Back To School - 9/10/2015
Hello and Welcome Back to School!
On behalf of our staff, I want to say "thank you" for a great start to the school year.
Our Back To School night was successful and well attended. It was a great gathering of role models for our children -- parents, grandparents, significant adults, community organizations and teachers. Children watch, listen, and pattern their habits of mind after us -- let's be mindful of our obligations to our kids.
At Back to School Night, I shared some successes:
- Our staff core values.
- The average student at Nederland Elementary grew 1.5 years in reading ability in 2014-15, as measured by our iReady assessment.
- Our CMAS Science and Social Studies scores doubled. These scores outpaced Colorado averages and were at the BVSD average.
- Niche.com ranked Nederland Elementary number 15 among 811 eligible Colorado Elementary schools. Niche.com identified NES in the top 4% of national elementary schools.
At Back to School Night, I shared some goals:
- Let's make an effort to get our daily attendance rate above 94%. Last year, we were at 93.81%. While that number represents growth, I would like us all to be mindful of how important it is for students to be at school when they are healthy. If each student misses less than 9 days this year, we can attain that level!
- I shared the BVSD Success Effect. This is a concerted strategic plan that will make BVSD a premier school district in the 21st century. Over the next five years, schools across BVSD will commonly create goals related to student learning, teacher talent, and community partnerships.
At Back to School Night, I shared relevant information about BVSD and Nederland Elementary School:
-Our assessment day for elementary students is on September 21st. Invitations for assessment day are going out in Friday Folders and should be returned on Monday. Staff will take up to 40 minutes assessing your child on this day. The library will be open with donuts and coffee for waiting parents.
- Please watch for opportunities to participate in community visioning sessions around the school bond this fall.
- A $40 donation is encouraged -- $10 is designated for your child's grade level teachers, $ 10 is designated for library and technology resources, and $20 is designated to a workbooks budget.
Jennifer Boehnert, our PTA President (and role model), shared the following:
- Get involved! Volunteer 3 hours to 3 activities this year. Juanita Gloe, our office manager, can help you register as a BVSD volunteer in 5 minutes.
- Help with fundraising! Become a PTA member at www.nespta.com, participate in our scrip program, purchase your Amazon.com orders at Amazon Smile and donate it to Nederland Elementary School PTA. Most importantly, help our school meet our Spell-a-thon goal!
- Attend Meetings! Our PTA meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Thanks again for a great start to the school year!
Jeff
