The Walden Weekly

It was a beautiful week at Walden School! Even with no school on Thursday, students made the most of this week of learning. We can't believe we are now in the month of October! On Wednesday, many students chose to walk to school for International Walk to School Day! It was great seeing students getting some steps in before the day began and enjoying the outdoors!

It's been another wonderful week and we're looking forward to the many wonderful happenings in October like the Scholastic Book Fair and Parent-Teacher Conferences!

Have a great weekend!

- Stephanie Strenger

It is very important that we have the most up-to-date health information for your child. There are some important deadlines coming up soon.

PHYSICALS: All new students, Early Learners, kindergarteners, and 6th graders must have an updated health form on file by October 15th, or they will be excluded from school.

EYE EXAMS: Kindergarteners and new students must have an updated eye exam on file by October 15th, or they will be excluded from school.

DENTAL EXAM: All new students, kindergarteners, 2nd graders, and 6th graders must have an updated dental exam on file by May 15th of this school year.

Get more information by clicking here.

District 109 offers all students exposure to a rigorous sequence of mathematical concepts. Teachers and teams consistently review trends in student achievement data, as well as educational research on best practices in math instruction. In fact, many 109 graduates complete Algebra 1 or Geometry before transitioning to Deerfield High School.

In grades K-4, the focus is on mastery of both procedural and conceptual skills in mathematics. Having a strong foundation is vital for all students. Extensions and remediation are available through differentiated instruction in the core classroom. At the conclusion of 4th grade, student data, skills, and learning behaviors are closely analyzed for placement into math pathways (see image here).

The most accelerated pathway, called the Geometry Pathway, prepares students to complete Geometry by the end of 8th grade. This will set them up to enter into Algebra II as a freshman with the potential of Multivariable Calculus as a senior. As you likely suspect, this pathway moves at a much quicker pace and involves both compacting and acceleration of standards. Entrance and retention into the Geometry Pathway is revisited at the conclusion of 5th and 6th grade.

It is most important that students are enrolled in a math course that supports their success. If not enrolled in the Geometry Pathway, all students still have the opportunity to take a sequence of courses that prepares them for Geometry as a freshman and Calculus as a senior.

Evaluation for the Geometry Pathway begins in the month of May. Criteria for entrance into Geometry Pathway has been established based on the profile of students who have seen long-term success in previous years. Criteria for placement is as follows:

• Consistent performance at or above the 95th percentile (nationally) on NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math. Students will begin the spring MAP assessment the week of May 1st.

• If meeting the criteria above, 4th grade students will take a math assessment to show proficiency of 5th grade standards. 5th grade students will take an Algebra Readiness Assessment. This step in the process will occur the week of May 6th.

• Student performance on pre/post assessments, mastery of standards, and habits of success have been historically strong. Students in the Geometry Pathway have typically exceeded expectations on grade-level standards.

In late May or early June, families of students placed in the Geometry pathway will be notified. If you have additional questions about the process, please contact me. You can also reach out to Sarah Hogan (shogan@dps109.org), Math Curriculum Specialist, or Danielle Arnold (darnold@dps109.org), Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.

Please join us on October 29th at 6:30pm at Caruso Middle School for a screening of the documentary, Chasing Childhood. This is a 2020 film that promotes the "free play" movement for children. This film is a great next step for families who are curious about learning more about the ideas in the Anxious Generation. The date/time are still tentative.