Welcome Sharks!

This gem of a poster was given to me by a third grader in 312 after earning a Red Triangle on Friday. And honestly, it says it all. This is why we do what we do!

It’s been a long stretch and while energy levels might be dipping, let this serve as your reminder: you’re doing great, and your work matters. April break is just around the corner so hang in there!

Let’s keep showing up for each other and for our students – one encouraging poster at a time.

MCAS This Week

Fourth Grade MCAS begins this week:

• ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1: Tuesday, April 8

• ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2: Wednesday, April 9

Fourth grade teachers and anyone directly involved in testing have already received detailed information via email, but it’s important for the whole building to be aware that MCAS is a school-wide effort.

You can find finalized testing locations for this week in the first tabs (yellow) of this spreadsheet. (Note: Math scheduling is coming later).

Schedule changes for fourth-grade are listed on the last page of the Soko MCAS Admin Plan. First grade specialist block is also changing for the testing days (first grade and specialist teams have already been notified).

A few building-wide reminders:

• Bathroom usage: Please do not send students to the bathrooms between 8:30–8:50am on testing days. During this window, testing grade will be using bathrooms on all three floors for whole class bathroom breaks before starting the test.

• A hallway monitor will be stationed on the second floor to log testing student entries/exits for state accountability.

• Keep transitions quiet: Students will be testing in classrooms, offices, and other small flexible spaces. Help maintain a calm, quiet environment by reinforcing hallway expectations throughout the morning.

Thanks again for helping create a smooth testing experience for our students.

Managing Copy and Paper Costs

We have been reminded by the district’s Financial Department to be mindful of copying and paper costs as we close out the year. Staying within our allocated budget is important to prevent impact in some other essential budget lines. We have also noticed a growing number of papers being left behind at the printers. Please double-check your jobs and avoid unnecessary reprints.

A few key reminders:

• The first floor printer should not be used during the school day. It is only available before 8:20 am and after 3:00 pm.
• During the school day, staff should use the second floor printer. Be mindful that this space is shared, and it has been noted that the environment can become a distraction to others working there.

Suggestions to minimize waste:

• Use provided student journals or whiteboards instead of printing blank lined pages.
• Project materials instead of printing full-class sets.
• Print only what’s needed.
• Avoid printing multiple copies of documents that could be shared digitally.

Thank you for helping us be thoughtful and efficient with resources.

Student Panorama Survey – OPEN NOW

The Student Panorama Surveys are now open and will remain available until April 17th. Our goal is 100% student completion before the break.

Please make time to administer the survey to your class this week or next. Refer to this blog post for all details and instructions: Action Needed: Panorama Student Surveys

The survey link can be found on slide 10 of the Panorama Proctor Slides.

If you have questions, please connect with your grade-level SEL representative.

PLTs This Week

Due to Grade 4 MCAS this week, we will have limited PLTs.

Monday (4/7):

• Foundational Teachers will have a PLT with Merri. Coverage:
  • 106 – G. Chavez
  • 312 – N. Martinez
  • 201 – G. Ramirez
• Specialist PLT

Tuesday (4/8):

• 312 and 319 Meetings. Coverage:
  • 312 – Wivchar
  • 319 – Olson and Cross

Wednesday (4/9): No PLTs.

Thursday (4/10): Grade 3 PLT in 317 (self-facilitated)

Friday (4/11): Grade 1 PLT in 317 (self-facilitated)

Grade level team PLTs will be self-facilitated with the goal of sharing our learning from the Strategy Study with our grade level teams. Make sure to bring your Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning book and your product from your time in vertical teams. Running agendas have been updated.

Important Dates:

• 4/1/25 – 4/17/25 – Student Panorama Survey Window
• 4/8/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 4/9/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 4/9/25 – NED Mindset Mission – Grades 1 & 2
• 4/10/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/10/25 – Soko-Literacy & Math Night (5:00 – 6:30 p.m.)
• 4/11/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 2/2)
• 4/15/25 – 4th Grade Field Trip
• 4/16/25 – Spring Classroom Picture Day
• 4/17/25 – Pyramid of Success – Fitness, Skill & Team Spirit (1:50 – 2:30 p.m.)
• 4/18/25 – NO SCHOOL – GOOD FRIDAY
• 4/19/25 – 4/27/25 – No School – Spring Break
• 5/13/25 – Math MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1
• 5/14/25 – Math MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2
• 5/15/25 – Math MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 5/16/25 – Math MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 5/19/25 – 5/23/25 – Math MCAS Make-Ups
• 5/27/25– Student Council Field Trip
• 5/28/25– 3rd Grade Field Trip

Happy APRIL!

