School Messenger

Week of March 21-25, 2022

 

Dear Explorer Parents,

 

We hope that you and your child have enjoyed our last track out.  I know that rest was needed for both the students and the staff of East Garner Elementary.

 

Over track out, a few of us remained at EGES and continued on with our physical school improvement work.  You will be pleased to know that we have new cafe tables and a new set up to support our students during lunch period.  We are excited to offer small round tables to seat groups of 8 students.  We will continue to make improvements as we move towards the end of the school year permitting health and safety data related to Covid-19.

 

Speaking of health and safety, when students return, it will be “mask optional”.  This means if your child wants to wear a mask, he or she can, while other students and/or staff may choose not to wear a mask.  Please note that staff cannot remind students to wear a mask throughout the day.

 

Click here to read more about the current health and safety procedures being implemented in the district. 

 

4th Quarter is HERE!  And we are going to #FINISHSTRONG!

There are changes happening here at EGES and we believe that these changes will allow for us to have a more significant impact on student learning and outcomes.  First things first, I need you!  The staff of EGES needs you!  We need to be a TEAM and want to partner with you to support your child and maximize their potential for success.

 

Your child’s teacher has academic and conduct data to share with you.  At the end of the quarter you should have received the 3rd quarter report card.  Please take a moment to review the report card and take notice of student strengths and areas of need.  Your child’s teacher will be working with the grade level team to plan strategic and targeted instruction to support your child over the next quarter.  Teachers will be sending home information about your child’s progress in our journey to close learning loss gaps and strengthen and prepare students for a successful end of the year--including demonstrating proficiency and growth on the end of the year assessments Pre K-6.  We understand that our students may not have had ideal learning experiences during the initial impact of Covid -19 pandemic, but we are focused and will continue to knock down barriers to help your child reach their potential.

 

You may notice changes in your child’s daily schedule, including moving and learning with other grade level and support teachers, or Admin--including your AP”s and Principal.  We will be in and out of classrooms supporting learning and jumping in to teach small groups beginning the week of March 28th.  One grade level, 3rd, will be participating in an innovative practice similar to Team Time to strategically target and support student learning.  Ms. Darlington’s class was extremely small, and these students will push into the remaining 3 classrooms to allow for Ms. Darlington to co-teach and push in to teach smaller student learning groups.  

 

How can you help?  Please talk with your child about being focused and ready for learning.  Discuss the importance of effort.  All good things take hard work and we want every child to be successful and to demonstrate growth and proficiency.  They CAN DO IT!  A pamphlet will come home with information about goals for the 4th quarter.  Please consider joining me for Coffee and Conversation on Thursday, March 24th to review the information about our innovative teaching and how you can continue to support your child to #FINISHSTRONG in May! 

This Week:

3/21  Track Back In!  Welcome Back Explorers!

3/23  Quarterly Review:  Visit our website to view our Quarterly Review Videos and give us feedback!

3/24  Coffee and Conversation:  #FINISHSTRONG22 This THURSDAY 8:15 a.m.  Media Center 

 

Looking Ahead:  

Be on the lookout for a handout coming home with all students for important dates to close out the school year including EOG testing, mClass Testing, Classroom Celebrations, 5th Grade Celebration, & my person favorite--Field Day!  

 

That’s it Explorers!  We know it takes a village to accomplish great things and we are glad to be a part of your child’s journey to excellence! 

 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  

 

Your Proud Principal,

 

Carmen Graf, Ed. D.