Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we continue into the new school year, the students have completed the standardized tests from STAR. The STAR testing system is new to the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The new test focuses on reading and math. The testing program is from Grades 2 through 8 and is administered three times a year. The test results assist the teachers in planning their lessons and teaching activities to best suit student needs and foster optimal growth. Our learning support staff work very closely with the teachers in analyzing the results.
The two reports you will receive tomorrow will indicate your child's current achievement levels.
I am including an explanation of terms to assist you with the interpretation of the reports:
Reading Report:
Percentile Rank (PR): 83
The Percentile Rank score compares your child's test performance with that of other students nationally in the same grade. With a PR of 83, the student reads at a level greater than 83% of other students nationally in the same grade. This score is above-average. The PR Range indicates that, if this student had taken the STAR Reading test numerous times, most of his scores would likely have fallen between 75 and 88.
Instructional Reading Level (IRL): 11.4
The Instructional Reading Level (IRL) is the grade level at which the student is at least 80% proficient at recognizing words and comprehending reading material. the student achieved an IRL score of 11.4. This means that he is at least 80% proficient at reading eleventh grade words and books.
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): 5.0 - 13.0
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is the reading level range from which the student should be selecting books for optimal growth in reading. It spans reading levels that are appropriately challenging for reading practice. This range is approximate. Success at any reading level depends on your child's interest and prior knowledge of a book's content.
Math Report:
Percentile Rank (PR): 85
The Percentile Rank score compares your child's test performance with that of other students nationally in the same grade. With a PR of 85, the student's math skills are greater than 85% of students nationally in the same grade. This score is above average. The PR Range indicates that, if this student had taken the STAR Math test numerous times, most of his scores would likely have fallen between 75 and 91.
Morning Mass:
This past week we started weekly Mass with the students. It is important that your child is in church by 7:55am.
Mid Quarter Reports:
Today marks half way through the quarter. You can access your child's grades on SchoolSpeak. Teachers will contact parents if they have concerns regarding a child's progress.
Guatemala "Save the Children Program"
We are currently half way through this appeal. We are still in need of many goods such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothes, flip flops, shoes, and medical supplies such as medical gloves. If you work for a pharmacy or other medical supply company perhaps you could ask for donations of medical equipment. All help is greatly appreciated.
As well as supplies, we are accepting donations of money to assist with the shipping of the boxes to Guatemala. You can complete the online donation form at: https://fs17.formsite.com/allsouls/form30/index.html
Homework
It has come to my attention that some students are not completing homework. I need to impress upon parents that homework is part of this school's policy, and we expect students to complete homework by the due date. In the event a student does not complete homework, the student will serve a lunchtime detention. The infraction is recording SchoolSpeak and an email is sent to parents.
Reckless Driving in School Yard
Once again, I have to mention to all parents that some people are driving recklessly through the schoolyard. Please be aware that there are children and adults in the yard, and we expect appropriate driving. Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter.
God Bless,
Vincent Riener
Principal
