Memorial School

Welcome to the Memorial School Principal's Blog

WELCOME TO THE MEMORIAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S BLOG

Thank you for visiting the Memorial Elementary School Principal’s Blog. I’m excited to begin utilizing this blog on a regular basis to promote communication with students, parents, teachers, and members of the community. I look forward to sharing the successes of our students and staff, as well as the many exciting events which take place throughout the school year at Memorial.
As the principal of Memorial School, I consider myself privileged to work with such a talented and dedicated staff. They are truly committed to providing all students with a nurturing and positive learning environment. I encourage you to follow this blog as a means to learning more about our school and staying connected to the Memorial School Community.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Report Cards


Dear Parents,

As we begin to prepare for the distribution of the first report card of the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to share a little information about the process that our teachers will be using to determine students’ grades. 

As you may know, the state of Massachusetts has recently adopted the Common Core Standards to replace the former Massachusetts Curriculum Framework.  As a result, the district is in the process of reviewing our curriculum to ensure that it aligns with the Common Core Standards.  As a result of the changing standards, we anticipate making changes to our report cards in the future so that they more closely reflect the skills that are being taught in the classroom.

For the current school year, teachers have been asked to report progress on each standard listed on the report card based on the instruction that has been provided through each of the marking periods for each skill.  For example, if a report card standard reads, “adds and subtracts up to 4 digit numbers” and the student has only practiced this skill with “2 digit numbers” during the first trimester, the grade on the child’s first report card of the year will indicate mastery of the skill up to that level (2 digit numbers).  The skills, as they are listed on the report cards, reflect end of the school year expectations.  Your child’s grade may change each trimester as the expectation for skills increase.

It is also important to remember that number grades do not translate into “traditional letter grades”.  Instead, each number grade reflects the progress your child is making toward meeting each standard.  The numbers are as follows:

·         4 – Exceeds grade level standard – Student consistently performs above the grade level standard.  Student is self-motivated and independently grasps, applies, and extends key concepts and skills.

·         3 – Achieves grade level standard – Student consistently demonstrates proficiency in meeting grade level standard.  Student grasps and applies key concepts and skills with limited errors and minimal teacher support.

·         2 – Nearly meets grade level standard – Student demonstrates understanding of basic concepts and skills.  Performance is characterized by the ability to apply skills with increasing success.  Performance varies in consistency with regard to accuracy, quality, and level of support.

·         1 – Below grade level standard – Student is not achieving and/or not progressing toward the grade level standard.  Student does not demonstrate understanding of basic concepts and skills.  Interventions support the student in progressing toward the standard.

·         X – Standard not addressed

We believe that your understanding regarding what is expected of your child and how he/she is progressing towards the goals at the current grade level is important.  Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the administration if you have questions or concerns.


Sincerely,

Debra Swain

Principal