Ludlow Taylor Community News
February 10th, 2025
Will It or Won't It?
We are looking at more winter weather this week. Make sure you are checking the DCPS social media pages, the DCPS main web page, and local news for school delays or closings. We will make sure the playground is open in case of snow so our students have a safe place to enjoy the snow.
Reading for Comprehension
With our incredible progress in foundational reading over the last few years - currently, 95% of kindergarteners, 82% of 1st graders, and 81% of 2nd graders are on or above level for Foundational skills - we are more and more including more planning around language comprehension for all of our students. Our instructional coach and reading teacher are working with teachers to plan for comprehension skills around vocabulary development, reading informational texts, comparing multiple texts on the same topic, determining theme and main ideas, and developing their writing skills. Reading is multifaceted and reading for deep comprehension requires skills and practice.
When you are reading with your student, asking them questions like, "Who are the characters?" "What is the main problem?" "What is the main idea of what you are reading?" "How does this story connect to another story by that author?" "Why do you think the author wrote that?" "What is important to know about what you just read?" "Why do you enjoy that genre?" "Would you recommend that book to someone else? Why or why not?" Please see Reading Rockets for caregivers for more in-depth resources to support literacy development at home.
Seeing the Mathematical Connections Across the School
Today I had the immense pleasure of being in several classes as they taught math. One of the joys and privileges of my position as an administrator is seeing how the work we do in one grade connects to the thinking that is needed in another. There are times in the year when those connections are vibrant.
Today, I was in Kindergarten and 3rd grade math classes. In Kindergarten, Mrs. Dautruche was introducing the topic of area and accurate measurement. In Kindergarten, this looked like students using Unifix cubes - which are 1 centimeter squared - to cover a card with no gaps or overlaps. This was the maiden lesson of this concept. Students first estimated how many cubes could cover a card. Then, they used cubes to cover the card. Mrs. Dautruche monitored their work and asked them to explain how many cubes they used. There were a variety of answers. This is because students do not yet know that to measure area accurately, they must measure in a specific way. Later in her lesson, she introduced the idea of space left over in area and more accurate ways to measure.
In 3rd grade, students were using their understanding of multiplication and division to find the total area of 2 shapes. In some tasks, students knew the total and needed to use accurate division facts to find the area. Or, they knew the parts, and used multiplication and addition to find the total. The Kindergarten lesson sets students up to understand area, arrays [see below] (used to model multiplication in later grades), and accuracy. I love when I see these connections across our learning!
The ground work for more complex thinking is clearly laid in our primary grades. The work our Kindergarten teachers do, sets students up to build on that knowledge year after year, so later, in 3rd, 4th, and beyond, they have well developed foundational knowledge.
There are many resources to support your student's development of mathematical ideas and concepts. You can always visit the Great Minds site. There are videos and homework helpers for caregivers. You can also get on Khan Academy and freshen up on math concepts you may not have seen in a while. All students should be able to tell you what they are working on in iReady. You can also review how many lessons your child has passed in the last week. The goal is 3-5 lessons passed. They can all quickly show you this when they log in. If you ever have questions about your child's progress in math or other subjects, do not hesitate to reach out to your child's math teacher!
We're making growth!
Students are given the iReady assessment in math and reading 3 times a year. We use this information to gauge how well students are mastering grade level content.
Students in 3-5 are increasing their math knowledge from the beginning of the year
Our students in grades 3-5 are making significant growth from the beginning of the year. Students are placed in 5 bands - mid-above grade level, on grade level, 1 grade level below, 2 grade levels below, or 2+levels below. Some grades are reducing all students in the levels farthest from grade level mastery!
Kindergarten through 2nd grade
The foundation is key for solid future reading development. I would say our students are working very hard!
Welcome Barbara Alexander - Our New Music Teacher!
Barbara Alexander -known as Babs the International Vocal Coach – Renowned Educator, Performer & Arts Advocate
Babs the International Vocal Coach is a world-renowned vocal instructor, educator, opera singer, and Broadway actress with over 30 years of experience in the performing arts. She is the founder of Arts In CT, the owner of Tutors for Teacher Certification, and the creator of the Performing Arts Academy of CT.
Ms. Alexander is best known worldwide for her Fun Voice Lessons for Kids Master Classes, where she trains young performers across the globe to sing with confidence and take the stage by force. Her expertise in vocal performance and stage presence has helped students achieve success on platforms like The Apollo, The Voice, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Dance Moms, Broadway, and more.
A classically trained opera singer, Ms. Alexander has performed in five countries and 40 states across the U.S. Her powerful stage presence has earned her a spot on Broadway, and she is also the author of Beginner to Broadway (2023), an essential guide for aspiring performers.
Beyond her work as a vocal coach, Ms. Alexander has made a significant impact as a choir director. She has led children’s choirs to award-winning performances at prestigious competitions, including the McDonald’s Gospel Festival, the Barbara B. Mann Show Choir Competition, the Nutmeg Competition Choir, and the Disney Magic Festival. She has also directed over 50 productions for children, fostering the next generation of performing artists.
With teaching experience spanning Florida, Connecticut, and New York City, Ms. Alexander has now relocated to the DMV area, where she continues her work as a music educator at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School. As a motivational speaker, vocal coach, and arts advocate, she remains committed to empowering young artists through transformative arts education.
-We are seriously pinching ourselves! We feel SO lucky to have her with us! -
Reminder - No Tech During the School Day
Please remember to review the school and DCPS policy on devices during the school day. Under no circumstance should students have or be using personal devices such as cell phones, Smart watches, iPads or other devices. The school will take any device being used during the day. We will make arrangements to return devices as soon as possible.