Principal’s Message March 29, 2019
Principal’s Message
March 29, 2019
Testing:
Now that we are into March, it is a good time to discuss RISE testing that will be coming up at the end of April and beginning of May. Please remember that RISE is taking the place of SAGE this year. The questions that will be used in the testing remain the same; it is the testing platform and the functionality of the test that is changing. We have asked the ELA, math, and science teachers to get their students onto the RISE platform via practice tests they have available just so the kids can begin getting used to the platform and how it works. They need to know things like where the tools are on the test so they can be comfortable when they take the actual test. One significant change to be aware of for this year is that only the 8th graders will be taking a writing test.
We are going to be trying to build on the great success we had last year. I have mentioned once or twice that we had the highest proficiency among the junior highs in the district last year. We also were fourth in growth. We have been working hard to make sure students are learning what they need to in their classes. We will also be discussing with the students their role in taking their time and doing their best on the tests when the time comes.
As I have discussed each of the last few years, I would like to encourage everyone to have your students take the RISE testing. It would also be great if you would take a few minutes and discuss with your student the importance of doing their best on the tests. We do look at the results from the tests to help us determine where our teaching can improve, where students might need additional supports (lab classes and the like), and counselors look at them as part of the discussions they have with students and parents about high school.
If you would like to opt your student out of testing, you can do that. The form can be found via a quick internet search for “2019 RISE opt out form,” and we will have copies available in the main office if that is easier. Opt out forms need to be turned in by April 12, which is a few days prior to the beginning of testing. As with last year, you won’t be able to opt your student out once testing has started, or after the fact once testing has been completed. When filling out the opt out form, please make sure you are filling out the “Secondary” form.
Testing will begin April 15 with all 8th graders completing the Writing Test during their English classes. Eighth graders are the only students completing a writing test this year. English Language Arts (ELA) testing will be the following week, April 22-24, and we will test as we did last year with the school using an assembly schedule and all students testing at the same time between 9:20 and 10:20am. Science will test April 29-May 1, and math will test May 6-8. We will do make-ups throughout the duration of the testing window on Thursdays and Fridays, but we also have a designated week, May 13-16, for make-up testing. If we don’t test 95% of eligible students, our school grade is greatly affected.
Sports Update:
The wrestlers had a good season this year. It was difficult for them to challenge for a team title because we didn’t have any students wrestling in the higher weight classes, but we had some great individual finishes at the district championship meet. Alfonso Montero was district champion in his weight class, Ethan Lott took second, and Dylan Surber, Rowan Hilton, Jaxon Mattinson, and Dylan Mattinson all finished in the top four in their weight classes. Great job by the wrestlers this season!
Spring sports are getting ready to start. We have track and field and golf getting started in the next couple of weeks. Both sports are open for both boys and girls, and we look forward to having a great turnout for all the teams.
PTSA:
I’d like to congratulate both Lee Leafty, our Head Custodian, and Allison Armstrong, our PTSA President, for being recognized by the Skyline Network PTSA this year. Mr. Leafty won the Support Staff of the Year award and Allison won the Spirit of the PTA award. Our school would not be the same without the contributions of everyone including staff, students, and parents. Lee does an amazing job of keeping our building beautiful, and Allison has brought a great passion for PTSA and kids this year. I’d like to give a huge thank you to both of them for all they do for Churchill.
Class Fees:
Please check your student’s account to make sure there are no outstanding class fees owed.
After School:
We are having some problems with students staying and hanging out in the building after school gets out. Please make sure your students head home when school releases. We have added a bell that rings at 3pm Monday-Thursday and 12:45pm on Fridays to remind students to leave. Once those times come and go, the only students who should be in the building are those under the direct supervision of an adult, meaning they are in Homework Club, another club meeting, are at practice/intramurals, or are at rehearsal.
Attendance Issues:
Many people are calling the main office to handle attendance issues. Please call the Counseling Center for attendance issues. Their phone number is 385-646-5145. Calling the main office will only mean it will take longer for you to take care of the attendance as they will have to put you on hold and then transfer you back to the Counseling Center.
Important Dates:
Apr. 3 Track and Field Start Day
Apr. 4 Choir Festival
Apr. 4 GT Play
Apr. 8-12 Dance. Co. Try-outs
Apr. 9 Community Council, 1:30pm
Apr. 11 Orchestra Festival
Apr. 11 PTSA Meeting, 7:15am
Apr. 15-19 Ballroom Dance Co. Try-outs
Apr. 16 Jazz Festival
Apr. 24 Track Meet @ TBD
Apr. 25 Band Festival
May 1 Track @ Granger HS
May 7 PTSA Meeting, 11:30am
May 8 Track @ Skyline HS
Sincerely,
Josh LeRoy
Principal
