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