Get ready for April – it's already here! The sunshine and spring breezes mean the spring wiggles are definitely upon us! This month brings a welcome break with spring respite, and also an opportunity for our students to demonstrate all they've learned through the PSSA. We know standardized tests can bring on a mix of feelings, so let's work together to build their confidence and help them see the PSSA as a chance to shine. Remember, their brilliance goes far beyond a test score! Let's all rally around the motto: "Do your best, don't stress the test!"

This is also the season when we begin planning for next year. One key tool that the School District of Philadelphia uses the Philly School Experience Survey to collect stakeholder feedback. We want to beat last year's response rate of less than 10%. Feedback is always a gift, so I thank you for your time in completing the survey linked here.

Check out some highlights from this month with the pictures below.

Naglieri Nonverbal Assessment Test (NNAT)

The School District of Philadelphia approved the purchase of the Naglieri Nonverbal Assessment Test (NNAT) which will be administered to all 2nd graders beginning spring of 2017 to present. This document will help you understand what the NNAT is and how it will be used to support your child’s education.

What is the Naglieri Nonverbal Assessment Test(NNAT)?

The NNAT is a nonverbal assessment that uses visual information such as shape puzzles and patterns rather than words to evaluate specific skills. There is no reading or speaking required. A nonverbal assessment will evaluate your child’s ability to analyze and solve complex problems without relying upon or being limited to language or reading abilities.

How will the information be used?

The information from the NNAT will be used to help teachers gain a more complete profile of your child’s abilities; abilities that may have been masked by other factors such as language. It will help all of the educators working with your child to identify the best ways your child learns. A copy of your child’s report will be made available to you at your child’s school.

Does this test determine if my child is gifted?

No. The NNAT alone will not determine who is or is not gifted. Students who score in the higher range on the NNAT may or may not be gifted. Similarly, students who do not score as well may also be gifted. The NNAT has shown to be an excellent indicator of potentially or emerging gifted students. It will become part of your child’s data profile and will contribute to a gifted review.

What does the test involve?

The test takes 30 minutes and is taken online. The 38 items are a series of different types of puzzles and patterns. Children analyze the puzzle or pattern and click on the missing picture. Students will take it as a group.

How may I best help my child?

The NNAT is not a traditional test. It is about solving puzzles. If your child has not had a lot of experience with puzzles and patterns, letting them practice and learn how to solve them is the best preparation.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Questions regarding your child’s test and scores, please contact your child’s teacher.

Questions regarding the Naglieri assessment, please contact assessment@philasd.org.

Please see the dates for testing below. Stay tuned for more information later this month.

Your student will be participating in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), a state-mandated standardized assessment on April 21- May 9, 2025. The details below and the documents attached provide important information and policies, so please take a few minutes to review them.

School Policy on Electronic Devices

As explained in the Electronic Devices Parent Letter, all unapproved electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, etc.) and other communication devices will not be allowed during the test administration. For purposes of the Keystone/PSSA administrations, PDE no longer distinguishes between possessing and using an unapproved electronic device. Electronic devices are not allowed during testing.

• A student observed actively engaged with an unapproved electronic device is defined as using the device.

• A student not observed using the unapproved electronic device, but in possession of an unapproved electronic device or found to have placed the unapproved electronic device where the student could easily access it, is considered the same as using an unapproved electronic device.

• An electronic device anywhere else in the room where a student cannot access it (e.g., in a backpack in the back of the room) should not be considered possession.

The following actions will be taken if a student is found in possession of and/or using an electronic device during testing:

• school personnel will determine if it was used to compromise the security or integrity of the test

• students that violate the ban on cell phones and other electronic devices, but did not compromise security/integrity, will be disciplined with up to an in- school suspension

• students that violate the ban on cell phones and other electronic devices, and did compromise security/integrity, will be disciplined with up to an out of school suspension

• a "Do Not Score" label will be applied to his/her answer booklet and the student will either have to retake the test from the beginning or not receive a score

• the phone or communication device will be confiscated until such time that you come to the school. In your presence, the cell phone or other device will be viewed to ensure that it contains no information or material about the assessment

• if items on an assessment are compromised, they will have to be replaced. Parents and students may be responsible for the cost of replacing the items

Please review the above policies carefully and discuss them with your student. As always, we expect your full cooperation in this important matter. If you have questions on any of the included documents or cell phone policy, please contact Mrs. Coyne or Mrs. Ware.

