Heights December Newsletter
A note from Principal Derr, School Mornings, and STAR Testing!
From the Principal
First I would like to thank all of you parents for working with us during these trying times. We have had to deal with a few classes doing remote learning when the teacher was out and then a couple weeks of remote learning as a school for two weeks after Thanksgiving break, and you have all done a tremendous job getting your children engaged in their learning. Please make sure to remind your child every day that they must come to school(face to face or remote) “Ready to Learn.” That means they areon time and prepared with all of their materials for the day. This also means that they are mentally ready to listen to their teacher and do their best on whatever task they are asked to complete. We have told all of our learners that school will be hard at times, but they can do “hard things” when they give their best effort. Research has shown that just by giving “effort” with a good “attitude” here at school, achievement will improve. This applies to any online learning as well. As tough as it can be learning online, we know they can do it if they give their best effort and attend every day. Together we will get through this challenge, continue to grow as learners and see that with the right mindset we can overcome anything that comes our way.
School Mornings
Please remember that the school building isn’t open until 8:30 AM. Make sure your child is dressed in their warm coats, boots, gloves and hats when they leave your home in the morning. We do line up outside in the morning and go outside at other times during the day, and I want to make sure your child is dressed for the weather. We do have some donated winter weather items, so let us know if there is something we can help you out with.
STAR Testing
Shortly after returning from our Christmas Holiday break, all of our learners will be taking the second round of STAR testing in Reading and Math. These tests show us where your child is academically in those subject areas. This second test will show us how much your child has grown since taking the first test. These tests are very important in helping your child’s teacher determine areas of strength and areas of needed support. Please remind your child about always doing their best on these tests so we are better able to support them here at school. If you have any questions about the STAR test, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or me. Thanks again for supporting the staff here at Holland Heights.
Thank you for all your support!