Week #11- October 28, 2024
MES teachers are looking forward to conversations with families in the coming days. Monday, November 4 is the designated day on the RCPS Calendar for parent/teacher conferences, but there will also be some conferences held this week and even on Tuesday, following the Parent/Teacher Conference Day. If you have not scheduled a conversation with your child’s teacher, please reach out this week.
Teachers will have quite a few data points to share with you, providing you with a comprehensive look at your child’s academic progress, particularly in reading and writing. The new Language Arts curriculum, CKLA by Amplify, contains many ways to formally and informally evaluate progress. VALLSS testing (formerly PALS) also will give very specific information related to the reading readiness and progress.
For certain students, teachers will be reviewing a detailed, and individualized, Student Reading Plan, a plan that sets goals and tracks progress.
Please ask questions and be curious about how these tools work as you meet with teachers. We are all learning together!
As you visit MES next Monday, you will find a table in the entrance with many items of clothing. The MES Lost & Found rack is getting full! Please check the area if your student is missing any clothing items! We will donate to the Children's Clothes Closet Mission Central Inc. after 11-4-24.
Thanks for helping to make MES a great place!!
Have a great week!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
Family Life Education information was shared last week. The information is accessible HERE. Please return any opt-out forms by November 15.
October 31 is Book Character Day at MES. Thai is not a full Halloween costume day, but it does give students a chance to dress to a specific part. Per RCPS Policy, masks should not be worn at school.
The MES Veterans Day assembly is scheduled for Friday, November 8 at 9 AM in the gymnasium. All veterans, particularly MES parents, grandparents and other family members, are invited to attend. Please help us extend this invitation to veterans in our community. An ensemble from JMU will provide music for the program.
Report Cards for the first grading period will be posted in PowerSchool Parent Portals November 1, 2024. Report cards will also be printed and distributed to students to bring home.
MES is a collection point for a local Toy Drive to support victims of Hurricane Helene in the western North Carolina region. Flyer
MES will again this year partner with the Elkton Area United Services (EAUS) to collect food and personal care items for families in need. Access the Flyer here:- MES Fall Service Project
MES Library Information: Library Catalog Tutorial explains how families can access the MES Library Catalog and how to use the search, history and hold features of the catalog. Learn more at the MES Library Website.
Attendance Tip: In August, Dr. Shifflett encouraged RCPS students to “Strive for less than five”. This long-term attendance challenge focuses on the impact of good attendance (as compared to ‘perfect’ attendance). Long term goals can be tough, especially for younger kids, so I suggest breaking that into smaller chunks. Our current 12-Day Attendance Challenge, and others to follow, should help with that. If you want to review attendance and work together to set some goals, short-term and long-term, please contact me. (dbaker@rockingham.k12.va.us)
Parent & Family Resources & Information:
Activities & Events at MES:
Book Character Day- October 31
Parent/Teacher Conference Day (Elementary)- November 4 (No School for Students)
Teacher Inservice Day (Elementary)- November 5 (No School for Students)
Veterans Day Assembly- November 8 (9 AM)
Red, White & Blue Day- November 11
Fall Colors Day- November 25
MES Spirit Day & House Day- November 26
Schools Closed for Holiday- November 27-29