THIS WEEK’S EVENTS
Monday 11/17 — Metzger to Riley in AM
Tech Club 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Book Fair in Science Room all week
Tuesday 11/18 — Metzger to RESA in AM
Wednesday 11/19 — Conferences 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Thursday 11/20 — Dr. Hall Guest Reader 4th & 5th Grades
1/2 Day 11:40 Dismissal
Conferences 12:45-3:15 p.m. and 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Friday 11/21 — Hearing & Vision Screening begins Grades K, 1, 2, 4
Rotary Club delivers books to 1st Graders 1:30 p.m.
CONFERENCES
This week we have the “official” opportunity to meet with many families and review the progress that students have made since the beginning of the year. Thank you for understanding that this time is scheduled, but the lines of communication between school and home should be constantly open. Whether you will be meeting as adults with your students’ parents, or you will be engaging students and families in student-led conferences, remember a few things. . .
Focus on student strengths and provide actionable feedback that parents and students may act upon immediately. This takes planning, because an area of concern must be followed with suggestions for improvement. Thank parents for doing the hard work of raising children, and listen to their personal feedback, which may provide you with valuable insight. Here is a blog post that offers some good reminders about conferences. Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences
Please let me know as soon as possible if there is a conference you would like me to attend. Also, please provide your conference schedule to Michelle and Laura as soon as possible.
I’m confident you will embody true professionalism and kindness this week as you inform parents about curriculum, assessment, grading, strengths & opportunities for growth. I know you will continue to develop a working relationship with families and deepen the home-school partnership. Thanks for all that you do in preparation for this very busy week!
M-STEP
At the end of last week, I forwarded the information that was just released from the state of Michigan regarding the spring assessment, now called the M-STEP. If you have not already done so, please read the information in this link carefully, even if your students will not be taking this test in the spring. Although we will be using this year as a learning opportunity, being as prepared as possible with what’s to come will be to our benefit. I will keep you posted with any new information as I receive it. M-STEP Information
BOOK FAIR
Our Bennie PTA has worked diligently to transform the Science Room into a medieval fantasyland for this year’s fall Book Fair! I hope you had a chance to enjoy the teacher preview on Friday afternoon. Did you remember to use your shelf-marker recommendation that you got in your mailbox last week? On Monday you will receive the free book coupons for the top summer readers who may be in your class. Show the certificates to the students so they are able to plan their buying, but please save them until your buying date so they are not misplaced by students before that time. The Book Fair will be open during conferences, and is also available online this year. Feel free to share that information with parents.
BENNIE SPIRIT WEAR
Mrs. Jones is organizing a Bennie Spirit Wear gear order for our Bobcats and their families, as well as for staff. Order forms will go home with students this week, with orders due next week. Color photos of the items will be available during conferences for parents to check out. If you need some great Bennie gear, now is the perfect time to stock up!
SAFETY
Please continue to mention safety in your parent newsletters. We can always use helpers to keep the traffic moving at dropoff and pickup times, as well as at both street crossings. In addition, please review playground safety with your students. When you are outside with your class, ensure that you are carefully monitoring student behavior for safety at all times. Thank you for helping to keep our Bobcats safe.