As our budget season concludes, I want to share the decisions and restructuring plans for the upcoming school year. These changes are a direct result of the thoughtful input we received from all our stakeholders – staff, parents, and students – combined with the data analysis conducted by our dedicated school planning team. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these decisions, and I want to thank everyone who participated in the staff meeting discussions, surveys, SAC and Caregiver Cafe sessions, and student surveys.

Trends in Feedback:

Our feedback consistently highlighted several key areas:

• Climate: There was a clear need for improved school climate, including consistent staffing, a dedicated climate leader to bridge classroom and climate concerns, and more explicit instruction in conflict management. Stakeholders also expressed a desire for additional support with Community Meetings and leveraging our district Relationships First Coach, alongside a research-based SEL program that aligns with our existing positive incentives (7 Mindsets).

• Preparing Students for their Future: Feedback emphasized the importance of providing diverse opportunities for students to gain experiences that will prepare them for future pathways. Specific concerns were raised around the need for financial literacy, digital literacy, and coding skills, as well as ensuring students have experiences that will aid them in high school and college selection.

• Love of Extracurriculars: There was strong support for maintaining and continuing our out-of-school time activities and existing partnerships.

Budget Season Decisions:

Based on this valuable feedback, we have made the following decisions regarding our budget and school structure for the upcoming year:

Core Class Restructuring:

We are committed to the successful implementation of our new reading curriculum (implemented this year), math curriculum (implemented two years ago), and the upcoming district-purchased science curriculum, Amplify. To support this, we are making the following adjustments:

• 3rd Grade: We will be departmentalizing into four teaching roles: Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies/Writing.

• 4th Grade: We will also departmentalize 4th grade into three sections, each with the same four teaching roles as 3rd grade: Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies/Writing.

• 3rd and 4th Grade Scheduling: 3rd and 4th grade will follow an A/B day schedule, alternating between Science one day and Social Studies/Writing the next.

• 5th Grade: 5th grade will continue with two classes: Math/Science and ELA/Social Studies.

• Middle School Academy: Our Middle School Academy will transition to a true middle school model with dedicated subject teachers:

• 6-8 Social Studies Teacher

• 6-8 Science Teacher

• ELA 6th/7th Grade Teacher

• ELA 7th/8th Grade Teacher

• 6th/7th Grade Math Teacher

• 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher

Climate Multi-Tier Approach:

Addressing the concerns around school climate is a top priority. We will be implementing a multi-tiered approach:

• Dean of Students as Climate Lead: We are allocating a fully released teacher to serve as our Dean of Students and lead our climate initiatives. This individual will be responsible for implementing positive incentives, facilitating circles and community meetings, and managing consequence systems. They will also oversee a safe lunch and recess environment.

• Coverage of Unstructured Spaces: Our climate staff will operate in two shifts: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. This schedule ensures overlap during lunch and recess, providing consistent support during these times, as well as coverage before and after school (admissions, dismissal).

• SEL Class Implementation: To address classrooms with challenging climate, we will be implementing an evidence-based curriculum, the 7 Mindsets.

Essentials:

Based on the trends and survey feedback, we have made the following decisions regarding our Essentials program:

• Drama and Music Partnership: We will be restructuring our drama program to continue our partnership with the Walnut Street Theater. We will also continue our musical program as an after-school activity, allocating additional funds to support both these valuable programs.

• Maintaining and Adding Essentials: We will be maintaining our STEM offering and, based on strong feedback, adding SEL and BCIT (Business, Computers, Technology) as part of our Essentials rotation alongside Art & PE.

We believe these changes will strengthen our core academic program, enhance our school climate, and provide valuable opportunities for our students to explore their interests and develop essential skills.

