PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ATTACHMENT. I HAVE THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF INFORMATIONAL ARTICLES ON COMMON CORE.
Report cards have been available for viewing since Wednesday. Please print, sign, and return the report or message the teacher via Fast Direct to verify that you have seen it. Contact the office, if you have trouble viewing it or if you want a hard copy.
Parent-teacher conferences will be held on October 29th, 30th, and 31st. Thanks to all who responded so quickly with your request form. You will get a conference schedule in next week’s Friday folder.
Remember that our Market Day fundraiser is a monthly means of income for our school. If you have never ordered, please consider purchasing at least one item every month. You can order and pay online. Pick-up arrangements can be made, especially if the order is pre-paid. Next month is pie month for Market Day. The order forms will be coming home next week. The pies make great desserts for Thanksgiving!
Next week is Red Ribbon Week when our school reinforces the anti-drug and anti-bullying message. Please see the Backpack News for the daily dress-up days. Every student who participates gets a sticker to wear during the day.
We continue to collect dog and cat items for ARF. All students who donate receive a dress down day pass.
KUDO TO
Jonelle Chambers and her many volunteers for a successful Book Fair.
All who have donated auction items.
Athletic Grade Checks
Students who are playing sports will not be eligible to play games, if they have one failing grade. I used the first quarter grades this week. Students with one F will be ineligible for one week. They can regain eligibility at the next grade check. Grade checks are done each Thursday.
COMMON CORE #1
I hope that you have had the chance to view the video I sent via Fast Direct yesterday. If not, please take the time to watch it. It will help you understand the information that will be coming in the next few Principal’s Notes.
First, Common Core refers to the standards that have been adopted by the state of Illinois and 45 other states. These standards are harder and more rigorous than previous standards. They were created with two main purposes. First, the standards are designed to address a continued deficiency in American student test score compared with international students (11th in Reading, 25th in Math, and 20th in Science). The general consensus was that reforms were needed in the US educational system.
These new standards were first suggested by the state governors. The committee included educators, business professionals, and academics. The Dept. of Education agreed with the reforms and offered money to kick start states’ implementation (Race to the Top). Contrary to political advertisements, Common Core is not President Obama’s plan.
Second, Common Core would address our increasingly mobile society, especially among military families. The previous individual state standards had a wide range of competency thanks to No Child Left Behind. States did not want to fail under NCLB, so standards were sometimes lowered. The Illinois standards were above average when compared to all 50 states.
These varied standards caused problems when children relocated to a different state. They could be behind after the move, if they had started school in a lower standard state. Conversely, they could be so far ahead if they moved from a higher standard state that their educational growth would be compromised.
Our school has earned “Recognition” status from the state in part because we match and, many times, exceed the state standards in our curriculum. Our teachers implement a rigorous curriculum designed to help our students achieve success at Illinois public or Catholic high schools. Our graduates who attend the Missouri private schools have also succeeded in their academic challenges.
NEXT WEEK
The difference between standards and curriculum.