January Newsletter

As we look back on the first semester, I am amazed at how quickly it has flown by.  It is hard to imagine that it is over and the second semester is already upon us.  Throughout the first semester, we have assessed our students, both formally and informally.  This testing was and is used to evaluate the students’ strengths and weakness so we can provide the best instruction for each individual student. With the Kansas State Assessments being a month away, our teachers will begin preparing our students for the assessment.  Students in grades 3-6 will be tested in reading and math.  Along with students in 4^th grade will be tested in Science and 6^th grade in social studies. In the coming weeks, I would like for you as parents to sit down with your children and discuss the state assessments and how important they are to their education.  Also, please visit with them about personal goals and how they would like to do on the test.  This will help them achieve their best and reach their fullest potential.

Still on the subject of testing, our district will be offering a time for parents to learn more about state standards and the Kansas State Assessment on January 30.  The meeting will be in the MacArthur Elementary Auditorium at 6pm.  Please consider coming to this meeting, as it will have tons of pertinent information.

Please make sure your children come to school wearing clothing that is warm enough to spend time outside before school and during recess.  We will go out for recess unless the temperature or wind chill outside drops below 20 degrees.  We will stay inside if it is raining, snowing, and/or if there is snow/ice on the playground.  I will always try to error on the side of caution and safety for students.  If school officials feel a student does not have proper clothing to be outside for recess because of current weather conditions or temperature, the student will stay in the building.

Important Dates

January 7^th: Grade Cards go home

January 16^th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

January 18^th: Site Council Meeting

January 30^th: SOAR Meeting @ MacArthur

If you would like to volunteer at school please let your teacher know.  You will need to fill out the paperwork to have a background check through ACS. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime.  You can reach me by e-mail: jernst@usd207.org or on the phone at 913-651-6915.