This month we have the last Panorama surveys to complete…thank you all for your participation. Please see the previous blog post for more specific instructions. As always feel free to reach out to an SEL team member for help!

This month you can also expect to see an SEL team member pop into your community time. This is non-evaluative! We are looking to see trends across the school, both areas of strengths and places that we can better support.

Here is the monthly newsletter!

The CPS Panorama Surveys are OPEN NOW and will remain open until April 17th (see details below). As you know, this data gives us an opportunity to measure student and staff well-being and more importantly for us to think about ways to meet individual needs. 

Surveys Being Administered: Student SEL and Staff SEL

Teacher Perception of Student SEL Survey K-2 (Teachers Complete this for their students – about 10 minutes)

Student SEL & Well-Being Survey 3-4 (about 30 minutes)

Staff Panorama SEL: Adult Measures Survey (more info at an upcoming staff meeting)

______________________________________________________________________________

1-2 Grade: Teacher Perception Surveys (Must be done by Thursday, 4/17)

1-2 teachers will access their teacher perception of student SEL surveys via a unique link sent to their email inbox. (look for an email called: Chelsea Public Schools Teacher Survey of Student Skills)

For guidance please reference the guidebook: [Chelsea] Teacher Perception Guide

______________________________________________________________________________

3-4 Grade: Students take the Survey (Must be done by Thursday, 4/17)

This takes about 30 minutes from introduction to logging in to completion. Please be mindful of this and use a block that won’t be interrupted (ie. HSS or Math to Grow).

• One link for each survey that asks the student their whole ID number (including the zeros)
• Translation is automatic (students choose language) and they can have it read aloud 
• It MUST be done in one block and unfortunately will not save as you go!

Slides to show students: 24-25 Soko Panorama Proctor Slides

Optional student facing slides of each question: Panorama Survey Questions 24-25

______________________________________________________________________________

These MUST be completed by Thursday, April 17th. If you have questions, need help with the platform, or are unsure about scheduling, please reach out to me or another SEL team member.

Thank you for your continued support of our student social and emotional needs!

April is Autism Acceptance Month – it is a time to foster understanding, empathy, and inclusion for all students, including those who are neurodivergent.

At the Soko, we believe in creating a space where all kids feel seen, supported, and celebrated. This is also a great opportunity to help students learn about Autism and discuss the importance of inclusion & kindness. Here are some resources you can use to talk to kids about it.

We made it to the end of March (a month that somehow felt like it had 47 days)!!! If you’re feeling a bit like the characters in the cartoon above… you’re not alone. This stretch of the year is always packed but your effort, patience, and persistence have not gone unnoticed.

The good news? April break is right around the corner. With MCAS starting this week, we are officially entering the final third of the school year. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue supporting each other! We are stronger together!

MCAS Starts This Week

Third Grade MCAS begins this week:

• ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1: Tuesday, April 1

• ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2: Wednesday, April 2

Third grade teachers and anyone directly involved in testing have already received detailed information via email, but it’s important for the whole building to be aware that MCAS is a school-wide effort.

You can find finalized testing locations for this week in the first tabs of this spreadsheet. (Note: Only the first 3 tabs (green) have been finalized. 4th Grade testing and Math scheduling is coming later).

Schedule changes for third-grade are listed on the last page of the Soko MCAS Admin Plan. First grade specialist block is also changing for the testing days (first grade and specialist teams have already been notified).

A few building-wide reminders:

• Bathroom usage: Please do not send students to the bathrooms between 8:30–8:50am on testing days. During this window, testing grade will be using bathrooms on all three floors for whole class bathroom breaks before starting the test.

• A hallway monitor will be stationed on the third floor to log testing student entries/exits for accountability.

• Keep transitions quiet: Students will be testing in classrooms, offices, and other small flexible spaces. Help maintain a calm, quiet environment by reinforcing hallway expectations throughout the morning.

Thanks again for helping create a smooth testing experience for our students.

Job Preference Form – SY25-26

As we begin to plan for next school year, we want to provide an opportunity for everyone to share preferences regarding roles or assignments.

If you’re interested in exploring something different from your current role, please print the SOKO Staff Role Preference Sheet (front and back), complete it, and place it in Cam’s mailbox by April 14.

