
Elementary Essentials πΌ
March 27, 2025
SCOPE & SEQUENCE AND PACING GUIDES
The Scope and Sequence Committee met for the first time on March 12. We spent time reviewing the survey data that teachers provided to us, our High-Quality Instructional Materials, and discussed ways to create documents that are helpful to teachers. Our next meeting is April 2. Scope & Sequence and 1st quarter pacing guides will be available on the ELA website sometime in April.
WIT & WISDOM
Writing Samples
Teachers will provide a writing sample from the Module 2, End-of-Module (EOM) Task. Each grade level will submit one sample of a βtypicalβ piece of writing to represent their grade level (use the rubric associated with the EOM task for guidance). The EOM Rubric has four category ratings: 4 = Exceeds expectations, 3 = Meets expectations, 2 = Partially meets expectations, 1 = Does not meet expectations. Grade levels should select a paper that scores a 3 on the rubric.
This will give us a baseline for the writing development of our students and some exemplars that could be used next year for the success criteria of the EOM task.
Writing sample links for submission are below. Please upload one writing sample from your grade level that represents a typical writer (score of 3 on the EOM task).
Please scan multiple pages into one document. Label the submission with the school name. The deadline to upload the samples is April 11.
Module 4 Workbooks
Module 4 workbooks are available to order from DSF through March 28. Remember, these workbooks will not be automatically sent to you. The pacing guides do not require you to teach Module 4, but some teachers have expressed an interest in exploring the units so we wanted to make the workbooks available.
Note: 4th grade should have already received Module 4 workbooks through school mail.
Calling Passionate Teacher Leaders!
We are looking for dedicated teacher leaders who have been actively engaged in Schema-Based Instruction (SBI) and MTSS Math to support and strengthen our practices and capacities district-wide. Your expertise and insights are invaluable in strengthening instructional practices, fostering student success, and driving meaningful collaboration.
If you have been deeply involved in SBI and MTSS Math and are interested in making an impact beyond your classroom, weβd love to connect with you! Please reach out to Kelly Ulmer kjulmer@olatheschools.org
Math KAP
Assessment Window March 24- April 25 .
As we prepare for our Kansas Math Assessments, I want to ensure you have access to the following information. First, students in 4th and 5th grades are permitted to use the updated resource pages. You can also find a link below which lists all allowable KAP resources and manipulatives. It is recommended that students actively use the KAP resource page and the allowable manipulatives throughout the year so that they are familiar and helpful resources they may select to use during state assessments.
There is often confusion which we would like to clarify. Labeled hundreds charts ARE allowed; however, labeled multiplication charts ARE NOT allowed. π
3rd Grade β No KAP Resource Page
4th Grade Resource Page
5th Grade Resource Page
Allowable Resources/Manipulatives for ALL students
We recognize the importance and significance of our state math assessments. We want to thank YOU for all of the intentional opportunities, supports, and preparation you have given our Olathe students in learning and mastering their grade level standards!
QBA Data for Quarter 3
The Quarter 3 QBA window closed on Thursday, March 13. Earlier this week, Instructional Coaches emailed out Quarter 3 QBA questions by grade level. Data has been shared with your administrator(s) and instructional coach, who will provide access for you to analyze using the QBA protocol during your grade-level PLC. Please reach out to Spencer Brown with questions.
Teacher Feedback for Grade Level Pacing Guide
At the bottom of your grade-level math page in our Math SharePoint, you'll find a blue button labeled "Teacher Feedback for Pacing Guide." If you have any specific feedback as we prepare next yearβs pacing guides, please click the button and share your recommendations. Your input is valuable, and our committee will carefully consider your suggestions. Thank you for your time and insight!
KSDE Science March Newsletter
A few things to look for in this monthβs newsletter:
- Summative Assessment Window is open for 5th, 8th, and 11th grades
- KAP Standard Setting this summer (paid opportunity!) β if interested fill out this interest survey by March 31.
- Free professional learning opportunities!
- Virtual βbook study without a bookβ starting this week! Attending and receiving a PD certificate is free. Up to 2 hours of college credit is available at $80/credit hour. For more information and registration click here!
- State-wide science professional learning kicks off in April and goes through July. This professional learning is free and includes free 0.5 hours college credit. To see dates and locations click here!
Link to the newsletter: https://sites.google.com/ksde.org/ksdestemnewsletter/science/25-march
Hello Teachers!
I hope you had an amazing spring break! Please check out the 2024-25 social studies newsletter for important social studies related items.
2025 History Teacher of the Year
Consider nominating one of your rockstar colleagues for the 2025 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year Award. Nominations are due by April 30.
FREE 2025 Educator Summer Institute
Applications are due this Friday, March 31, for The National WWI Museum and Memorial Educator Summit (Grades 4-12) in July. To learn more and apply check out their website.
Revitalize Olathe Summer Conference 2025
Summer Conference has undergone some fresh and exciting changes. Along with two full days of learning at Olathe Northwest, a third day of learning can occur during a one-week window via virtual and self-paced options! Also, you will get a free t-shirt with registration, lunch options and drawings for prizes, too! College credit options are available. Click HERE to register. We have some awesome things happening in classrooms, so consider sharing your expertise with other area educators by submitting a presentation proposal.
Thank you for being AMAZING!