Woodlawn Principals' Blog 11/30/12

December here we come! 

POWERSCHOOL UPDATE

Due to system updates, the PowerSchool parent portal will be down from Wednesday, December 5 through Monday, December 10. We're sorry for this inconvenience! 

STANDARDS-BASED REPORTING "Question of the Week" 

Why do my child's grades seem low to start the trimester?

Great question! We all have to think differently about grading. It seems that, since the dawn of time, grades have been calculated using a straight average of all assignments over the course of a grading period. This new system will show you where your child starts, how they grow, and when they achieve mastery...or beyond. 

As we've shared, the fundamental purpose of standards-based reporting is to accurately reflect student growth related to targets over time. Since a trimester is the beginning of a new cycle of instruction, we expect students to need time and support to show progress toward the learning standards of focus. For that reason, it's not surprising that students may struggle at the beginning, showing that they are below mastery (scores of 2.0 or 1.0). They simply need time to learn the new concepts. Please keep watching for more data, though...growth will be reflected in their grades! Also, remember that the overall course letter grade is an average of the most recent standards-aligned data, so letter grades may look low at the beginning of the trimester, too. With effort, instruction, and growth, the students' grades will improve to accurately reflect their learning over the course of the trimester. 

For more specific information related to the field test, please take a few minutes to listen to the podcast of the Standards-Based Reporting Field Test Parent Information Night presentation. As always, feel free to contact your child's teachers, Mr. Murphy, or me if you have questions or would like more information. 

As winter weather has arrived, now is a good time to remind your children not to share hats, headbands, scarves or earmuffs with their friends as this can lead to an increased transmission of head lice. Head lice continues to be one of the most common communicable conditions among children, and outbreaks are possible whenever and wherever children gather. Since the onset of head lice is typical this time of year, it is a good idea to watch for signs that your child may have lice such as frequent head scratching. If your child has lice, there are a variety of treatments available. Please check the District website, www.kcsd96.org, under the “Family Resources,” “Student Health” link for specific information on head lice and District 96 practices.

With the holidays approaching quickly, here is a quick reminder that Artsonia is up and running again this year. Check out artsonia.com to see what your student and Mrs. Kile has been doing in the Art Room. You will find items to purchase that feature your child’s artwork and creative expressions. I cannot think of a better way to find an inexpensive, unique gift this holiday season.  Additionally, the school receives a percentage of any orders you place which goes toward enriching our students’ art and specials programs.

An outstanding program from our Cultural Arts Committee was presented to our Woodlawn students this week when Linda Gorham told her amazing stories.  Students were mesmerized as she tapped into the creative side of story telling.  Thanks PTO!