Standards Based Grading and Reporting

As you are likely aware, we have changed how we we grade and report on student progress. This new standards-based approach will give you more accurate, detailed information about your child’s performance in relation to State and District Standards. It will allow teachers to better meet the needs of individual students, and will give students a clearer picture of their strengths and areas in need of growth.

Report Cards:

Our report cards are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards. You will find:

1. Category titles and descriptions reflecting the NYS Common Core Learning Standards.
2. Grading keys reflecting student progress toward State and District Standards.
3. Behaviors of the learner that reflect student skills necessary to be a successful learner (Behaviors that Support Learning).

Standards-Based Report Cards:

1. Describe what a student should know and be able to do at an identified point in time.
2. Reflect grade-level standards and expectations so families gain a clearer understanding of student progress.
3. Provide consistent evaluations throughout the year based on individualized instruction information.

Academic Achievement Key:

Key	Grading Guidelines
3	Meeting New York State and District Standards
2	Working toward New York State and District Standards
1	Not meeting New York State and District Standards
NA	Standard not assessed at this time

Behaviors that Support Learning Key:

C	Consistently Meeting Expectations
W	Working Toward Expectations
D	Experiencing Difficulty with Expectations

Special Area teachers in Art, Music, Library and Physical Education will also use this same rating scale when reporting on student progress.

Report cards will be sent home on Friday, December 8 and our Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, December 14, and Friday, December 15. Both of these days are half-days with an 11:30 dismissal. Your child’s teacher will be the best source of information regarding any questions you have about the report card. Please contact your child's teacher, or the East Hill Office, if you need to be reminded of your conference time.

Have a good week!

- Lisa

Gratitude

The Positivity Project

Although the text I sent out yesterday said that we are learning about bravery this week, we are actually learning about the character strength of gratitude both this week and next week. Bravery was last week. Oops! Gratitude means you are aware of and thankful for good things that happen. To learn more about gratitude, click here.

Spelling Bee
Last week five fifth grade students represented East Hill in the District Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Isabella Dickson, Amara Choe, Dante Santiago, Anthony Reed, and Evan Lentz. We are proud of you!

Reminders from the PTA

Don’t forget to collect and save those Box Tops while shopping and cooking this holiday season for our annual box top collection held in March. The Box Tops for Education program helps earn money for East Hill PTA. Spirit Wear orders must be placed by Wednesday, 11/23 at 3:00 p.m. Also, you should have received a letter about Community Giving this week. If you are in need of additional assistance at the holidays this year, please contact Mrs. Craig today if possible. We would love to help you out. All information is kept confidential.

Square 1 Art
Just a reminder - If you are planning on ordering any of your child's artwork from this fundraiser, orders are due on November 20th. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to buy display boards for Open House.

Upcoming Dates

Thanksgiving Recess: 11/22 - 11/25

End of Marking Period 1: 12/1

CODE Assemblies: 12/5

Fourth and Fifth Grade Concert: 12/7, 7:00, WGHS

Report Cards Distributed: 12/8

Parent Conferences (Half-Days for Students): 12/14 and 12/15

Holiday Parties: 12/21, 2:15

Winter Break: 12/23 - 1/1

School Resumes: 1/2

Here's a few pictures of things happening around the building this week. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!

- Lisa

Happy November!

It's been a busy couple of weeks here at East Hill! We concluded our two week Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) Celebration, Wild About Reading, with a visit from author Cynthia DeFelice. We combined her presentation with our monthly Positivity Project Assembly. She spoke about how she uses her strength of creativity as she writes books. It fit in perfectly with what the students have been learning about in school. Thank you again to the PTA for sponsoring the author, bringing in guest readers, and providing PARPsicles for the celebration.

Cynthia DeFelice discussing creativity

Students donning their Positivity Project T-Shirts

Mrs. Butkowski's and Mrs. Bush's class also had a visit from the Fairmount Fire Department as part of Fire Prevention Week. Thank you to Mr. O'Neal and his partner for taking the time to discuss fire safety, show the students the different features of the fire engine, and handing out fire hats!

Mr. O'Neal from the Fairmount Fire Department

We were happy that the weather cooperated yesterday so that we were able to hold our Halloween parade! Thank you the all of the parents that planned such great activities in the classrooms for our students.

East Hill's "Social" Butterflies

Aislenn as a Hot Air Balloon

Grace as a Scarecrow

The snack station in Mrs. Thome's class 

Snake contest in Mr. Meaney's room

Positivity Project: This week and next week we are learning about bravery. Click here for more information about this character strength.

Upcoming Events:
11/7     Half-Day, Teacher Workshop Day, 11:30 Dismissal (11:20 pick-up)
11/8     East Hill PTA Fundraiser at Chipotle (East Hill PTA gets 50% of profits, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
11/10   No School, Veterans Day
11/13   PTA Meeting, 6:30, East Hill Library
11/17   School Picture Make-Up Day and Group Photos
11/22   Thanksgiving Recess Begins

Have a great rest of the week!

- Lisa