The Weekly Update #4

Parents and educators hold the keys to unlocking a child's potential. Instilling the values of self-belief, pride, and confidence in our children is one of our most profound gifts. Children who believe in themselves and their abilities are more likely to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and become resilient individuals.

At the heart of our shared commitment lies a powerful pledge: "I believe in myself and my ability to do my best at all times. I will act in such a way that I will be proud of myself, and others will be proud of me, too. I will not waste this day because this day will not come again." This pledge embodies the essence of self-belief, pride, and confidence.

Self-Belief: Encouraging children to believe in their capabilities fosters a growth mindset. This mindset helps them understand that effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes are pathways to success. As parents and educators, we must provide them opportunities to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, and support them through setbacks.

Pride: Children who take pride in their efforts and accomplishments develop a sense of self-worth. Pride motivates them to set higher standards for themselves and strive for excellence. We must recognize and celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to reinforce the importance of their hard work and dedication.

Confidence: Confidence grows from positive experiences and encouragement. It empowers children to take risks, express themselves, and face new situations with courage. By creating a supportive environment at home and school, we can help children build the confidence they need to navigate life's challenges and pursue their dreams.

The partnership between parents and the school plays a vital role in supporting our children's journey to becoming the best version of themselves. Here's how we can work together:

1. Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with teachers to stay informed about your child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Share insights and observations from home to help educators better support your child.
2. Involvement: Participate in school activities, parent-teacher conferences, and volunteer opportunities. Your involvement shows your child that you value their education and are invested in their success.
3. Encouragement: Provide consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement at home. Celebrate your child's achievements and efforts, and remind them of their potential and worth.
4. Modeling Behavior: Demonstrate the values of self-belief, pride, and confidence in your actions. Children learn by observing the adults around them, so let's be the role models they need.

Together, we can create a nurturing environment where our children thrive. By believing in themselves, taking pride in their accomplishments, and building confidence, they will be well-equipped to face the future with optimism and resilience. Let's join hands in this mission to help every child reach their fullest potential.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this message finds you well. We just finished our mid-year NWEA testing cycle and we wanted to provide some important information regarding how you can use your child’s results to support their academic growth.

What is NWEA Testing?

NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) testing is a tool used to measure your child’s academic progress in subjects such as reading and math. These tests are adaptive, meaning the questions become more challenging or easier based on your child’s responses, allowing the test to better measure their individual learning levels.

Understanding the Results

Once the results are available, you will receive a report detailing your child’s performance. Here’s what to look for:

● RIT Score: The RIT score reflects your child’s current academic level. This score shows their overall achievement and growth compared to their peers.

● Growth: NWEA tests track your child’s academic growth over time. A positive growth score indicates they’re improving in key areas, even if they haven’t yet reached grade-level expectations.

● Percentile Ranking: This compares your child’s performance to other students in the same grade across the country. For example, if your child is in the 80th percentile, they performed better than 80% of their peers.

Here are a few ways you can support your child based on their NWEA results:

1. Celebrate Achievements: If your child’s scores show improvement, acknowledge and celebrate their hard work. Positive reinforcement encourages continued effort.

2. Identify Areas for Growth: If there are areas where your child scored lower than expected, take note of these subjects. We recommend working with your child on these topics through extra practice, tutoring, or even online resources.

3. Set Goals Together: Use the data to set achievable academic goals with your child. Help them see how small steps can lead to progress over time.

4. Stay in Communication with Teachers: If you have questions about the results or want to discuss how to best support your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. They can provide valuable insight and suggest resources for further practice.

We are committed to helping your child grow and succeed. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in their education. If you have any questions or need assistance with interpreting the results, please reach out to us.

Warm regards,

Jennifer Jaeck MTSS Coordinator

jjaeck@almaschools.net

(989)466-7651

1st Grade Perseverance

2nd Grade Perseverance

3rd Grade Perseverance

4th Grade Perseverance

5th Grade Perseverance

Panther Paws: Earning a Panther Paw as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Panther Paws:

1. Demonstrating Respect

• Treating others with kindness and consideration.

• Using polite language and listening attentively.

• Being respectful to teachers, staff, and classmates.

• Showing good sportsmanship during games or group activities.

2. Showing Responsibility

• Completing assignments on time and following directions.

• Being organized and prepared for class.

• Taking care of school property and personal belongings.

• Cleaning up after yourself and helping others when needed.

3. Making Safe Choices

• Following safety rules in the bathroom, classroom, cafeteria, hallways, and playground.

• Using equipment properly and taking care of personal space.

• Walking in the hallways and staying in designated areas.

• Keeping hands and feet to oneself.

4. Exhibiting GRIT

• Staying positive even when faced with challenges.

• Encouraging others and spreading kindness.

• Demonstrating a growth mindset and not giving up easily.

• Showing enthusiasm for learning.

5. Demonstrating Integrity

• Being honest in both words and actions.

• Owning up to mistakes and learning from them.

• Following rules even when no one is watching.
• Showing fairness and making just decisions.

As students acquire Panther Paws, they turn them to enter Panther Paw drawing every Friday. MTSS Coordinators and or MTSS Assistants draws Panther Paws and announces the winner over the loudspeaker. Panther Paw winners pick a prize from the Panther Paw Prize Cart.

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors:

1. Demonstrates Positive Behavior (Following our ROARS)

• Respect: Treating peers, teachers, and staff with kindness and respect.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of their actions, completing assignments on time, and following school rules.

• Safety: Taking care of oneself and others as well as reporting concerns to adults

• Citizenship: Contributing to the school community, participating in activities, and setting a positive example.

2. Academic Achievement

• Consistent performance in completing assignments.

• Active participation in class discussions or activities.

• Improvement in grades or work habits.

3. Exhibits a Growth Mindset and GRIT

• Willingness to learn from mistakes and try new strategies.

• Positive attitude toward learning, even when faced with difficulties.

• Seeking help when needed and showing perseverance.

4. Positive Peer Relationships

• Works well with others in group settings and cooperates during activities.

• Demonstrates leadership skills, such as helping others stay on task or resolving conflicts peacefully.

• Treats all peers with dignity, and avoids bullying or exclusionary behavior.

5. Attendance and Punctuality

• Consistent attendance with few or no tardies.

• Showing up on time and being prepared for class.

• Transitioning activities within the daily schedule and/or within the classroom in a timely manner

Student of the Week trophies have been ordered for Hillcrest. We will begin Student of the Week at Hillcrest upon the arrival of the Trophies.

On Friday, Mrs. Trefil's students enjoyed pizza from United Way to celebrate them for collecting the most coins. Congratulations to all our Hillcrest students who participated in this worthy endeavor.

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Hillcrest is 11:38 and Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am