This form is completely voluntary. If you’re happy in your current role and don’t wish to explore a change, you don’t need to do anything. As a reminder, submitting this form does not guarantee a change in role or assignment. This tool is intended to help spark reflection and open the door to potential opportunities, as we work to match staff strengths with school needs.

Please reach out with any questions!

PLTs This Week

Due to Grade 3 MCAS this week, we will have limited PLTs.

Monday (3/31):

• Foundational Teachers will have a PLT with Merri. Coverage:
  • 106 – Cross
  • 312 – Olson
  • 201 – Wivchar
• SpEd Liaisons will have a PLT with Gina. Coverage:
  • 111 – Caruso
  • 319 – Stewart

Tuesday (4/1) and Wednesday (4/2): No PLTs due to MCAS testing.

Thursday (4/3): Grade 4 PLT in 317 (self-facilitated)

Friday (4/4): Grade 2 PLT in 317 (self-facilitated)

Grade level team PLTs will be self-facilitated with the goal of sharing our learning from the Strategy Study with our grade level teams. Make sure to bring your Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning book and your product from your time in vertical teams. Running agendas have been updated.

Important Dates:

• 4/1/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1
• 4/2/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2
• 4/3/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/4/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 Make Ups (Day 2/2)
• 4/8/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 4/9/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 4/10/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/10/25 – Soko-Literacy & Math Night (5:00 – 6:30 p.m.)
• 4/11/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 2/2)
• 4/16/25 – Spring Picture Day
• 4/17/25 – Pyramid of Success – Fitness, Skill & Team Spirit (1:50 – 2:30 p.m.)
• 4/18/25 – NO SCHOOL – GOOD FRIDAY
• 4/19/25 – 4/27/25 – No School – Spring Break
• 5/13/25 – Math MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1
• 5/14/25 – Math MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2
• 5/15/25 – Math MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 5/16/25 – Math MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 5/19/25 – 5/23/25 – Math MCAS Make Ups

Well, we are almost through…

We are heading into the last full week of March, and it’s a big one with Parent Conferences and Report Cards going home. Thanks for continuing to show up for our students and each other during this long haul. Let’s keep the energy up as we approach MCAS season and the final stretch of the year!

Refresher on Morning Assignments and Postings

Now that the weather is getting nicer and students are spending more time outside during morning recess, it’s important for us to be on time in our assigned posts and continue to support student interactions to ensure a smooth start to the day. To help with this, you can find below:

• The updated Morning Duty (7:50-8:20 paid duty)
• The updated Regular Morning Assignments (where non-classroom teachers must be at 8:20am):

The goal is to ensure that all students enter the building and their classrooms in a safe and orderly manner.

Thank you for your attention to this and for helping create a calm and structured start to the day!

Staff Meeting & Strategy Study Reflection

The upcoming Staff Meeting on 3/25 will focus on reflecting on our learning from the Strategy Study.

All teaching and observations must be completed by 3/24, so please ensure you have wrapped up your observations beforehand.

Staff should come to the meeting prepared with:

• Their Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning book
• The completed Observation Tool

We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and applying our learning to further enhance instructional practices!

Parent-Teacher Conference Night – Thursday, March 27

Our Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences are this Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Please continue reaching out to families to encourage high attendance.

Some teachers have asked about meeting with parents before 5:00pm. This is allowed; however, since it is outside of conference hours, you will be responsible for escorting the parent in and out of the building, as the building is not open to families before 5pm. (We don’t want to upset our friends at the security desk!).

Please ensure all final meetings wrap up by 7:00pm so security can complete their final sweep of the building.

Paraprofessionals: We are still looking for support with interpretation that night. Compensation will be provided. So far, we’ve only heard from two paras. If you are available to support, please let Cam know in advance so payroll can be arranged.

MCAS Around the Corner

With Grade 3 MCAS quickly approaching (April 1 & 2), we ask everyone to continue tidying up transitions around the school. It is essential that all students navigate hallways safely and quietly to prevent disruptions to office operations and instruction in nearby classrooms.

We appreciate everyone’s support in reinforcing these expectations and ensuring a focused learning environment for all students!

PLTs This Week

• Monday (3/24): Non-classroom teachers who will be providing accommodations during MCAS will attend the MCAS Accommodators PLT.
• Tuesday-Friday: Regular Grade Level PLTs will take place as scheduled with regular coverage.

