Bird's Word for October 3, 2024
Achievement for all students is a top priority for us at Falcon Heights Elementary and for Roseville Area Schools. We seek to be in partnership with families in the education of all students. It is through a commitment to take your child/ren from where they are academically, socially, emotionally, physically and move them forward to becoming the best of who they can be today and into tomorrow. We believe this is possible through hard work and dedication of our students, families and staff everyday. Falcon Heights is a place of tremendous learning. As a school we are committed to creating a learning environment where all students can achieve everyday.
Our School Improvement Goals for this year are:
Literacy - The percentage of all students in grades K-6 at Falcon Heights school who are in the “low risk” or "college pathway" categories on the Fastbridge earlyReading/aReading standardized assessments will increase from 75.7% in the 2024 end of year window to 78.1% in the 2025 end of year window.
Math - The percentage of all students in grades 2-6 at Falcon Heights school who are in the “low risk” or "college pathway" categories on the Fastbridge aMath standardized assessments will increase from 85.8% in the 2024 end of year window to 87.2% in the 2025 end of year window.
School Culture - By May of 2025, all classroom teachers will have implemented 8 SEL lessons each month.
As part of our commitment to a positive learning environment, we practice the Falcon Way and work on creating spaces that all students feel they belong. Each classroom participates in weekly Social Emotional Learning lessons and activities. There are a variety of resources that our staff utilize such as Second Steps, Class Dojos, and Be Good People. We also have a handful of friendship groups that Ms. Natalee, School Social Worker, will run.
FAST (Fastbridge) - Formative Assessment System for Teachers
All students will participate in formative assessments in reading and math several times during the year. Teachers will use the data to inform their instruction as well as identify needs for intervention and enrichment.
Parent Drop Off & Pick Up Reminders
Those ten minutes at parent drop off and pick up at the east entrance are busy times! To help keep the traffic flowing smoothly, please pull all the way up around the circle drive and stay in your car. Have your child(ren) exit on the right side of the car, where there are staff to help open and close doors and assist them getting everything out. When they are out, keep traffic moving so the next car can drop off their child(ren). Thanks for your cooperation!
Application for Educational Benefits
Our school offers healthy meals each day. We are continuing the Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Additional items such as extra milk, entrees or meals (Breakfast- $2.25, Lunch-$4.95) will need to be purchased. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help our schools to fund resources such as paraprofessionals, social workers, reducing class sizes, discounts on fees for activities to name a few. Every household is encouraged to complete the application. Apply online using the qr code.
CogAT Testing for Students in Grades 2 and 4
All students in grades 2 and 4 will take the Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®). This test helps us identify students' strengths in reasoning and problem-solving, and if they need advanced academic opportunities.
The testing will take place from late October to November, over three different days.
CogAT evaluates students’ reasoning abilities in three areas:
Verbal → Using words for reasoning and problem-solving
Quantitative → Using numbers and patterns for reasoning and problem-solving
Nonverbal→ Using shapes and figures for reasoning and problem-solving
Teachers will guide students through practice problems to prepare them for questions they will see on the test. Families can support their children by making sure they get enough sleep and encouraging them to do their best.
We will use the test results to understand your child’s strengths and needs for advanced learning. Families will receive CogAT results in February.
If you don’t want your child to take the test, please fill out this form and return it to the classroom teacher by October 16.
If you have any questions about CogAT testing, please contact Trina Hira at trina.hira@isd623.org.
Pruebas CogAT para estudiantes en los grados 2 y 4
Todos los estudiantes en los grados 2 y 4 toman la Prueba de Habilidades Cognitivas™ (CogAT®). Esta prueba nos ayuda a identificar las fortalezas de los estudiantes en el razonamiento y la resolución de problemas, y si necesitan oportunidades académicas avanzadas.
Las pruebas se llevarán a cabo desde finales de octubre hasta noviembre, en tres días diferentes.
CogAT evalúa las habilidades de razonamiento de los estudiantes en tres áreas:
Verbal → Usar palabras para razonar y resolver problemas.
Cuantitativo → Usar números y patrones para razonar y resolver problemas
No verbal → Usar formas y figuras para razonar y resolver problemas
Los maestros guiarán a los estudiantes a través de problemas de práctica para prepararlos para las preguntas que verán en el examen. Las familias pueden apoyar a sus hijos asegurándose de que duerman lo suficiente y animándolos a hacer lo mejor que puedan.
Usaremos los resultados de las pruebas para comprender las fortalezas y necesidades de aprendizaje avanzado de su hijo. Las familias recibirán los resultados de CogAT en febrero.
Si no desea que su hijo tome el examen, complete este formulario y devuélvalo al maestro del salón de clases antes del 16 de octubre.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre las pruebas CogAT, comuníquese con Trina Hira al trina.hira@isd623.org.
