Board of Education Update

Powell Elementary School

Pamela K. Van Mooy Assistant Principal

February has been a very important month in our school year. Although it is short on days it has not been short on activities.

· 207 Parent/Teacher Conferences were held. Teachers met with parents (and students in some cases) to discuss academic progress during the year. All parents of students who may fall under the Third Grade Guarantee met with teachers to discuss progress on the plans set up at the fall conference. Education is a partnership and works much better when both school and home work together. This eliminates misunderstandings. We encourage parents to contact their child’s teacher at any time during the year.

· Our sixth graders competed in the school spelling bee in order to identify one student who would proceed to the Wood County Spelling Bee held on February 23, 2013. Tyler Schwartz was our representative. Although he did not win the County Bee he was one of the 16 best spellers in the county! Congratulations to Tyler.

· Sara Casey, a first grader in Mrs. Wymer’s class, entered a Kindness Contest in honor of one of the Newtown, CN students. With the help of her mother and grandmother, Sara and her classmates prepared quilt blocks, which were later put together to make a pink quilt. Her project was entered and Sara and her family were invited to Newtown this past week, along with 7 other top entrants, to be present when the winner is announced. What a great honor to have our school represented at such a timely event. Thank you to Sara, her mother, Mary and grandmother, Sharon Casey.

· All students in grades 3-6 are taking practice OAA tests this week. Teachers will be helping children to understand how to be better test-takers, while reviewing skills that students have already studied. We are confident that our students will be prepared to do their best on this year’s tests.

· Teachers worked hard on Formative Assessment (among other things) during the waiver day, held on Monday. This type of assessment gives teachers and feedback on the learning that is taking place on a daily basis. The information helps teachers adjust their teaching to meet the needs of the students. The teachers also reviewed the Evaluation system (OTES) and Student Learning Objectives (SLO). The waiver day allows teachers to work on their skills with other professionals. It is a learning experience and time well spent.

Upcoming Events

March 4-6 MAPs Nights 7p.m. Gym

March 7 Spring Picture Day

March 29- April 2 Spring Break (resume on April 3)