PLTs this week will focus on Data Analysis for Cycle 4 of RtG Groups, facilitated by Katerina & the Reading Specialists. Please be prepared to engage in data-driven discussions as we continue refining our instructional support for students!

Important Dates:

• 3/25/25 – Soko Staff Meeting (3:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
• 3/27/25 – Parent Conferences Night (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
• 3/28/25 – Send Report Cards Home
• 4/1/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1
• 4/2/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2
• 4/3/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/4/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 Make Ups (Day 2/2)
• 4/8/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 4/9/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 4/10/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/10/25 – Soko-Literacy & Math Night (5:00 – 6:30 p.m.)
• 4/11/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 2/2)
• 4/16/25 – Spring Picture Day
• 4/17/25 – Pyramid of Success – Fitness, Skill & Team Spirit (1:50 – 2:30 p.m.)
• 4/18/25 – NO SCHOOL – GOOD FRIDAY
• 4/19/25 – 4/27/25 – No School – Spring Break
• 5/13/25 – Math MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1
• 5/14/25 – Math MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2
• 5/15/25 – Math MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 5/16/25 – Math MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 5/19/25 – 5/23/25 – Math MCAS Make Ups

We all know March is brutal (no holidays!), but have no fear – the HOMies are here!

Whether they are singing, doing math, or building outfits out of recycled materials – our students have been tapping into the HOMies in so many different ways this past month. I hope these photos remind you of all the learning, growing, and joy that fill our classrooms on a daily basis!

As a Google Workspace for Education client, CPS must comply with Google’s updated Terms of Service, which now require parental consent for students under 18 to access Additional Google Services like Google Earth, Google Maps, and YouTube.

To address this mid-year change, a communication and consent form was sent via ParentSquare (see screenshot below). Families must complete the form by March 31. Students without consent will lose access to these additional services (Google Earth, Google Maps, and YouTube) on their Chromebooks until the form is submitted. The message also included this video with directions on completing a form on PS.

Moving forward, this consent will be required annually and will be included in the summer consent forms for the new school year.

No action required on our end. We are sharing this information in case families reach out to you with any questions.

_______

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate! As we kick off another week, we’re reminded that Wednesday’s Early Release Day might just be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – if that gold were extra planning time and professional development!

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication as we move through March – the longest shortest month of the year! Let’s make it a great week!

Early Release Day – 3/19/25

Please refer to this document for a detailed overview of the school day, including the Grade 3/4 STEM fair and lunch schedules.

For the PD sessions in the afternoon, all teachers and paraprofessionals will attend two workshops. Workshop choices were sent out last week, and everyone should have already registered.

• Click here to view the choice workshop descriptions (Sokolowski choices are on the Late School tab).
• You must enroll in your two sessions in Vector before March 19 in order to sign in that day and receive PDPs.

If you have any questions, please reach out to coordinators, coaches, or leads.

Important Reminder: Allergy Awareness and Lunch Expectations

Recently, the other three elementary schools in the complex have had emergency situations related to food allergies. One incident was caught by a paraprofessional who noticed a student eating something shared with them in the cafeteria. Although the item did not contain peanuts, it was manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, triggering a reaction. Thanks to the para’s attentiveness, the student received their medication promptly at the nurses office, and emergency services were alerted in time.

With this in mind, we are asking all staff to take a moment to refresh their familiarity with the allergies in their classrooms. Additionally, please remind students about our nut-free policy and reinforce our no-sharing food expectation.

• Teachers, to ensure students understand the importance of these policies, please take five minutes before lunch on Monday to review these expectations with your class.
• Paraprofessionals covering lunch should continue to actively monitor students and reinforce these expectations in the cafeteria.

Below are district-provided resources with additional information about food allergies and best practices:

• March_2025 _ Allergy Policy Communication
• Youth-Keep-Friend-Allergies-Safe-ENG-ESP
• React with Respect – Food Allergies – ENG and ESP

Also, please refer to a previous blog post about SOKO Guidelines for Celebratory Events and Birthday Treats.

Thank you all for your diligence in keeping our students safe.

Report Cards – Trimester 2

Grades due in Aspen for admin review on Wednesday, 3/19. Remember to POST each rubric for admin to view and print.

For detailed resources and guidance, visit the Elementary Standards-Based Report Card Website. Additional Aspen resources, including Keys for Grade-Level Standards, Comments/Goals, and a recorded Gradebook training, can be accessed HERE.

