Otter Know News
September 8, 2024

May 16, 2025
Otter Updates
River Otter FamILY,
This time of year is so bittersweet. The excitement of summer and the celebration of all that we have accomplished...with saying goodbye to some of our beloved family members and wonderful students.
There is also still SO MUCH left to be done...let's try to find the exitement about that!! There are some big things coming your way before Monday:
1. Expect class creator emails in your inbox this weekend (gen ed teachers).
2. Expect master schedule options in your inbox this weekend (teachers).
3. Expect EOY checkout sheets in your MAILBOX this week (all staff).
4. Expect meeting invites for two big team meeting requirements before the end of the year - class rosters and data review from EOY assessments (gen ed/sped teachers during grade level planning).
As always, we are here for you!! THANK YOU for the hard work you do every minute of the day!
WE LOVE YOU!!
Therese & LaDawn đź’™
Congratulations to our grads!!
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
Debbie Walker
Bachelor of Science: Interdisciplinary Studies; education and sport
Mia Callahan
Master of Arts in Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction; Special Education
Claire Cerri
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
THANK YOU, KIM & MOLLY!!
Staff Countdown! 13 more days!
End of Year Staff FUN!
Instructional Insider
Instructional Updates from Kim Lawler
The HMH Engagement document has new ideas! Click HERE. If you ever have ideas, send them to Kim Lawler to add!
Behavior Support
Instructional Updates
Reading
Grades K - 3 Spring VALLSS Risk Levels entered into the literacy data spreadsheet by June 5
4th - 5th Fluency window May 5 - May 30 & enter scores into the literacy data spreadsheet by June 5
2nd Grade ONLY CIP Benchmark window May 19-June 5, enter scores into the literacy data spreadsheet by June 5
Enter all Q4 Writing scores into the literacy data spreadsheet by June 5
Intervention groups will end May 22
Math
*All math resources that have been borrowed this year need to be returned to the math room by Friday, May 30th. Thank you.
**Data sheets in the shared drive have been updated to help you with your Class Creator survey info for math. Please let us know if you have additional questions.
Mastery Connect - Please remember to update trackers regularly, if you need assistance, please ask! (Grades 2-5)
Mastery Connect - All unit assessments and CIP benchmarks should be given in your division tracker. All retakes, snapshots, and other classwork assignments should be given in the school based tracker. (Grades 2-5)
K-1 Data Sheets - Please make sure you are completing your math data sheets after each CIP unit questions within one week!
SOL Testing Calendar
...almost done!!
Due to limited space at NKES and the number of small group/individual testing accommodations we have, we are forced to test in our STEAM and Art rooms some this year. On these dates, the resource listed will come to YOU in your classroom. You are free to leave and enjoy your planning! THANK YOU for being so flexible to support ALL students at NKES!
Retention
PSA: Any student you are recommending for retention MUST be in SST!
TIC (Technology Instructional Coach) Updates from Courtney!
Birthdays
- 5/20 - Melissa Leshin
- 5/20 - Helen Hall
Shoutouts
Sign your name at the bottom of your description if you'd like it included!
For your flexibility and dedication to ensuring that the 3rd grade groups are receiving everything they need for reading success.
Kristy & Lee
For being built in "ISS monitors" and staffing the "holding tank" of overflowed discipline in the office!! Y'all are superwomen, and we know that combined with your actual job and customer service is no easy task!
Andrea Simmons
For being the BEST testing coordinator ever!! Thank you for the countless hours you have put into ensuring we are in state compliance and our students/staff are organized!
PTO Updates
Snack Cabinet
Staff members/Teachers if you have students who need a daily snack please utilize the snack cabinet located in the back room of the library. It is fully stocked. We do ask that staff visit the cabinet gathering multiple snacks to keep in your classrooms. If possible please do not send the students, they are having a hard time finding the cabinet. We don’t want to interrupt Library class. I will be purchasing containers for teachers to use to gather and store snacks in their room. I will put those containers on top of the cabinet later this week. There is also a small fridge with cheese sticks and applesauce pouches as well. Don’t forget about the items from the “food monster” in the cafeteria as well.
If you have any questions or if you notice snacks are getting low please email me.
Thanks for all you do for our River Otters!
-Laura Richards (lrichardsnk@gmail.com)