10/28/20 Newsletter

Virtual Learning Days
After discussion with the Parent Advisory Committee, Emergency Response Committee, Father, and the Archdiocese I have decided that we are going to be going virtual the week following Thanksgiving break. I am concerned about Thanksgiving gatherings with family causing a spread of Covid throughout the school and in an effort to reduce that risk I feel that virtual learning from November 30-December 4th is the best course of action. This will give families 10 days of isolation following Thanksgiving before returning to school. We urge parents to continue to keep students home who are not feeling well. Teachers will be preparing for this virtual learning period over the next few weeks and working with students to get them ready for the transition. More information regarding this virtual learning week will be coming home soon. I acknowledge that this may be difficult for families to accommodate, however, please understand that I am making this decision in order to prevent us from having to go virtual for much longer due to an outbreak.
 
Standards Based Grading
Over the last few years the staff has been working hard participating in professional development surrounding the topic of standards based grading. Standards based grading is a method of grading that focuses on students mastery of standards. Traditional grading often becoming subjective and is not an accurate reflection of what the student understands. Standards based grading involves using a 1-3 or 1-4 grading scale to articulate a students understanding of a given standard. During virtual learning last semester we did use this grading scale, so many families may already be familiar with it. Teachers will be reviewing the scales with parents during conferences and answering any questions that you may have.
 
 
Fall Conferences-Tomorrow 3:30-7pm
Please remember that conferences are tomorrow from 3:30-7pm. If your conferences are in person, masks are required to attend. If your conferences are virtual, teachers will be sending you a link tonight or tomorrow for that meeting. Teachers are going to be discussing the following items during conferences:

• Fall MAPS Scores
• Standards Based Grading
• General overview of students progress
• Parent Questions

We are also going to be sending home pictures with families tomorrow during the conference to hopefully prevent them from being crushed or bent in backpacks. If you have a virtual conference or are not able to attend, pictures will be sent home on Friday.
  
Halloween Festivities
Students are able to wear costumes to school on Friday October 30th to celebrate Halloween! Please be sure that the costume is school appropriate and does not contain any weapons, full face masks may be worn during non-instructional time such as Halloween parties. Builders Club will be hosting their annual Halloween Party for the whole school to participate in. We will spread out the celebration times to limit the number of students in the gym at one time. Students are asked to bring $2.50 to participate in games and receive snacks during the all school Halloween party. This party is being put on by the 8th grade class and all proceeds will benefit their class trip.
 
Catalog Fundraiser
In red folders this week you will find a catalog fundraiser that we are going to be participating in this year. This is not a requirement for families. We are just asking that you do your best to participate as you can to help support the school. This may be an excellent option for family members to buy Christmas gifts and also help support our school at the same time! We are asking that all orders are turned in by November 11th so that all items arrive before Christmas.
 
 Sincerely, 
Megan Sagat