School Security and Academic Work

Good afternoon,
Please see the note below from Ms. Tanya regarding changes in our school security plan:

In order to enhance safety and security, SCCPSS has instituted a new district-wide initiative at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy. A screening process has been implemented for all who enter the building during designated hours of 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. We now have a security screener that will assist in providing a safe learning environment for our students.  

 At 7:55 AM all tardy students must be accompanied by their parent to enter the building. There must be NO “drop-offs” at the curb once the front doors are shut. The screener will greet all parents/visitors and request that they are processed through a brief screening procedure designed to restrict contraband from entering our school.  

At 3:00 PM and at the conclusion of carpool all parents must come into the foyer to retrieve their child. All adults will be screened after 3:00 PM & at the conclusion of carpool.

 

We appreciate both your patience and assistance on making our school safer for all.

 

Yours,

Tanya

Academic Work Concerns:
It has been communicated with all students that they have the opportunity to correct/complete assignments when the grade they receive is a failing or incomplete grade. However, given this opportunity, there are several students who are not taking advantage of this. At the end of the term, the incompletes will remain as 50% and work not done at all will be scored as 0%. Please reiterate with your child the importance of not being "checked out" and that all work is expected to be completed.
EX: Students are assigned a poetry project for ELA that is due completed by 5/11. However, today all students are expected to turn in their notes on the Haiku, the definitions and examples of the 16 poems assigned in Google Classroom.


Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Information Coming Home

Good morning,


Just a reminder that Erdkinder students are taking their Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) tests today (Math) and tomorrow (ELA). Our focus is not on stress, but on growth. I hope that you will emphasize that at home as well.


Also, progress reports were sent home last week.


8th Grade Parents: Please look for the packing list for our upcoming trip to Jekyll Island. If you don't have one, please get in touch immediately so that we can get another one for your child. So excited about our trip!!!


Please check the Charles Ellis webpage for information on no-cost health care options.


Also, during the week of May 7, we will be running a new schedule. It will be our planned schedule for 2018-2019. We're giving it a dry run to iron out any kinks before the new school year begins. Nothing much changes for our students with the exception that they will start their day with academics and end with Explorations and Recess. If you have concerns or questions, please let me know.

Week of April 23 - 27, 2018


Parents,
We will be administering the Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) tests this week.


Wednesday, 4/25: Math
Thursday, 4/26: ELA


It is imperative that your child be prepared to do their best on these assessments as there are benchmarks for each grade level. If your child has not already met the benchmark, there is a possibility of summer school or retention.

Week of April 16 - 20, 2018

Good afternoon,

This is a reminder that your child will be receiving a progress report on Wednesday, 4/18. If your child has grades that are below 80, they are strongly encouraged to look closely at PowerSchool and Google Classroom and make any corrections to assignments that need attention (the ones with grades 0 - 70).

Also, be mindful that the 8th grade students will be testing through Thursday of this week. Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the last day of testing for 7th grade.

Parent conferences for 7th grade students: If we have not had our parent conference to discuss the progress of your child during the 3rd nine weeks, and you are interested in setting one up, please email me at your earliest convenience.

Friday, April 13

Good morning,

Just a reminder that we had our third day of GMAS testing this week for ELA. The students did very well and used every minute of available time. 

Remember that we have a Masquerade Dance scheduled this evening from 6:15 - 9:15. Please make sure your child has turned in a permission slip and has paid the $10 entry fee. The money raised goes to the 8th grade field trip to Jekyll Island.

We are looking for one more parent to chaperone the 7:15 - 8:15 PM shift. If you are available, please use the REMIND app to let me know.

Thank you and have a great weekend,
Ms. Susan

GMAS Information

Good morning,

Please be aware that GMAS testing begins next week. The following schedule may be helpful as you prepare your child:

Wed, 4/11        ELA Part 1 Reading and Evidence-Based Writing
Thurs, 4/12      ELA Part 2
Fri, 4/13          ELA Part 3
Mon, 4/16       Math Part 1
Tues, 4/17       Math Part 2
Weds, 4/18      Science (3rd, 5th, and 8th grade only)
Thurs, 4/19     Social Studies (3rd, 5th, and 8th grade only)

The 8th grade students will be taking GMAS online so it is imperative that their computers are charged daily and that they bring their chargers to school every day during testing.

The 7th grade students will be taking the paper-pencil version of GMAS.

Week of April 2, 2018

Hello to students, parents, and families -

As you know, it's been a wacky year with our schedule changes and my extended medical absence. However, we are beyond fortunate to have had the assistance of our new team member, Ms. Maria.

I wanted to bring this blog back to life, so to speak, as another means of communication so that we are all on the same page.
This week, we will be working on GMAS test prep. One of the parts that has the most impact on your child's performance is the constructed response. We will be reviewing these and working on them all week. In addition, there will be a quick warm up at the beginning of class each day that consists of sample test questions and answers. All of this information can be found on your child's Google Classroom.

Your child received a letter today informing you of the dates for GMAS testing. If you did not receive it or if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Also, we are still scheduling conferences for 7th grade students. If your child has not yet turned one in, I will be emailing you individually to set up a conference time. 

Have a wonderful week! And, as always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Ms. Susan