The Weekly Buzz
The Weekly Parent Newsletter for Van Wert Elementary School
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have had a wonderful start to the school year, and I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership. As we continue getting to know our scholars as learners, this week provides us with an important opportunity to gather information that will help our teachers better understand and meet the individual needs of each student.
This week, our scholars will participate in the MAP Growth Screener and Amira Reading Screener. These assessments provide our teachers with valuable information about students' current academic strengths and areas where additional support or enrichment may be needed.
Our goal is not simply to administer an assessment, it is to learn more about each child so we can help every scholar grow and succeed.
What Are MAP and Amira?
MAP Growth helps teachers understand what students are ready to learn in areas such as reading and mathematics. Because the assessment adjusts based on each student's responses, it provides valuable information about individual achievement and growth.
Amira is a reading assessment that helps us better understand students' reading skills and identify areas in which they may need additional instruction or support. Together with classroom performance, teacher observations, and student work, these screening results help us develop a more complete picture of each child's academic needs.
How Families Can Help
There is no need for students to study or prepare for these screeners. We want the results to reflect what students currently know and are able to do independently. You can help your child have a successful screening experience by:
- Making sure your child gets a good night's rest.
- Having your child arrive at school on time each day.
- Encouraging your child to take their time and give their best effort.
- Reminding your child that it is okay not to know every answer.
- Keeping the conversation positive and reassuring.
Most importantly, please remind your child that these assessments do not define who they are as students. They are simply tools that help us understand where students are now so we can determine the best ways to help them continue growing.
Once screening is complete, our teachers will review the results and use the information, along with other classroom data, to guide instruction, identify areas of strength, and provide appropriate intervention or enrichment opportunities.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for encouraging your child to approach this week with confidence and a positive attitude. When families and schools work together, we create the conditions for our scholars to thrive.
We are excited to see what our scholars know and, even more importantly, to help them discover how much they can grow this year!
Warm regards,
Will Zwingmann, Ed.S.
Principal
