Baltz Bulletin - Family Edition

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Believing...Achieving...Learning...Team Building...with Zeal! We are BALTZ!

This year's theme is Ready. Set. Grow! We will focus growing student achievement through a dedicated approach to equity and many other ways that our students can take actions to be safe, be kind, and be on-task!

Dear Baltz families,

This week, we have several exciting updates and reminders:

• Thank you to our fourth and fifth grade families whose students participated in the band, orchestra, and chorus concert last week—the students did an amazing job, and it was wonderful to see everyone who came out to support them!

• On Wednesday evening, we are excited to host a special Bear's Den meeting. Our I-Ready representative will be coming to Baltz to speak about the I-Ready Diagnostic, and to support our families with interpreting the Diagnostic Reports and navigating the Family Portal. Please note that students in 2-5 take the I-Ready assessment three times during the year. K/1 families will definitely benefit from participating to receive background information regarding I-Ready. Refreshments will be served. Please be on the lookout for a Google registration form that will be sent out tomorrow to RSVP.

Access Testing begins tomorrow and continues through March 7. In addition, our 3rd graders will be taking the Math IAB Assessment on Friday.

We are accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year! This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize an outstanding educator who has made a difference in the lives of our students. Please consider submitting a nomination.

It's hard to believe that we are beginning the 3rd Marking Period! Time sure does fly when we are learning and growing with the Baltz Bears!

Wishing everyone a happy and productive week!

Thank you for your continued partnership!

With gratitude,

Ms. Gallagher, Mrs. Palma and Mr. Wright

Teacher of the Year Nominations Are Now Being Accepted Through February 4 - See the Link Below!

Monday, January 27 - The 3rd Marking Period Commences! Access testing begins (and the window is open through March 7)

Wednesday, January 29th - Bear's Den - 5:30 PM - I-Ready Family Information Night - see info. above

Friday, January 31 - 3rd graders take Math IAB assessment

February 3-February 7 - National School Counseling Week

February 7 - MP3 Report Cards Release

2025-26 TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Nominate an Inspiring Educator Today! Is there a teacher in Red Clay who has made a lasting impact on your life or the lives of students? Now is the time to recognize their incredible dedication and passion! Nominate your favorite educator for the 2025-2026 Red Clay Teacher of the Year award and help celebrate the extraordinary difference they are making in our schools.

We invite students, parents, staff, and community members to nominate one or more of our exceptional, dynamic teachers who inspire and motivate every day. Let’s show them the appreciation they deserve!

For more information, see the nomination form and the Eligibility Criteria. Nominations close on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Teacher of the Year Nomination Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZ3t66BjDgYEiTSUdvWLLCadoN1v8MLSY9h1Gfq4SrsAq8Ew/viewform

#TOY

#RemarkableRedClay

We want to remind you to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in our system. Keeping your details accurate helps us stay connected with you, especially during the winter season when weather-related updates or emergency alerts may be needed.

Please take a moment to review and update your contact information with your child’s school to ensure you receive timely notifications throughout the winter months.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for being an important part of our Red Clay community!

It is recommended that all students have a full set of extra clothes on hand at school. The nurse office has some extra items for emergencies, but please launder and return all borrowed clothing. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

Please call us if you need help with attendance. We will do our best to listen and partner with you so that our children have a successful year! We are working to make our school environment a place where everyone can be safe, healthy and learning. Review the Attendance Matters flyers posted below to learn why daily attendance at school is so important for your child/children. We ask our families to do their best to ensure that students are on time each day, and that early dismissals are limited to emergencies only. Students are engaged in class instruction until 3:45 PM daily. Please use the Red Clay calendar posted below to assist with planning during days off/vacation. Thank you for your support.

The second Diagnostic is an important benchmark for understanding your student’s growth, which is why it’s so important they try their best. These results allow us to better support them in achieving their goals for the year.

The most important thing we can do is prepare students and motivate them to put forth their best effort.

Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:

· Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the Diagnostic!

· Talk to your student about why the second Diagnostic is important. You can say things like:

o The second Diagnostic helps you find out how much progress you’ve made since the beginning of the year.

o It allows your teacher and I to celebrate your accomplishments!

o Try your best, and do not rush—but don’t spend too much time on a question either.

o Remember, questions on the Diagnostic change based on your answers to earlier questions. You will see some questions you don’t know. That is okay! Just try your best.

· Let them know you’re excited to celebrate their progress.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s learning.

La segunda evaluación diagnóstica es un punto de referencia clave para comprender el progreso de su estudiante, por eso es muy importante que lo haga lo mejor posible. Estos resultados nos permiten apoyarlo mejor para que logre sus objetivos de crecimiento para el año.

Lo más importante que podemos hacer es preparar y motivar a los estudiantes para que se esfuercen al máximo.

Estas son algunas cosas que usted puede hacer para ayudar a su estudiante:

· ¡Asegúrese de que descansa y duerme las horas suficientes la noche antes de hacer la evaluación!

· Hable con su estudiante sobre por qué la segunda evaluación diagnóstica es importante. Puede decir algo así:

o La segunda Evaluación diagnóstica te ayuda a saber cuánto has progresado desde que empezó el curso.

o ¡Nos permite a tu maestro y a mí celebrar tus logros!

o Hazlo lo mejor posible y no te apresures… pero tampoco pases demasiado tiempo en una sola pregunta.

o Recuerda que las preguntas de la evaluación cambian con base en tus respuestas a las preguntas anteriores. Habrá preguntas que no sepas. ¡Está bien! Solo hazlo lo mejor posible.

· Hágale saber que le emociona mucho celebrar su progreso.

Le agradecemos que siga siendo parte del equipo en el aprendizaje de su estudiante.

A few families have reached out for information regarding local ESL classes. Ms. Ocasio wanted to share contact information for the following organizations that may offer ESL classes/resources for families:

Latin Community center( Centro Latino)
(302) 655-7338
403 North Van Buren Street
Wilmington, DE 19805

Literacy Delaware
(392)658-5624

Red Clay Center ( Groves Education Center)
(302) 651-2709

Brandywine Valley Church
(392) 478-4255

🏥 Did you know that we have a School Based Health Care Center right here at Baltz? If your child registered last year, they do not need to register again. If your child didn't register yet, see the forms below for more information!

This year all Red Clay Elementary schools will continue using the Remind App for home - school communication.

The district has created accounts for you. Check your email or text messages for an account invitation. If you can't find the invitation, contact your child's teacher. Once you click on the invitation, you will be able to choose the type of communication you prefer in Remind. Choose one or a combination of text messages or email for using the Remind App. Families can select the preferred language for all communications.

For more information about getting started...check out the information and video below.

At Baltz Elementary School, we follow an Off and Away Policy. Cell Phone and electronic device use is prohibited. It is our expectation that all cell phones and electronic devices are kept off and in backpacks during the school day. Any visible cell phone or electronic device may be confiscated. Confiscated items will need to be picked up by a parent or guardian in the main office.

Pautas: Los estudiantes deben usar ropa limpia que no tenga agujeros ni roturas y que sea apropiada para la estación.

The Red Clay Consolidated School District offers a voluntary low cost accident insurance for your student. Families can choose either during the school day or 24-hour coverage. The brochure is attached. Applications and fees should be sent directly to the Philadelphia Insurance Companies. There is no obligation to purchase this insurance.

Link to English Brochure

Link to Spanish Brochure

Facebook:

Follow our school on Facebook for up to date information! https://www.facebook.com/BaltzBears