Natalie Rust
Principal

Notes from the Principal...

Dear Parents:

The semester seems to be winding down way too fast! I can’t believe March is here, which also means state assessments begin. Although, state assessments are only a snapshot of a student’s performance, we do look at the process very seriously. This is a process that begins at Kindergarten with the final snapshot at 4th grade. As a staff, we make sure that our curriculum is aligned K-4, standards are addressed, and that our students understand the important concepts that will continue to build in the upper grades. I have to brag on our staff because they do such a terrific job in all of those areas. Our staff works together to provide for the needs of our students! It is important that students be in regular attendance so they are absorbing the instructional cues/strategies needed for outstanding performance. Also, on the Kansas Department of Education website (ww.KSDE.org) information is provided on curriculum and assessments. Good luck 3rd and 4th graders as you begin your testing! You will do GREAT!

State Assessment Dates:
3rd Grade Reading: March 9, 10, 11 Math: March 22, 23, 24
4th Grade Reading: March 2, 3, 4 Math: March 30, 31, Apr. 1 Science April 19-22
Please be in contact with your child’s teacher if your child will not be in attendance on a testing date.

4th Grade Pirate Night:
The 4th grade teachers will be hosting our annual 4th Grade Pirate Night on THURSDAY, March 25th. This evening of activities is designed to review math concepts for state testing. The students are invited to stay after school. The students rotate to different learning stations to review different math skills. Students are welcome to wear Pirate attire that day to school. We have always had 98-100% attendance over the past few years so we are hoping to have a great turnout this year as well. More specific information was handed out at conferences so if you weren’t able to come and need information, please contact your child’s teacher.

Kindergarten and Pre-K Pre-Enrollment:
Kindergarten and Pre-K Enrollment will be held on Thursday, April 8th at Goddard High beginning at 6:30 p.m. Children must be 5 years for Kindergarten and 4 years of age for pre-kindergarten on or before August 31, 2010. Pre-kindergarten students must also meet one of the following qualifications: low income, teen-parent family, single-parent family, limited English speaking, parent without a high school diploma or GED, or delayed in development. More information can be located on the Goddard website @ www.goddardusd.com. Please pass this information on to any parents that may need to know. More information will be sent out closer to enrollment time.

Shade Structure Grant:
Last year, an Earhart parent emailed me regarding information for a Shade Structure Grant through the ADA (American Dermatologists Association). The grant requirements included a written recommendation from a dermatologist on the need for a shade structure at our building, an essay on how sunscreen health is promoted in the curriculum and a few other building facts. Mrs. Lynch and I discussed the requirements and decided to write the grant. In October, we were informed that our building had received the grant. The beautiful shade structure is now completed on our playground. We still need to add some benches or tables, but it is one more nice addition to our playground. We are planning on having a family get together in April as a dedication to the new structure. More information will be provided in the April Newsletter.

BINGO
There are not enough words to express my gratitude for our wonderful PTO Board Members, parents, and students that helped support our 3rd Annual Bingo Night. Our school made around $6,000.00 that will help support the PTO budget. Every year we improve this activity to make it fun for families. It is always a joy to see families gathered at tables playing BINGO. Thank you for your continued support. A huge thank you goes out to those that organized it and donated prizes.

Yours in Education,
Natalie Rust, Principal