Newsletter: January 12, 2024
![Newsletter: January 12, 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/b293/ae26c3c929ea607f25c9629c35c09804.jpg)
JANUARY 12, 2024
School News
Principal's Message
Thomas Families,
On January 13, your child’s report card will be viewable in Infinite Campus. Report cards (and grading practices!) have changed quite a bit in our district, and you’ll notice those changes when you view report cards online for the first time this year.
The first change you’ll notice is how grades are organized. Instead of larger subject areas, students will be given marks in more specific skill areas, called standards.
The next change is the type of marks students will receive: an M, P, or N. At midyear report cards, you can expect to see mostly “P” marks on your child’s report card. Here’s why:
An “M” signifies that all aspects of that particular standard have been taught, and the student has demonstrated proficiency in the full breadth of the standard. At midyear, the majority of standards are not taught all the way to completion. Standards are written to represent expectations for the end of the grade level.
For these reasons, a “P” denotes to families that the standard has not been covered to its entirety, or that the student is still working toward mastery of the standard.
If a standard is left blank, it is because instruction on that content is planned for only the second semester– it hasn’t been covered yet.
You might be wondering how you can develop an understanding of your child’s progress throughout the school year, instead of waiting until the end of year report cards. For many intermediate classes, the best way to stay up-to-date on student progress is checking their online gradebook in Infinite Campus. Teachers enter assessments and other important assignments that can help you see student progress. In the primary grades, hard copies of student work that come home, along with the students' performance on that work, are the best indications of their progress.
As always, your teacher is the best source for information about your child’s progress, and is happy to answer any questions you have about their performance at school. We believe that school-home communication throughout the semester, not just at report card times, is part of what makes our partnership strong and supportive!
Go Tigers,
Melissa Garris
REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE IN INFINITE CAMPUS JANUARY 13
The district has put together a Guide to Elementary Progress Reports for parents, which provides more information about the shift in grading practices. The image below provides directions for how to access report cards within Infinite Campus.
FALL GRADE 3 OHIO STATE TEST RESULTS - ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Third grade students participated in the Ohio State English Language Arts Grade 3 assessment earlier this year. The results can now be found in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. This resource provides additional information about Ohio State Tests and how to interpret the data displayed in Infinite Campus. Follow the directions below to find your child's fall state test results:
Choose a Student
Select the Menu Icon at the top of the page (three lines on the top, left side)
Select "More"
Select "Assessments"
Additional information regarding these results and the OST Family Report will be shared during upcoming conferences.
School Information
TIGER TIME
On Friday, we gathered as a school community for a TIGER Time Assembly. Student leaders reviewed “Ready to Learn!” expectations through a fun video presentation and quiz game. We also recognized students that were nominated to be in the TIGER Spotlight because of the way they consistently exceed expectations and show the TIGER Way. Way to go!
NO SCHOOL: MONDAY, JANUARY 15
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 15 for Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
Upcoming Dates
January 13: Report Cards available on Infinite Campus
January 15: No School (Martin Luther King Day)
January 29-February 9: Yearbook Sale
February 15: Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 16: No School (Staff Professional Work Day)
February 19: No School (President's Day)
February 21: Parent/Teacher Conferences
PTO News
GET INVOLVED WITH THE PTO!
Get involved & stay connected! Please join our PTO Facebook page, and check the PTO website for all event details, volunteer opportunities and ways to give back to our amazing school.
Report an Absence (email)
District News
This Saturday! Summer Program Fair for Students with Disabilities
Drive-Up Shoe Drive
Time to clean those closets! Jerome’s environmental science club is hosting a drive for old athletic shoes. Shoes can be dropped off at the Jerome boys basketball games on Friday, January 12 or during their drive-up event Saturday, January 13, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Brand Road side). Students will run out to accept the donated sneakers from community members.
Emerald Campus Open House - January 18, 2024
All students and parents are invited to learn about learning opportunities at the Emerald Campus Open House on January 18 from 4-6 p.m. Presentations and walk-through options will showcase Academies, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and College Credit Plus. Learn more here.
DCS Preschool Accepting Peer Applications for 2024-25 school year
DCS Preschool is taking applications for new peers for next school year! If you are unfamiliar with our preschool peer program, visit the Peer Program page on our website to learn more. Interested families should complete the Peer Program Application as soon as possible to be considered for the upcoming school year. Please contact Tara Harris at 614-760-4345 with any questions.
Golden Shamrock Nominations Accepted
Is there a DCS staff member that regularly goes above and beyond that you think is deserving of a Golden Shamrock Award? Learn more about the award and nominate a deserving staff member here. The deadline to nominate someone for the February award is January 19.
Ties & Tiaras Dance
Scioto Touchdown club is hosting its annual Ties & Tiaras dance for K-5 student “princesses” February 24, 7-9 p.m. at the Scioto Cafeteria. Purchase tickets here.
FROM THE CITY OF DUBLIN
THIS WEEKEND: MLK Civic Service Series Kicks Off
Monday, Jan. 15, visit the Dublin Community Recreation Center to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. All ages are welcome to volunteer to create caring cards and paper placemats to be delivered to local seniors. Register
Join the Fun! Be Part of the Greenest, Grandest Parade
Your group, organization, company or cause can be in front of thousands of spectators March 9 as part of Dublin’s St. Patrick's Day Parade. Fill out a parade application before Friday, Feb. 23. Learn more about the annual parade.
Podcast: Tackling Winter Weather in Dublin
Listen to the City’s “Link Ahead” podcast episode about how Dublin crews are on the job making sure our roads, bridges and walking paths stay clear and safe. The person leading that charge is Dublin's Public Service Director Jay Anderson.