Dear Maya Angelou Families,

Spring is officially here, even though the weather continues its unpredictable pattern.  It is hard to believe that there are only seven more weeks until the end of this school year.  We still have much to accomplish before we send the children home for the summer holiday.  Teachers continue to work with your child so that s/he continues to make progress in all academic areas. 

 The onset of spring also means Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) testing is coming.  Third grade will take reading and math tests.  Reading, math, and writing are the tests the fourth graders take, while the fifth graders will take tests in reading, math and science.  This year, our 5^th grade students will take both the reading and science MSP on the computer.

 The state-level MSP assessments require students to both select and create answers to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding in each of the Grade Level Expectations (GLEs)--from multiple-choice and short-answer questions, to problem solving tasks. Each MSP test is untimed which allows students to have as much time as they reasonably need to complete their work.  Please help your child get to school on time each day as teachers begin testing shortly after they take attendance.

 MSP will be administered from April 24-May 16.  Attendance is very important during this time.  The testing schedule is below.   Please be sure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a healthy breakfast.   Encourage your child to his/her best on each test.  I tell the students that I am proud of them if they do their personal best on each test. 

 Public School Volunteer Week is April 22-26.  Maya Angelou is fortunate to have an outstanding group of volunteers that dedicate their gift of time to help our students and staff.  From our PTO parents to our ATP parents and community members, and all of our parents who support the classrooms by chaperoning field trips or helping with classroom projects, we are grateful for the time and dedication you share.  You are a volunteer if you support your child with his education at home, too!  Every volunteer plays a part in each child’s education and social experiences here at Angelou. On behalf of the staff and students here at Maya Angelou, I would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers!  We appreciate you and your commitment to our students!  

 On another note, I wanted to let you know that this will be my last year at Maya Angelou.   I will be stepping into the position of Director of Curriculum and Professional Development effective July 1. Claudia Serrano will also be leaving Maya Angelou to become the principal at Longfellow Elementary.  Diana Cissne will be the new principal and Eric Christensen will be returning as the Assistant Principal.  I want to thank you for helping me be a better principal and a more effective educator.  As this year comes to a close, I am confident that your children will be in good hands with the new administrative team.  They will make sure your child continues to be successful on their educational journeys.

As always, thank you for entrusting our staff with your children on a daily basis. It is our honor and pleasure to help them learn and grow into positive, productive community members.

Warmly,

LeAnn Nunamaker

lnunamaker@psd1.org

Together, we empower ALL learners to achieve their greatest potential.