are designated windows of time set aside for each of the different assessments.
It is also important to be sure kids are getting a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast.
- Students in grades 6-7 will meet with Mrs. Bolinger during the morning for a variety of learning activities.
These tests are required by the state and students cannot be excused from testing. Please read this letter for more information from the Michigan State Superintendent on required testing.
M-STEP
The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is a 21st Century computer-based assessment designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards. These standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college.
Please remember punctuality and attendance are extremely important as there are designated windows of time set aside for each of the different assessments.
It is also important to be sure kids are getting a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast.
For additional information, click State Assessment in Michigan: What it is, What it means - And What it Offers.
NWEA
Students in grades DK through 11 will take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAP test. NWEA is a computer-adaptive test, meaning it adapts to your individual child’s needs. These tests measure your child’s growth over time and provide important information about student achievement in reading, language usage, mathematics, and science. Information from NWEA helps teachers know where your child excels and where they need additional support in school.
Please remember punctuality and attendance are extremely important as there are designated windows of time set aside for each of the different assessments.
It is also important to be sure kids are getting a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast.
For additional information, please visit the
Family Toolkit Resource for Parents.
Concord Family Association (CFA)
Looking Ahead to the 2023-2024 School Year
Registration & Roundup
Parents of current DK students are welcome but not required to attend Kindergarten Round-Up. Please see below for more information.
Re-Enrollment Survey
As a School of Choice, we are required to have documentation of re-enrollment for all returning students. We use this information to determine how many new applicants we can accept. Returning students and siblings of current students (with complete, submitted applications) take priority. On Monday, April 3, 2023, this survey was sent via Remind and can also be completed by clicking on the button below. Please complete one for EACH returning child.
CTE and Dual Enrollment for Juniors & Seniors
As a Junior or Senior at Concord next year, you may have the opportunity to participate in career tech classes, or to dual enroll at NCMC. We will have presentations about both of these programs in April but we wanted to send out some information so that you can begin thinking about your future plans.
We have an expansive CTE program in Northern Michigan. These classes generally take you out of the building for 2-3 hours a day and can count as a science or math elective credit. This is an opportunity to learn about and prepare for future careers. Here is the website to explore what courses are available. https://charemisdcareertech.org/
Dual enrollment at NCMC is an exciting opportunity to be exposed to post-secondary education, and to get some college credits out of the way for free! To be eligible, students must exhibit social maturity and personal responsibility and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at Concord. Here is the website for NCMC: https://www.ncmich.edu/
With both programs, we will take into consideration your grades, attendance, and future goals. You will be responsible for your own transportation.
If you have any questions, please reach out. We will let you know the dates for informational meetings on both programs after Spring Break.
Thanks!
Ms. Wagner
lwagner@concordpetoskey.com
Our Mission
We will provide an inspiring and challenging K-12 educational environment conducive to the development of critical and creative thinking through the integration of the fine arts into the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM), utilizing project based instruction and multi-age experiences.
Community Programs and Services
Go Grant for Girls
Connecting Women in Business (CWIB), a Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce group, announces the launch of its Summer 2023 series GO Grants for Girls.
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2023.
GO Grants (Girls Outreach Grants) range from $100 to $600 for girls in grades 5 to 10 in the Char-Em ISD service area of Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties. These grants allow the applicant to pursue a special interest, gain or improve a skill, participate in an outdoor experience and more.
Girls will be required to work with an adult mentor - a relative outside of the immediate family, teacher, youth pastor, social worker, etc. - who will help them fill out and submit the application, and will work with the girl to help her achieve her dream.
Since 2010, 217 girls have received more than $81,000 in GO Grants!
An informational sheet and the application can be found on the chamber website at http://www.petoskeychamber.com/connecting-women-in-business.
Please call (231) 347-4150 or email Lisa Hoyt at the Petoskey Chamber lisa@petoskeychamber.com with any questions.
