Week #13- November 11, 2024
Thank you veterans! I extend a sincere note of appreciation to all of the veterans, and their families, in the MES community. Thank you for your service! Thanks also to those of you able to attend the program at MES on Friday. I appreciate the work of Mrs. Howard to put the program together and the willingness of the JMU Ensemble to provide music for the event. It was outstanding!
MES Title I Schoolwide Plan
All schools are required to develop a plan for continuous improvement each year. As a Title I designated school, MES develops a Title I Schoolwide Plan. I want to share the key components of the MES Title I Schoolwide Plan with you over the next few weeks. The plan was developed by a team of MES staff and parent representatives, shared with the full staff and RCPS leadership, and adjusted according to the feedback received.
The team developed two broad goals. The first goal states: “Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, MES teachers and staff will work to fully implement the CKLA Language Arts curriculum with the intent of reducing the percentage of students identified as “High Risk” by 10 % as measured by State and curriculum-based assessments.” Based on the beginning year assessments in August and September, about 30% of MES students were identified as needing additional support in Reading and Writing. The implementation of the new curriculum, along with targeted remediation efforts by staff, will reduce that number. In fact, there is already documentation of growth as some of you discussed with teachers during conferences. I will share more about this goal in next week’s message.
The other goal, a “School Environment Goal”, states: “By the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, McGaheysville Elementary School will be able to present compelling evidence of a ten percent increase in volunteerism, meaningful community partnerships, student inclusion, and continuous parent and family involvement as documented by participant sign-in sheets, community partner lists and volunteer lists and hours.” This is a broad goal that is intended to build the home-school-community connection and provide broad community services to MES students. The school does not wish to operate in a vacuum within the greater community, but seeks to be a central part of the community. In the coming weeks, I will share some of the action steps that have been developed relative to this goal.
I appreciate your support of, and involvement in, the education of students at MES.
Together, we will do great things!
Have a super week!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
173 MES students had perfect attendance through the recent 12-day attendance challenge. Wow!That is over 65% of the student body. Ice cream, or an equivalent treat if needed, will be given on Monday during lunch to each student. Drawings will be held this week for other prizes.
The MES Fall Service Project kicked off last week and will continue through this Friday. The boxes for each House are filling up! Thank you for any support you may be able to provide to help "Stock the Pantry" at EAUS.
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: There are twelve days of school schedule before the Thanksgiving Break. If attendance has been a bit of a struggle, it would be a good time to set a goal and discuss a meaningful reward for perfect attendance for the twelve days. An individualized goal is more incentive than the generic rewards the school might offer for a large number of students. Reach out if you want help setting a goal.
Parent & Family Resources & Information:
Activities & Events at MES:
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
MES Book Fair- December 2-6
Bring Your Adult to PE- December 6-12
MES Spelling Bee- December 5