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Inside the Pride Lower School News - Volume 172

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Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Lower School

Published April 30, 2023

Volume 172

 

Sherry Randolph - Early Learning & Lower School Principal

 

The Principal’s Piece: A Note From Mrs. Randolph

All kindergarten - 3rd grade students will complete a final benchmark assessment, as well as the IOWA assessment (1st-3rd grade ONLY) in the next couple of weeks. The benchmark assessment enables the school to monitor student progress throughout this academic year, while the IOWA assessment identifies our strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the following year. Our kindergarten students will only complete the benchmark tests in preparation for first grade. 

Testing dates are as follows:

  • May 1st - 3rd: Kindergarten Benchmark Assessments 

  • May 4th and 5th: 1st - 3rd Grade Benchmark Assessments

  • May 11th and 12th: 1st - 3rd Grade IOWA Assessment 

We need your assistance in the following ways:

1. Minimize stress - Encourage students to try their very best, but not to feel anxious about the test. This assessment is simply an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year! 

2. Attendance - It is important for students to be present and arrive at school on time for these testing dates. Students in 1st - 3rd grade will begin testing promptly at 8:15. Kindergarten students will begin testing promptly at 8:30. Students who arrive late will wait at the front office until a testing break to minimize classroom interruptions once the testing has begun. Please note that we are unable to schedule makeup sessions for the IOWA test. 

3. Rest and Routine - Please be sure students receive plenty of rest each night and eat a healthy breakfast each morning. 

We are excited to review each student's academic progress and share these results with parents once testing is complete and results are compiled.

Upcoming Dates

May

  • 1st-3rd - Benchmark Testing (kindergarten)

  • 4th-5th - Benchmark Testing (1st-3rd grades)

  • 11th-12th - IOWA Testing (1st-3rd grades only)

  • 15th - 1st-3rd grade End of Year Programs and Awards

  • 17th -  House Dress Down Day (1st-3rd)

  • 18th - Third Grade Field Trip to Junction Lanes

  • 22nd - Preschool End of Year Programs and Awards 

  • 22nd - Kindergarten Graduation at 6:45pm. 

  • 25th - Last Day of School

Last Week in Chapel

In  Chapel this week, Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Duncan continued our “WHO?” series by teaching about the Holy Spirit. We focused on the following concepts:

  • The Holy Spirit gives me comfort and peace. 

  • The Holy Spirit gives me guidance. 

  • The Holy Spirit gives me power.

Power Verse: Acts 1:8

Whatchagaddaknow: The Holy Spirit Is A Special Gift

House System Competition 

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

Elementary Clubs

Our students love to participate in our elementary clubs. These clubs are designed for 1st-5th grade students and meet after school dismisses.

Staying Informed and Up-to-date with

Classroom Happenings

To stay informed of what’s happening in your child’s classroom, please login into Blackbaud weekly. You will be able to see information such as weekly classroom announcements, upcoming events, weekly academic focus, grades, attendance, etc. This is the key to staying informed and replaces hardcopy newsletters. I encourage you to login each week. Information will be updated each Sunday at 5pm.

Accessing your child's class information weekly:

  • Login to your Blackbaud account and select your child's name under "Children". 

  • Find your child's homeroom class under the "Progress" tab by scrolling down to where classes are listed.

  • After selecting the homeroom class, you will see the teacher's main class page where you will locate upcoming dates, class reminders and news. 

  • Select the "Topics" tab to see specific information for each individual subject. Within each subject folder, you will see a plan for the week and upcoming projects and test information.

  • The "Topics" pages update each Sunday evening at 5pm and will remain current until the following Sunday evening.

Administrative Contacts

Please take note of the following administrative contacts. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to help!