Thursday, December 22, 2016

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
The cheerful smiles and sense of wonder at Metcalf have been delightful.  Students have been steadily becoming more excited as the days go on but have managed to stay focused in school. This is a true reflection of the effort put forth by all our Metcalf families, faculty, and staff.  We have all worked together to make sure there is a nice balance between learning and celebrating the season together with some fun holiday festivities!  

Holiday Fun!

A Sign Language Performance by Mrs. Gammond's Class

Festive Holiday Sweaters lit up Mrs. Hanley's class!

Report Cards
Thank you all for working with us as we implemented the Standards-Based Report Card this year at Metcalf.  We realize that it is quite a change from the traditional grading system. We are so pleased because the new report card allows us to provide a much more comprehensive and complete picture of where your child is academically, socially, and emotionally each trimester.  I have heard some wonderful feedback, as well as some very helpful suggestions. We thank you for your support and will consider all ideas going forward.  

The Parent Portal
Aspen's Parent Portal is new to families in grades 3-6, but it has been open to parents at the secondary level for quite some time.  This feature has allowed us to provide families with access to student report cards on line, thus saving thousands of dollars for the paper, ink, and envelopes necessary when printing at school. In these difficult budget times, we are excited about reallocating these funds to classroom resources and materials that students will benefit from on a daily basis. You can easily view and/or print a hard copy of the report card once you log into your Aspen account.  Please let me know if you are having any difficulty with the Parent Portal or viewing your child's report card.  I thank you all for working with us and the EWG Technology Department to implement this change with such success!  

Community Announcements
Please visit the links below regarding:
The faculty & staff at Metcalf School would like to wish you a
Merry Christmas...Happy Hanukkah...Happy New Year!
Enjoy your vacation and this special time with family and friends.        See you all next year!  

Monday, December 12, 2016

Brrrrrr...Winter is Here!



Metcalf School is proud to be a Feinstein Leadership School!

We are thankful to our wonderful & involved teachers, very supportive & generous parents, and thoughtful & kind students for all you do to help us reach out and accomplish so many good deeds as a school community. For more details, please visit the link below to see the Metcalf Elementary School: Feinstein Junior Scholar Program Letter

Standards-Based Report Cards
You may now view your child’s first trimester Standards-Based Report Card through the Parent Portal in Aspen. You can easily print the report card if you prefer a hard copy. I have also included a link to the Parent Guide to Standards-Based Grading that was shared at each of the four Standards-Based Grading Workshops we held recently at Metcalf Elementary School. The Parent Guide will be a helpful resource to those who were unable to attend one of our workshops. This Parent Guide is also available on the Metcalf School website under the Parents Tab/Important Documents
Link to Parent Guide to Standards-Based Grading and Report Cards:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/188bimzqzSn0qBhCn4T6p_zizaBP4c52b2oc9lNe-Yf4/edit

Mighty Mustang Awards
Students may be coming home with a Mighty Mustang Award this trimester.  These awards were designed using input that was gathered last year from students, families, faculty, and staff.  The message was clear when we reviewed the input and analyzed it as a faculty.  Our shared goal is to recognize the many different facets of the children at Metcalf School, to promote a growth mindset, and to honor the whole child. We will recognize every Metcalf student at some point throughout the school year so all children will know we see that "something special" within them.

There's a Chill in the Air!
We try to go outside for recess every day so please be sure your child comes to school dressed for the cold weather. Don't forget, when there's snow on the ground they may bring their snow pants, boots, mittens, etc. so they can enjoy the winter wonderland!

Upcoming Events:
Grade 6 Band Concert - Thursday, Dec. 15, 7:00
PTA Family Movie Night - Friday, Dec. 16, 7:00, Metcalf Cafeteria
Holiday Recess - Friday, Dec. 23 - Tues. Jan. 3rd.
Parent K-2 Math Workshop - Thur. Jan. 5, Wawaloam School, 5:30-6:00
PTA Mtg. - Thur. Jan. 5, 6:00 @ Wawaloam School
Chorus Concert, Grades 5 & 6 - Thur. Jan. 19, 7:00-8:00 @ Metcalf
PTA Bowling Event - Sunday, Jan. 29th
Dental Screening - Friday, Feb. 10th
NAEP Test, Grade 4 students - Wed. Feb. 15th

Community Announcements:
Please visit this link to learn more about the next showing of Screenagers:
http://ewgjhguidance.blogspot.com/

WG Knights Youth Football & Cheer - Informational Flyer Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_SShHJTJjZjU19qdXUxZ21iZWs/view

EWG Class of 2019 Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_SShHJTJjZjVS1hR2xGQ3hGN3I5VnVyLW1DNkxkbjNrU3Iw/view

EWG Boys Lacrosse Fundraiser - Informational Flyer Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_SShHJTJjZjb2Nqb3REUGtLNVk/view

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