Dear Parents/Guardians:

Each year the New York State Education Department (NYSED) reviews information about the performance of each public school based on its school accountability indicators, which include, student achievement based on the NYS ELA and Math assessments, student growth, student attendance, and other indicators. Holmes Elementary has been newly identified as a Targeted Support and Improvement School (TSI) for the 2024-2025 school year, based on the underperformance of a small subgroup of our students enrolled, during the 2023-2024 school year. The intent of this designation is to promote equity and improve educational outcomes for all of our students by closing achievement gaps and enhancing the quality of instruction for all students.

As a TSI school, Holmes is required to develop a School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP) by June 2025. The plan must indicate how we intend to improve student achievement starting in the 25-26 school year. To develop the plan, a comprehensive needs assessment will be conducted by a team consisting of several school stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and parents.

This is an opportunity to envision new possibilities for how learning and teaching can look at Holmes Elementary and an opportunity to strengthen our partnership with you in order to ensure that we are providing an excellent educational opportunity for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Heather McCarthy, Ed.D.

Principal

Holmes Elementary

HMcCarthy@ktufsd.org

Our visitor doorbell has moved! All visitors must continue to enter at Door 1 but our doorbell has been relocated one door to the right. When entering the building during school hours, please have your license or ID ready.

We are excited to launch our first “One School, One Book” event! On Thursday, March 13th your child brought home Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mix-Up for your family to keep. Each evening, until Friday, March 21st, we invite you to read the book as part of your bedtime routine. Participating in a school-wide reading program such as “One School, One Book” helps generate excitement about reading and promotes a sense of belonging in our school. Families reading together help children listen better and longer, build bigger vocabularies, and develop a love of reading and learning. Use the link below to access our Library website dedicated to Keena Ford! Our teachers have filmed themselves reading chapters of the book to follow along. We look forward to sharing this unique experience with you!

We have exciting news! Our school psychologist, Ms. Corieri, is starting a Holmes Therapy Dog program at our school! Meet Wonton- a 4 year old Shih-Tzu who lives with Ms. Corieri. We are very excited to welcome Wonton to Holmes. We also understand that families may have questions. Please review the FAQ letter (linked below) and reach out to Ms. Corieri if you have additional questions or concerns. Ms. Corieri can be reached at: mcorieri@ktufsd.org or (716) 874-8423 ext. 29527.

At Holmes Elementary, we recognize that regular attendance is vital for student achievement. Each school day offers essential learning opportunities. We encourage families to prioritize attendance and ensure students arrive on time. Together, let's foster a culture of attendance and support our students in reaching their full potential. Every day matters!

This month in Physical Education, our students have been jumping into fitness with exciting jump roping activities! Not only are they developing coordination and endurance, but we are also learning about the heart and its crucial role in keeping our bodies strong during cardiovascular exercises. The kids are exploring how their heart beats faster as they engage in activities that get their blood pumping and help them stay healthy!

We’re continuing to practice following rules and procedures, ensuring that everyone is safe while having fun. These important habits will help us make the most of every class. Keep up the great work, and let's keep jumping toward a healthy future!

This year our district has implemented a social-emotional curriculum throughout all elementary buildings. Through the MindUP program, students have been learning about the different parts and functions of their brain. Students have been participating in brain breaks. This Spring, students will use their senses to complete mindful taste, mindful hearing, and mindful seeing.

Holmes students are stepping it up and earning tickets for being safe, kind and listening. Those tickets can be used to "shop" the PBIS cart, which includes many types of items and trinkets but also "experiences". Many students opt for the experiences because they get to spend time with friends and adults in the building doing fun activities. Some experiences currently on the cart are:

• Paint & Plant - students will paint flower pots, plant seeds and care for the plants for the rest of the year!
• Balloon Sculpting - our very own Mr. Hambleton is a master balloon sculptor and will be teaching students how to do this!
• Board Games - students gather at the end of the day to play fun games with friends :)
• Custodian For the Day - students will work closely with Mr. Tom, helping to do all of the important work he does!
• Birdhouses - students will assemble and decorate birdhouses to hang in the trees around our school :)
• Connect 4 Challenge - students can challenge any staff member to the best of 3 games on our giant Connect 4 game!

Please encourage students to always follow the rules and earn those tickets by being safe, kind and listening!

On Friday, February 14th 10 students purchased a Donuts with Grown-Ups experience ticket! Each student selected a staff member to enjoy a donut breakfast with.

Several students purchased tickets to our Board Games in the Gym experience! Students played Connect Four, Headbanz, Guess Who, UNO, and Candy Land!

Fourth grade student Lily S. purchased a Marshmallow Tower experience with our principal, Ms. McCarthy!

Do you recognize any items in our lost and found? Please claim belongings soon!