Important Reminders:

• Every T2 standard should be graded in alignment with assessments/data collected throughout the trimester.
• Mastery Grading Key for T2:
  • O (Green): On Track
  • T (Yellow): Working Toward the Standard
  • B (Red): Working Below the Standard
  • M (Blue): Meeting the Standard (only for standards assessed exclusively in T2).
• Comments and goals should align with grades when possible. Each student should receive 3 comments and 2 goals from the menu.
• Reading Foundational Standards: Use DIBELS 8 Benchmark and Progress Monitoring Data, iReady Diagnostic Data, and From Phonics to Reading formative assessments to determine mastery levels.
• For special circumstances (e.g., new students or students who changed classrooms), discuss grading with admin.

For any questions or assistance, reach out to Laura Hubert (hubertl@chelseaschools.com) or Katie Schubmehl (webberk@chelseaschools.com).

Panorama Surveys are Coming Up!

The next student panorama survey window will be April 1-12. As a reminder our focus areas are learning strategies for grade 1 & 2 and self-efficacy for grades 3 & 4. Both of these areas can be boosted by utilizing the HOMies, swagtags and reminding students of strategies to use when stuck in certain content areas. Below are more specific ways to measure these focus areas:

HERE is a google survey that can be used to measure 3rd/4th grade self efficacy.

HERE is a link to a seesaw that can be used to measure 1st/2nd grade learning strategies.

Please reach out with any questions.

SEL Team

PLT this Week 

Regular Grade-Level PLTs are canceled this week so we can focus on Strategy Study work and complete our vertical observations by March 24.

With that said, Grade 3 and 4 teachers and accommodations providers will meet for their annual MCAS training on:

• Tuesday (3/18) – Grade 3
• Thursday (3/20) – Grade 4

Important Dates

• Week of 3/17 – Common Writing Assessment #3: Math (Grades 3-4)
• 3/19/25 – T2 Grades Due in X2
• 3/19/25 – Early Release Day and STEM Fair for Grades 3 and 4
• 3/21/25 – HOMies and World Down Syndrome Day School Meeting (1:50 – 2:30 p.m.)
• 3/25/25 – Soko Staff Meeting (3:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
• 3/27/25 – Parent Conferences Night (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
• 3/28/25 – Send Report Cards Home
• 4/1/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 1
• 4/2/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 – Day 2
• 4/3/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/4/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 3 Make Ups (Day 2/2)
• 4/8/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 1
• 4/9/25 – ELA MCAS Grade 4 – Day 2
• 4/10/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 1/2)
• 4/11/25 – ELA MCAS Make Ups (Day 2/2)

We are excited to share that Alongside is now available to all staff in Educator Mode!

While our 4th-grade students have been using Alongside to develop self-awareness and emotional regulation, this new staff version is designed specifically to support you – both as an educator and as a professional.

What is Alongside?

Alongside is an AI-powered platform designed to support emotional well-being, goal setting, and professional growth. It provides on-demand coaching, strategies for managing stress, and tools to enhance your work in the classroom.

In 4th grade, students have been using Alongside with Kiwi the Llama, an AI chat assistant that helps them reflect on emotions and challenges in a safe, structured way. This tool has helped students improve self-regulation and problem-solving skills.

Now, with Educator Mode, all staff can access Alongside for their own professional and personal use!

How Alongside Can Support You

Professional Growth & Goal Setting:

• Set personal and career goals with structured guidance.
• Reflect on challenges and track progress over time.
• Access professional development resources tailored to educators’ needs.

Classroom Management Support:

• Get real-time strategies for handling classroom challenges.
• Explore techniques for engaging students and fostering positive behavior.
• Use Alongside to develop student-centered interventions based on their emotional needs.

Well-Being & Work-Life Balance:

• Use mood tracking and reflection tools to build self-awareness.
• Access stress management techniques to maintain balance.
• Find self-care strategies designed for educators.

Alongside Access for School Staff

How to Get Started

1. Access Alongside via Clever or at app.alongside.care.
2. Download the Alongside app on your phone for easy access anywhere.
3. Sign in with Google and make sure are are using your Chelsea account.
4. Explore Educator Mode. Check out the tools, coaching, and strategies available.

This is a resource designed to support you, just as we’ve seen it support our students. We encourage you to explore it, take advantage of the tools, and see how it can enhance your experience as an educator.

Watch this short 2-min video for an overview: Alongside Overview

Note: Alongside for students is only available for 4th graders in the elementary level.