Dear Families -
This week as you review your child’s academic progress within their report card, please keep in mind that teachers are reporting progress through the end of the second of four grading periods. Our report cards are aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards. These standards are designed to cover the entire academic year; there are a number of standards your child has yet to explore within their classroom! Directions for accessing your child’s report card can be found at this link. Winter conferences are coming up in early February for 1st-5th (Kindergarten conferences are in early March), and can be a great time to check in about your child’s progress here at school.
We wanted to be sure to re-share our district’s latest strategic-planning update from Dr. Fine. The Phase I final report, which was created by our planning partners at The Big Questions Institute, is available now. We also are sharing all of the feedback comments that were received during forums with our students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and community. All of this information is available on our district website.
Please know there will be additional opportunities for input and participation in our continued work during Phase II. We encourage you to watch for our ongoing strategic-planning communication. In the meantime, our community feedback form still is available for your use. Feel free to submit questions or comments to the form. We are listening!
Video Overview of Phase I by Big Questions Institute
Strategic Planning Phase I Report
Championing Our Future: Strategic Planning Webpage
Thank you for your continued partnership,
Jeannine Hetzler, Cassingham
Rachel Niswander, Maryland
Nyesha Clayton, Montrose
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
January 9th at 3pm - Student report cards accessible via Powerschool
January 9 - 20th Grades 1st-5th MAP assessments in Math & Reading
January 12th - Dr. Falami at the Bexley Library (How to register and information provided below)
January 16th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school
January 17th - MD PTO in Library at 7:00 - 8:00pm
January 27th - 2nd Grade Field trip (all three schools at CS)
January 30th - READ-A-THON packets go home
February 6th - 21st - READ-A-THON (More information coming soon.)
February 9th - Evening Parent Teacher Conferences for Grades 1 - 5
STANDARDS-BASED GRADING
Bexley City Schools uses a standards-based grading format to most accurately represent student achievement, K-8.Each grade level has predefined “strands” that group the essential learning for each subject. Second, third and fourth grading periods, students receive a grade for each strand as well as a grade based on their demonstrated learning skills and work habits. Grade point averages (gpa) are not calculated until high school, when a more traditional grading system is in place. Remember there are standards that haven’t been mastered or taught yet.
Marking System
Secure (4) = Student independently and consistently demonstrates that they meet or exceed expectations as defined by course learning targets/ learning skills and work habits.
Approaching (3) = Student’s independent achievement inconsistently meets expectations as defined by course learning targets/ learning skills and work habits.
Needs Support (2) = Student is dependent on external support to consistently meet expectations as defined by course learning targets/ learning skills and work habits.
Insufficient Evidence (0) = Student has not yet provided enough information to determine what the student can do as defined by course learning targets.
Learning Skills and Work Habits
Unlike traditional grades, Standards-Based Grading gives separate grades for academics and behaviors. Each student will receive an overall grade for demonstrating the following:
Personal Responsibilities
Completes and submits quality class work and homework on time
Maintains a system of organization
Takes responsibility for own actions; demonstrates self-control
Follows directions
Uses technology in accordance with school policies
Upholds the academic integrity policy
Self-Directed Learning
Perseveres when facing challenges
Demonstrates stamina needed to complete work
Initiates tasks and maintains appropriate level of independence
Classroom Interactions
Participates actively and cooperatively in group work
Listens respectfully and acknowledges the thinking of others
Additional information about Standards-Based Grading can be found at http://www.bexleyschools.org/sbg
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Bexley City Schools and Bexley Minority Parent Alliance Presents:
Nurturing Black Girlhood Supporting the needs of Black Girls in Today's Schools with Dr. Falami
Register by clicking the link on the flier for Thursday, January 12th, 2023, 6pm at the Bexley Public Library
Nurturing Black Girlhood Event Information
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At the Bexley Library:
TUESDAYS JANUARY 24 - FEBRUARY 28 4:30 - 5:15 PM: Page Pals program is being offered again this winter where students in grades K-3 can pair up with a teen volunteer and practice their reading skills with them.
Page Pals Flyer
MAP ASSESSMENTS, GRADES 1-5
Student’s winter MAP assessments are scheduled between January 9- 20th. Students in first - fifth grades will be taking the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment in reading and math during this two-week period.
MAP is a computerized assessment that adapts to each student by giving items that are more or less difficult based on how students answer previous items; so regardless of whether a student is above, on, or below grade level, MAP can help determine what a student is ready to learn. And, since it is given multiple times in a year, it allows us to measure the growth a student shows from one testing session to another. We use the information MAP tests provide to Inform the lessons teachers design which allows them to tailor instruction to student needs as a group and as individuals. Classroom teachers will share results from MAP with families, these may be a part of your child’s February conference conversations.
Please be sure students bring their device charged and ready to use everyday and particularly for MAP days.
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FREE BREAKFAST AT SCHOOL
The Bexley Schools’ Board of Education voted to approve a pilot program to provide universal free breakfast to all students beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 and lasting through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
In order for a breakfast to be free, a student must select one item from three of the four different food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk.
The following are examples of a whole breakfast that would be free:
Whole grain muffin, applesauce, tater tots, and milk.
Cereal bowl, orange juice cup, and milk.
English muffin sandwich, banana, and tater tots.
Breakfast options vary day to day, but a variety of options are always available.
Students who select a single food item rather than a whole breakfast will need to pay for that item individually.
This pilot program will ensure all Bexley City School students have access to free breakfast through the end of this school year and will also allow us to collect data related to student food-security needs by tracking participation. The program also will provide an opportunity to properly survey our community at the district level to determine additional needs, particularly for families with income above the USDA threshold needed to qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
Breakfast Time
Breakfast will be served in each school building cafeteria at the following times:
Cassingham Complex: 7:45-8:35 a.m.
Maryland Elementary: 7:45-8:10 a.m.
Montrose Elementary: 7:45-8:10 a.m.
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A Message from Mrs. Hipsley, School Counselor:
Over the next few weeks in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), your child will learn about empathy and kindness.Please click on your child's grade level to read about the unit and how you can support your child at home. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!Kdg.
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
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FROM OUR PTO
The Montrose School dance returns on Friday, Jan. 13th after a three-year hiatus. The event is from 6:30-8 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Each student must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free, but the PTO is collecting canned goods for the Little Free Pantry at the event.
The Montrose PTO will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 in the school library. Zoom participation will be available and can be accessed through the PTO website.
Montrose Elementary Roller Skating Party
Join your Montrose friends and families to roller skate on Wednesday Jan 25 from 6-830pm. Admission is free! Skate rental is $5. Family meal deals are available. Feel free to pre-fill out the waiver (for adults only) in advance of the event for quicker check in. https://form.bookingzone.com/222084655806055
We can't wait to see you there!
United Skates of America
3362 Refugee Road, Columbus, OH 43232
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Reminders from the office:
Attendance Correspondence/Email: [email protected]. All attendance information should be sent to this email address. Please email the attendance email as well as your child's teacher with absences, early release, tardies, vacations, change in after school pick up etc.
Driver's License: Bring your driver's license when you visit school. This is required for any visitor additionally, we'll take your picture and print it on your VISITOR ID badge when they are in the building.