Parent/Teacher Conference Guide

Hello SGCS families,

We are looking forward to the opportunity to meet with all of you during Parent/Teacher conferences this week. Conferences will be held this Wednesday October 16, and Thursday, October 17. If you're wondering what time your child(ren)'s conference is, please email the teacher.

Since the end of the Trimester isn't until November 8, you will not review and receive your child(ren)'s report card at the conference. You will receive an update on their academic and social progress, and data from recent assessments. If your child is in 4th-6th grade, you will get a copy of their AK STAR results (see below).

If you have questions, don't hestistate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you all later in the week!

In partnership,

Stacy Diouf

SGCS Principal

907-796-5075

As part of our efforts to work in partnership with families, we have a school compact emonstarting our mutual commitment to support our students. These were distributed at Open House and will be available at conferences also. Take a look and discuss it with your child(ren).

You may remember your student taking the AK STAR summative assessment last spring.

The Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR) is Alaska’s state assessment for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. In spring of 2024, AK STAR was administered to students in grades three to nine. AK STAR provides an opportunity for students to show what they know and can do related to Alaska’s ELA and mathematics standards, which were adopted in June 2012. For the second year, AK STAR also included a growth component, similar to the MAP Growth interim assessments many districts administer in fall and winter. This growth component provided a RIT score and growth percentiles. This approach allows a student to take just one test but receive both a RIT score and a summative score.

AK STAR results are a necessary component of making data-informed decisions for students, families, teachers, administrators, district leadership, and policy makers:

• For our students and families, assessment results can help determine strengths and challenges, and how to utilize both to continue academic growth.
• For our teachers and school administrators, assessment results can help evaluate progress, find areas for improvement, and focus on what students need most.
• For our policymakers and district leadership, assessment results can ensure resources are

allocated to the most vital areas of need.

The student results from these tests are now available and will be available at Parent/Teacher conferences October 16-17.

Teachers at your school can help you understand the report if you have questions. In addition, the Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) has published a Family Guide for your use. The Guide can be found on DEED’s assessment webpage (education.alaska.gov/assessments).