In the classrooms...
Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing holiday and New Year. As students and staff return from break and get back into the grind, we will all begin the New Year with optimism and hope.

Many students in grades K-5 will take the mid-year dibels assessment. Teachers will compare the mid-year score with the score from the beginning of the year to measure growth. All students will take some type of common assessment to measure academic growth. This data is analyzed in Professional Learning Team meetings on Wednesdays where student placement, remediation, and enrichment plans are developed to meet the needs of a diverse group of students. As a result of this frequent formative assessment, all students are instructed on their appropriate level. When you come for a parent-teacher conference make sure to ask about your child's universal screening scores.

Announcements
Educational Absences
Over the weeks preceding the break I received several requests for an excused absence for educational reasons. I strongly believe that learning takes place in many places other than the traditional classroom and I support families who give their children meaningful learning experiences. I will always excuse an absence for educational purposes, but when the absence is the result of a planned family vacation, the absence will be unexcused per Board Policy.
Bren Bataclan
During the coming week Bren Bataclan will return to Hunter Elementary. He will spend a week at our school working with students and painting a mural for the school that was commissioned by our PTA. If all goes as planned, the unveiling of the mural will be scheduled for Friday January 8, 2010. Stay tuned for more information about the unveiling of the mural.
Day of Service
In honor of Dr. King's dream I would like to invite all to a day of service at Hunter Elementary Saturday January 23 to paint the second floor. This will be a great opportunity to make a difference in your child's school.

Tips to help your child!
Students who do well in math are able to recall basic math computation problems with fluency and accuracy. If your child struggles with recall of basic facts consider using flash cards to practice recall each day. Mastery requires hours of practice.

Important Dates
January 4 - 24 Elective Down Schedule
January 5 at 8:30 PTA meeting in the cafeteria
January 7 K and 2-5 elective registration materials go home
January 11 1st grade registration materials go home
January 13 Elective registration forms due back to school
Week of January 11 COGAT testing begins for third grade