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Madison Upper Elementary Update
January 13-17
Let's talk about attendance!
It's never too early to recognize the importance of consistent attendance. Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable rise in chronic absenteeism, and its impact is becoming evident. In the coming months, we will share valuable information about school attendance and encourage you to support your children in attending school every day.
Every Day Counts!
Attending school regularly provides students with the best opportunity to thrive and succeed. While it's understandable that life can sometimes get in the way, making an effort to attend class consistently can greatly enhance a student's learning experience. When students are present, they not only absorb important lessons but also engage with their peers and teachers, building essential skills in reading and math.
By aiming to minimize absences, even by just one or two days every few weeks, students can maximize their potential and stay on track with their learning goals. Remember, every day in the classroom is a step towards mastering new concepts and achieving academic success!
To learn more about the benefits of good attendance, click the button below.
5th GRADERS ARE OFF TO CAMP!
5th graders are set to embark on their annual trip to Camp Michindoh tomorrow, and it’s sure to be an exciting week! Our team is thrilled and ready for a fantastic experience. Please take a moment to review the reminders and packing lists to ensure your child is fully prepared.
Drop-Off Details
Tomorrow morning, please drop off your child along with their luggage at the Café. Do not send them to school on the bus. Parent assistance will be needed to load luggage onto the bus, so feel free to stay and help out.
Medication Guidelines
If your child is bringing medication, please do NOT pack it in their luggage. All medications must be checked in upon arrival. Medications should be in their original packaging with dosages clearly labeled. Place them in a baggie with your child’s name on it. A check-in table will be set up at the entrance for this purpose.
Pick-Up Information
You can collect your child’s medication when you pick them up on Friday. The buses are expected to return to Madison around 11:45 a.m. or noon. We will send out an alert once they are on their way back.
Account Balance
If you have an outstanding balance, please reach out to the office or your teacher to arrange payment.
To follow along with their camp experience, click the button below:
FastBridge Assessments
In the next two weeks, our students at Madison Elementary will be taking some math and reading assessments.
What is FastBridge?
FastBridge is our handy assessment tool that we use three times a year to keep track of how our students are doing in reading and math. It helps us celebrate their progress and identify areas where they might need a little extra support.
Understanding Your Child’s Progress
We’ll be sharing Family Reports during Spring Conferences, where teachers will go over the scores, benchmarks, and any support plans tailored for your child. FastBridge gives us great recommendations for targeted instruction, so we can provide the best support based on your child's unique needs.
Assessments Overview
Here’s a quick look at the assessments your child will be taking:
- CMBreading: A quick one-minute reading aloud test to see how they’re progressing.
- aReading: A computer-adaptive test with 30–60 questions that covers a variety of reading skills.
- AUTOreading: A timed, computer-based test that measures foundational reading skills.
- aMath: A computer-adaptive test with 30–60 questions that explores different math topics.
- CBMmath Automaticity: A timed test to check how well they’ve mastered basic math facts.
How to Support Your Child
Encourage your child to do their best, and don’t forget the basics! Make sure they’re eating well and getting plenty of sleep. These brief and stress-free tests help us customize learning to fit their needs, making it a win-win for everyone!