Principal’s update, August 28

Hi Stoddert Parents:

Thanks for all of your wonderful help in successfully opening Stoddert East. The blue and gold banners were a great signal of the Stoddert Wolves kicking off the 2009-2010 school year. The teachers worked around the clock and through the weekends to create warm and inviting learning environments for the students. WHEW! It was lots of work, but so important for the success of Stoddert’s students.

As well as getting classes up and running, we’ve been busy aligning and clustering standards in preparation for standards-driven instruction. Individual assessments are beginning to establish base lines from which each student will grow. On September 8th and 9th, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will set their baselines using the DC “BAS” test. Please stay tuned for more information. Other students will be given DIBELS assessments soon, to establish their baselines.

It’s important to me and to the teachers that we show growth through any of the measures we implement. Not only will results inform instruction; they’ll help identify areas of strength and need and help pinpoint individual interventions. We have a strong classroom staff supplemented by reading and math resource teachers, an instructional coach, ELL services, Special Ed. services, a counselor, nurse, and terrific instructional aides. Together, we will strive to maximize instructional time, prepare appropriately for assessments, and use data to inform instruction.

You can help. Please help every start every school day off right by being ON TIME. We have very rich curricula and need students in class on time to begin instruction. And, with the exception of pre-K parents, we would appreciate it if you would drop students off at the door when saying good-bye. I appreciate that it is hard to leave, but we are at the ready inside to ensure your child(ren) reach the classrooms. We hope we can use outdoor space for morning line-up soon.

Speaking of outdoor space, the back lot has been sodded and we can play on it right after Labor Day. Yeah!!– for the students, teachers, parents, and principal!!!

Mark your calendars for September 17th and Back to School Night. We’re eager to talk with you about all the things going on at Stoddert, as well as upcoming events and the school data. We do hope you can come. More information will be forthcoming.

Again, thanks for your help and support. You have made me feel very welcome and I look forward to working with you and all the Stoddert Wolves.

– Dr. Marjorie Cuthbert