Dear Familea,

Thanks for your help in continuing to keep everyone healthy at Lea and your collaboration with the school nurse and the health office. WIshing everyone a great and healthy month. Please see some updates and reminders:

• As the warm weather/pollen exposure rises so can our allergies, asthma, skin issues, etc. Please make sure you have discussed your child's health plan with the school nurse and provided the necessary medications, documents, and doctor's orders to give medicine at school as applicable. With your consent, as your school nurse I am happy to assist in calling your child's doctor/health care provider to help advocate with this process.
• If you have any questions or need help with finding resources for dental care, primary care, sports injuries, any health and wellness resource, please feel free to reach out.
• School Nurse has completed the following mandatory health screenings thus far: 81% of vision, 81% of growth, 46% of hearing, and 56% of Scoliosis screenings thus far. The goal is 100% and I hope to reach that soon with collaboration. Please reach out if you have any questions.
• State required vaccines are needed for school attendance for entry into Kindergarten and 7th grade. If your child falls under this category, please discuss with your health care provider of your individual child's needs and concerns. The students will not be able to attend if proper documentation is not provided in advance. Please see state required vaccines for K-12th grade below.

Ways to reach your school nurse:

• Come to the health office anytime from 9am-9:15am
• Call 215-400-7660 and select the option for the nurse.
• Email the nurse at schadha@philasd.org
• Leave the documents directly in the nurse mailbox in the main office

with gratitude,

Nurse Chadha

Immunizations:

For Attendance in All Grades (K – 12)

• *Diphtheria, Tetanus, & acellular Pertussis (DTap) 5 doses
• **Polio (IPV) 4 doses
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) 2 doses
• Hepatitis B (HepB) 3 doses
• Varicella (VZV) 2 doses

For Attendance in 7th Grade

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, & acellular Pertussis (Tdap) 1 dose
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) 1 dose

Next HSA meeting at 7:00 pm at https://tinyurl.com/LeaHSA.

This month will be our Spring Title I presentation & Penn-Lea Budget conversation.

If any students would like to write the "Diversity is our Strength" shout-outs in the morning announcements, please submit their writing in Ms. Cesarini's mailbox or at this link.

• Vamos Juntos

• The Welcoming Center

• HIAS Pennsylvania

Check our Library Schedule to see when your child’s class visits the library, and please remind your child to bring their books back to school every 2 weeks so they can return their books and check out new ones

• The PennSmiles Mobile Dental Clinic from the Penn School of Dental Medicine provides complete dental care for every child at Henry C. Lea School whose family completes and submits a PennSmiles permission form.
• Permission forms have been sent home with each child through their homeroom classes, and can also be found outside the Health Office (Nurse's Office, Room 123) or in the Main Office. The parent/guardian of the student must fill out, sign, and return the permission form to their child’s homeroom teacher, the Lea school nurse, or the nurse's mailbox in the Main Office. Once PennSmiles has received the permission form, they will see the student the next time the PennSmile mobile clinic visits the school.
• Contact Nurse Chadha (schadha@philasd.org) or Lea’s Family and Community Committee (lea.fac.committee@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

If you have any questions about partner programming, please contact our Director of Community Partnerships, Rich Liuzzi (rjliuzzi@gse.upenn.edu, lea.partner.coordinator@gmail.com).

Lea Academic Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/lea-academic-calendar-24-25

The Lea Academic Calendar is a Google document for sharing scheduling information for Henry C. Lea School, the School District of Philadelphia, and Lea partner programs with Lea students, families, staff, and partners. This calendar outlines each month of the academic year, and is best used for long-term planning, such as checking what is happening at Lea over the course of the upcoming weeks and months.

Lea Family Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/lea-family-calendar

The Lea Family Calendar is an online Google Calendar for sharing scheduling information for Henry C. Lea School, the School District of Philadelphia, and Lea partner programs with Lea students, families, staff, and partners. This calendar is updated regularly and is best used for short-term planning, such as checking what is happening at Lea during the current school day or week.

Henry C. Lea Elementary

Asst. Principal: Jason Benfield

Climate Manager: Nicole Walker

Main Office: Ms. Baxter, 215-400-7660

Location: 4700 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139