Dear Parents,

As April approaches and the sun gets brighter, I always feel rejuvenated after such a snowy winter.It seems that we are all beginning to come alive!

Academically we, as a school, are progressing at a steady pace. Our NWEA results in January indicated that 70% of our students in grades 2-5 are at or above grade level in math and 77% in reading. Teachers continue to monitor progress and adjust instruction so that every child receives what they need to succeed.

Our SINI plan was accepted by the state. This is our school improvement plan because McClelland did not make AYP in math and reading ONLY in one of the subgroups. As a school we were above the state level. Our plan includes strategies that will ensure appropriate, challenging and relevant instruction to engage all students; develop a Professional Learning Community within the school; increase collaboration between regular ed and sped ed staff. Since September the staff continues to attend committees and workshops to effectively implement our plan.

We are having continued success with PBIS –our Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies. Students realize that they need to be safe, respectful and responsible at all times. I appreciate the efforts of the students to be quiet in the halls, act appropriately in the lunch room and be aware of being respectful and responsible in the classroom and at recess.

PTA functions have been quite successful. Our Parent/Child Dance was well attended. The Variety Show and Sub Supper will be held on May 9. Literacy Day is Monday, April 7 during the day. I hope that more of you will become a part of the PTA and school functions by attending the next PTA meeting on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30.
Other events:
• Health and Wellness Fair will be held on Tuesday, April 8
• Kindergarten and first grade registration is April 16 from 3:30-6:30 at the Rochester School Department central office. If you child is currently enrolled in public kindergarten, then you do not need to register them.

I need to address the arrival and dismissal of students. There continues to be children arriving at school very early in the morning. There is no supervision until 8:00. Parents cannot drop off in front of the school or in the back of the school were there is no supervision. Please stay in the car line to drop off. I am concerned about real safety issues if parents continue not to follow procedure. At dismissal the cars are lining up quite nicely on the side of the primary playground. There still remains the problem of parents parking in front of the school or across the street to get their children. The buses cannot get in or out, plus children are in an unsafe situation. If students are walkers, then they should be walking home. If students are picked up, then parents need to honor the system of getting in line.

Several weeks from now I will be sending home a form for parents to complete for next year’s student placement. This is your opportunity for input on your child. All forms are to be returned BEFORE May 1.

The magazine drive, organized by Kim Perkins, was very successful this year considering the economy. The total sales were $9,037.00 with an additional $67.00 in donations. The school will profit 40% of the total sales minus the cost of the prizes. These monies will help defray the cost of field trips, agenda books for grades 4 & 5, National Geographic for grades K, 1 & 2, honor roll certificates, and miscellaneous supplies for students. Thank you to all that participated. We did not have any class that reached the 50% participation goal therefore no class will get the pizza party. However, it was decided that the class in each grade level that brought in the most money would be treated to Hoodsie cups. Those classes are Mrs. Gelinas, Mrs. Mulcahy, Mrs. Hussey, Mrs. Ernsting, Ms. Snyder and Mrs. Robbins.

Respectfully,
Principal Arlene Walker walker.mcl@rochesterschools.com