EAGLE’S NEST

Volume V                                                                                                                                    March 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians:

                We have intensified our effort to bring Bradbury Heights Elementary School off the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) School Improvement list in 2008.  Our “ramp up” began with a data meeting that we held on January 2 with each testing grade level (grades 3-6).  During each meeting, MSDE results were reviewed from our report card (www.pgcps.org/~bradbury).  Our students understand how we made Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2007.  They also understand what we need to do to repeat that performance in order to exit School Improvement.

                The staff members are providing small group instruction, in order to give more individualized assistance.  Many students are attending our Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) program and some students are participating in Supplemental Education Service programs (SES tutorials). 

As we are poised to exit School Improvement we need parental involvement.  If you will contact Ms. Brown, Parent Liaison, we know you can be helpful.  Time is of the essence and we need you!  Every parent has the capacity to help a child become successful. 

Help us make AYP.  Together, we can make a difference!

                                                                                               

                                                                                Respectfully,

                                                                                Denise Lynch

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

                Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent their respective grade levels and programs as February’s Students of the Month:  Georgette Shepherd (Pre-K),  Justine Blocker (CRI),  Keyarmahn Haggins (K), Trevor Thornton (1^st gr.), Hannah Magee (2^ndgr.), Darion Broady (3^rd gr.), Tyra Harper (4^th gr.) Diane Lawrence (5^th gr.) and Ambria Davis (6^th gr.).

SCIENCE FAIR

                Join our Science teachers and other staff during Science Fair Project Preparation Night Wednesday, March 5, 2008 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m.  Materials (construction paper, labels, glue, scissors, etc.) will be available to help students with their project display.  Science Projects are due on Monday, March 10, 2008.

ACADEMIC GOALS          

                We expect all of our students to be proficient in Math, Reading, Science and Writing.  To achieve this level of performance, students must practice during everyday activities in addition to their lessons at school.  Please engage your child(ren) in opportunities to practice Math, Reading and Writing skills through the integration of other content.  Remember, what we do most is what we do best!

ASSESSMENTS

                Throughout the school year student skills and understanding are evaluated through various assessments.  However, tests are not the only means to evaluate student capacity for learning.  Teachers evaluate daily assignments, homework and special projects to determine student report card grades.  An interim report (Progress Report) is issued midway through each grading period.  Continuous communication with the teacher will help you to monitor assessment results and student performance.  Conferences must be scheduled and cannot be held during instructional time.  Your assistance with this procedure is appreciated.

CUMULATIVE FOLDER REVIEW

                The educational history of your child is maintained in a permanent record file called a cumulative folder (cum).  The folder also holds other pertinent information; birth certificate, proof of residency, registration, and emergency contact information.  The review of student’s cum folder is restricted to parents and legal guardians.  We encourage you to review your child’s folder periodically if not annually.  Please contact Ms. Queen, Records Secretary to schedule an appointment for cum folder review.

VACATION STUDY PACKETS

                Students will receive assignment packets to complete during the Spring Break session March 14^th –March 24^th.  The packets are designed to help students practice test taking strategies and review previously taught content.  Please monitor student effort and completion of the assignment to be submitted upon your child’s return Tuesday, March 25, 2008.  Thank you!

PTA

                We have been informed by the Maryland State Parent Teacher Association that all officers of the Bradbury Heights Elementary School PTA have resigned their respective offices.  The State Association is anxious to provide our school community with guidance to provide an election for PTA.  A PTA organizational meeting is being scheduled for April 3^rd to accomplish this goal.  Many inquiries have been made regarding the responsibilities of PTA officers and committee chairpersons.  Join us for the organizational meeting to match your availability, interest and talent with an office or committee.  More information will be forthcoming after Spring Break.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

                The Principal’s Book of the Month is a selected book to be read to or by all grade levels.  This component of our America’s Choice School Reform Model promotes a literary focus for the entire school.  Another encouragement through our program is our 35 Book Campaign and maintaining a Reading Log.  To improve reading skills children must read, read, read.

BINGO FOR BOOKS

                Back by popular demand for March Family Night, (3/13) will be our Bingo for Books event!  This is an evening of enjoying family time with our school community with an opportunity to win books for your home library.  From Pre-K to adult, books for all level readers will be available as prizes.  Plan to join us for this extravaganza to start your Spring Break with a good book.

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT

                We wish to thank all of our one hundred parents who attended our February Family Night event, International Night.  Hosted by our Special Education Department this event provided entertainment, education and great culinary treats from the different countries that were represented.  This activity was a culminating activity to our recognition of Black History Month.  We thank all of the students who participated in that assembly on February 29^th and International Night.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER:  “Spring into a Good Book!”

March    3              Read Across America: Celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday
              5              Science Fair Project Preparation Night; 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Cafetorium
              6              Region III Parent/Community Meeting; Drew/Freeman Middle School 6:30 p.m              10              Science Fair Projects due
            12              Science Fair
            13              BINGO FOR BOOKS; FAMILY NIGHT 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.       
            14              PGCPS closed; Teacher grades and planning; Spring Break begins for students
            25              PGCPS reopen
            27              MSA Pep Rally; Cafetorium  (P.M.)

 April  1-2             MSA; Reading
             3              PTA Organizational meeting
           8-9             MSA; MATH