The holidays are a fun and busy time of year. In “school world” that
is no different...it is fun and busy too. We are “winding down” the
semester, but it does not always feel like we are winding down because
assessments must be administered to measure growth and/or mastery
of material, final products are due, and then there are holiday events
around campus such as Polar Express Day, class parties and the
Jingle Bell Ball. All of which are important.
It is amazing to think back over the semester and realize how many
things our school community has accomplished and we are only halfway
done with this school year. Besides actual growth, our students have
demonstrated academic growth too. We are growing as readers,
mathematicians and scientists. Our students have daily practiced phonics
in Kinder through second grade. That regular, routine practice is paying off.
Our students are applying those skills into their reading, writing and spelling.
It is exciting when students are eager to read and to talk about their books.
Our teachers are creating learning environments that encourage students to
share out, discuss, and question. They are providing those channels of
communication. Three or more time a week our students are testing their
math fact fluency and practicing in between. More and more skills are mastered.
Our students are engaged in hands-on science and applying their learning into
claim, evidence and reasoning formats. The writing that hangs in our hallways
has more voice and content as our students are gaining confidence as writers.
It is exciting when they want to celebrate their writing.
Each morning our students pledge to strive for their personal best. We are
working on what that means academically and emotionally. We are learning
how to be respectful, courageous, kind, thoughtful of others, a good friend, and
how to be responsible. Our students have earned Hooray Horseshoes for
demonstrating integrity, helping a friend or a teacher, and taking responsibility
for their actions. It is awesome to see the number of students who earn
Hooray Horseshoes and are in a drawing at the end of the week to eat lunch
with a friend. Guidance lessons support the social-emotional and character
traits we desire for all of our Colts.
All of us are on striving to live out our CHES vision of staff and students
challenging one another to grow as learners in a community of respect
and acceptance. It requires a lot of hard work and commitment. We will
persevere.
Have a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!
