Davis Elementary Newsletter
Nancy Beck, Principal
January, 2011
Teachers and students have been very busy at Davis Elementary. Students are working hard on reading skills in their reading classes and using the SuccessMaker reading software program. Students took the Measures of Progress (MAP) test in the fall and have just completed the MAP testing again. Results will be available soon and teachers will then discuss the results with the students and inform parents of the results. Knowledge of the results by students and parents is very important. Students set goals based on their strengths and weaknesses, teachers use targeted instruction to help students improve their skills, and parents need to provide support to the students and teachers.
Education City Software
We have recently purchased and had students begin using a math software program, Education City. This math program provides additional practice in math skills for students and we’re hoping the additional practice helps students improve their math skills.
Iowa Tests of Basic Skills
Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) are set for February 8 and 9. We encourage all students to get a good night’s rest before the tests, eat a good breakfast, and come to school with the attitude of doing their very best work on the tests. Please do what you can to make sure your children are at school for the tests – it’s very difficult to make up the tests and we must have all students take the tests. The results of the ITBS tests are used to determine the School in Need of Assistance (SINA) status for schools. We have worked very hard this year to make changes and want to see those changes pay off so we will no longer be labeled a SINA school. We know there are many good things occurring at Davis and we want all to know that students are receiving an excellent education at Davis.
Third Grade Reading Promotion
The third grade team is continuing their promotion of reading through their Readers’ Annual Book Read Across Iowa (RABRAI) program. Students are expected to read at home, report their minutes of reading, and move across Iowa with their reading minutes. Marcus McIntosh from KCCI first came to Davis to read to our students as part of this program. Grinnell College basketball players have also come to Davis to read to third grade students and more special events are planned. Students become better reading by practice, practice. Please keep encouraging your child to read!
Fourth Grade Mystery Unit
Fourth graders are participating in a mystery unit at this time. Students are learning about the process of analyzing a mock crime scene. Students are reading mystery books as well as discussing clues and forensics of the crime scene. Fourth graders are encouraged to share information with their parents as they work to solve the crime! Who committed the crime?
Upcoming Events
February 2 Early dismissal for teacher professional development
February 16 Early dismissal for teacher professional development
February 21 President’s Day, NO School unless used for snow make up day
February, 2011 4th Grade Field trip to Neal Smith Preserve, date to be determined – fourth grade parents will be receiving more information in the near future
March 2 Early dismissal for teacher professional development
March 16,17,18 Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 28-April 1 Spring Break, no school
Watch for more information on READING NIGHT --- planning is currently under way!
