Dear Blackhawks,

Yesterday we were treated to two very cute plays starring our own kindergarten through fourth grade students. The playful antics of the characters, cleverly dressed by our costumer Rosemary Whitman, were so much fun to see. There were many laugh-out-loud moments. Jill Daley and Mindy Taber are to be commended for their masterful direction of the large number of cast members in these productions.

 

The pilot of the SMARTER Balance Assessment that third and fourth graders are taking part in has gone quite well. Our technology is handling the load just fine, as have the students. The test requires some different technology skills that make it more interesting and more like the real world of computing as opposed to the click in bubble A, B, C, or D. Students need to select passages, move chunks of text around the screen, and can do things like eliminate poor answer choices and flag items to come back to. It is a more sophisticated test that definitely raises the bar as far as reading levels.

On a personal note, I will be out on medical leave for a few weeks after April break. You should not notice much of a change of services however. There is a plan in place that will ensure the essential tasks get done and critical issues get addressed. If you have a concern that you would normally bring to me, you may call the school and let the office staff know you would like a call back or a concern addressed. Mary Piano will be addressing student related issues. I will be available for consultation and can be reached in an emergency. Superintendent Vogt will also be available. I should begin a gradual return to work beginning the week of May 13th.

Ellen

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