We have been working hard with students to practice schoolwide routines and procedures. Ask them how to be a STAR at Thorntown! This week, we will begin recognizing students with STAR Tickets as we catch them doing good around our school. Some of you may have already been surprised when your child got sent to the office with a Shining Moments Pass. These are just some of the ways we celebrate the good going on all around us. Students of the Month are currently be selected for each classroom. These students are honored for Academic Perseverence, Exemplary Behavior, and their Positive Contribution to their class and our school. We know building character is as important as any academic work we do, so we are making an effort to focus on this with students each week.

Community Building - To Start the Day Off Right: Each morning, our school takes the first few minutes to focus on community building. Students are greeted throughout the building by support staff and at the door by their teachers. Our morning announcements contain a Mindful Minute message which focuses on health, wellness, study habits, or character building. This message will launch a conversation or follow up activity in the classroom. We are building relationships with and among our students, and helping them think about their choices each day. We encourage you to continue the conversation at home. With each newsletter, I'll highlight the focus of our Mindful Minutes for that period so you can build on the concept with your child. For these first weeks of school, we have touched on the following topics: How to have a welcoming school, how sleep helps us learn, how movement breaks reset our brains, how exercise fuels our bodies, and how to be safe around our school. This week, we will focus on respect - how we show it to others, our school, and ourselves.

Western Boone Food Pantry: The Western Boone Food Pantry will operate again this year. It is open to all families, regardless of income and operates throughout the school year on the first Thursday of the month. Random numbers are distributed upon arrival at 3:40 PM to determine the order of admittance. Please call if you have questions about this service.

Picture Day: School picture day is this Friday! Be sure to send back your order forms or order online. Students will have photos taken for inclusion in the yearbook, even if you are not ordering.

Mid-Term Time: I don't know how it is possible, but Friday marks the mid-term of this first grading period. However, with Harmony Family Access, you don't have to wait to mid-term to check grades. Teachers post grades each week by Monday. At our house, we have updates sent to us each Tuesday, after teachers have entered grades. It is easy to stay on top of things when I get my text each week. Thank you for checking grades and talking with your children about high expectations and good work habits. It makes all the difference when it comes to making the grade.

MAP Testing: Students have been participating in MAP testing, a computerized test which assesses their literacy and math skills. These assessments are adaptive so we can really hone in on each student's instructional level. In the next couple of weeks, we'll use this data to plan for small group instruction. Students who need support will receive interventions intended to close learning gaps. Students who demonstrate proficiency with grade level work will participate in enrichment activities intended to deepen their learning with targeted skills. Look for assessment reports to come home by the end of September.

August

30 Picture Day

September

2 Labor Day/No School

6 Muffins with Mom (Kindergarten Only)

10 PTO Meeting in Media Center 6:30 PM

25 eLearning Day - Students DO NOT attend this day; assignments posted by 5pm on 9/24

October

4 Grandparents' Day

18 2nd Annual Healthy Minds & Bodies Day and Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser

21-25 Fall Break - No School

29 PTO Meeting in Media Center 3:00 PM