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From the Principal

Mrs. Anna Schultz, Principal
aschultz@d123.org

Spring break is over, and the end of the school year is fast approaching. You might think that would mean that we’re winding down here at Hometown School. Just the opposite – we’re gearing up! There is critical work that still needs to be done, and a lot of important learning that still needs to take place. So, we have our minds focused, our objectives clear, and our mission ahead.
For instance, in two weeks, we begin spring MAP (Measures of Academic
Progress) testing. All students in grades 2-5 will take the reading and math
tests on laptops in the library. The tests are generally 45-60 minutes long, but they are untimed, so students may work until they are finished. These are the tests that give students and you a comparison report at the end of the school year that shows student progress since the fall assessment window.
A week later, two other assessments begin for us. DRA2 (Developmental
Reading Assessment) testing begins for all students in grades K-5. Teachers
give this test one-on-one to individual students in the classroom over the course
of three weeks. Student growth in reading is measured against the district established
benchmarks set for winter and spring.
Almost at the same time, our AIMSweb testing takes place. For this, each
classroom goes to the big gym, and several students at a time sit at individual
tables with individual testers who have them react to short reading probes.
There is also a math component, but that is generally administered in the
classroom. This assessment gives us progress data on all students three times
per year – fall, winter, and spring – and the test gives a picture of the growth
students have made over the course of the year.
This is a critical time of year for us as we gather assessment data on our
students. The data show us where students have been, where they need to go,
and even clues about how to get them there. It will assist us in our planning for
next year as we consider programs and interventions that can guide students to
success. So, if your children come home and say that they had to take a test,
more than once in April and early May, you’ll know why. It’s simply our spring
assessment cycle – and, we’ll do it all again in the fall!
One quick note about bringing pets, especially dogs, at drop-off and pickup
times. Pets are not allowed on school property during school hours –
we have to consider the possibility of injuries, as well as allergies, phobias,
and the mess often left behind. Our students use our outdoor areas for
play, learning, and walking to and from school. Please keep these areas
free of pets, especially dogs, so students can use them in confidence and
comfort. Please remember, NO PETS ALLOWED. Thanks.