May/June 2013

Dear Families:

It is hard to believe that I am writing the final newsletter for the 2012–2013 school year! The beautiful spring weather ushers in a special time—one filled with excitement, anticipation, and many class activities. For your convenience, I have included a calendar in this communication. Please check the schedule of events and note activities in which your child’s class may be involved. You should also reference the full Lakewood

calendar.

As you may know, class lists for the upcoming school year will be organized during the month of May. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with me or your child’s teacher. I ask that you do not request a specific teacher. However, insights into your child’s academic and social needs are always welcome. A separate letter which outlines the determinants for class placement has been sent home with your child.

As we have completed the 2012 ELA and Math Assessments, I would like to thank all Lakewood parents for their support and partnership in this endeavor. Kudos to our students for their performance and perseverance during these tests!

This year’s Assessments reflect the increased requirements set forth by the State Education Department. These requirements include: Reading and understanding more complex texts, an increase in the amount of informational texts which students must evaluate, writing coherent and evidence-based arguments, and recognizing and evaluating “academic” and “content” vocabulary.

In terms of mathematics, students are being asked to grapple with more complex concepts beginning at the younger grades. The State Education Department’s expectations include a dual priority on conceptual understanding and fluency.

So that you might remain accurately informed I have included the following helpful links.

Here you will find information about the Common Core Standards and recommended strategies such as “close reading.” http://engageny.org/

Here you will find information about the Response to Intervention mandate, progress monitoring, and Tiered interventions. http://www.nysrti.org/

Here you will find the Common Core Standards. I recommend you include in your reading the Introductions and Appendices which provide the reasoning and research on which these standards are based. The Common Core Standards are to be fully implemented and assessed by 2014. http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/

common_core_standards/

Defining Text Complexity 

Here you will find a visual aid depicting the components which come to bear when determining text complexity. http://lexile.com/using-lexile/lexile-measures-and-the-ccssi/defining-text-complexity/

If you have further questions or concerns about the State Assessments or any aspects of your child’s education, please contact your child’s teacher or visit me in person. My door is always open for conversation.

Lakewood’s second annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser was a phenomenal success! Thank you to Janine Burkholder for organizing this affair and to all who attended and supported this event!

Lakewood is designated a late school, therefore, arrival and dismissal are as follows:

Doors Open: 8:20 A.M.

School Begins: 8:30 A.M.

Dismissal:

3:05 P.M.

Parents are cautioned to drive slowly upon entering Lakeland Avenue. We ask your cooperation in this so that our children and neighbors are safe.

Cars will not be permitted to enter the parking circle near the main entrance after 8:00 A.M. Students are to be dropped off at the south exit. Walkers/riders will be dismissed after the loading of school buses (approximately 3:10-3:15 PM). Parents will then enter the circle and students will leave through the main entrance.

Sincerely,

Michelle Martoni