Raptor Report

It may seem early to begin talking about standardized testing, but preparing for these assessments is a year-long process. Students are learning and growing, and we want to discuss this topic early with families so we are prepared when testing rolls around in April. We want you to have information about these assessments, so you and your student know what to expect.

Grand River Academy students in grades 3-11 participate every year in the State of Colorado's standardized tests, which measure students' academic progress and growth. The state, districts, and schools use the results to guide instructional programming and make decisions about changes that are needed to best help students learn. These tests are also critical because students' participation in testing is one factor used to rate Grand River Academy.

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) is one standardized test that measures students' academic progress in 3rd-8th grades and 11th grade. Students in 3rd-8th grades take CMAS in math and English language arts (ELA). Students in 5th, 8th, and 11th grades take CMAS for science. This year at GRA, students in 4th and 7th grades will take CMAS in social studies. You can click on this link to see example questions and learn more about the test's format.

In addition to CMAS testing, the state administers the PSAT and SATs to students in 9th-11th grades. Students in 9th and 10th grade take the Practice SAT or PSAT. Eleventh-grade students take the SAT. District 51 uses the SAT assessment in high school as one possible measure of reading, writing, and math proficiency. Students must demonstrate proficiency in these subjects to graduate. You can click on this link to learn more about the PSAT and SATs.

While the information testing provides about students' progress is important, some parents decide that they do not want their student to participate in State standardized testing. While we encourage all students to take the tests, parents can complete a form to request that their student not participate in state testing in Colorado.

Please return the signed form linked below to the school office in person or via email if you wish to excuse your student from state testing in April. If you do excuse your 11th grade student from SAT testing, please know that they will have to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and math another way in order to graduate. Please have your 11th grader consult with their counselor about meeting required proficiencies.

If you have any questions about state testing, please ask your student's teachers or call or email the school.

Warm Regards,

Steve States

Principal.

English Parent Assessment Excusal Form

Spanish Parent Assessment Excusal Form

Nov 13: 6th-12th Grade Parent-Teacher Conferences 4 PM- 8 PM

Nov 19: 8th Grade Options Fair- Grand Junction High School

Nov 24 - 26: No School - Thanksgiving Break

The weather is starting to get very cold. Please make sure your student dresses for the weather and has warm clothing for school.

Happy November! Did you know that there are only 7 weeks until the end of the semester? Make sure to check your students progress in Edmentum or K12 regularly to ensure that they are on track to pass classes and earn credit(for high school graduation). Sometimes, students fall behind and think they have plenty of time to get caught up. We want to make sure that ALL of our students finish strong and for high school students to earn the credit they deserve, but we need your help! If you find that your student is behind, reach out to a teacher to set up a meeting to make a plan to get them back on track.

Attendance Matters: Presence is Power: Every minute. Every Hour. Every Day

When kids are in school they . . .

• Build Self Esteem

• Reach Goals

• Make Friends

When a student misses 2 days a month:

• They miss 20 days of school a year

• They miss 20 hours of math in a year

• They miss 30 hours of Reading and Writing in a year

• They miss over 1 year of school by graduation

• Milk, cheese, and yogurt provide calcium and vitamin D to keep bones and teeth strong.

• If you don’t drink milk, try alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk fortified with calcium.

• Learn more about including dairy in your meals: English Espanol

Grand River is running a food drive in November and December. Plese see the attached flyer for ways to get involved to help others in our area who may be struggling with food insecurity.

On Friday, December 5, 2025, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., students will have the opportunity to visit the Food Bank of the Rockies. This field trip is designed to help students learn about the importance of community service and how organizations like the Food Bank of the Rockies play a vital role in alleviating food insecurity across our region. Students will gain firsthand insight into how volunteers, donations, and teamwork come together to make a difference in the lives of others.

To participate, students will need to submit the Field Trip Permission form and, and waiver from The Food Bank of the Rockies. Please submit printed permission slips to Laura Adams or virtual permission slips to carrie.thornton@d51schools.org

We’re excited for this meaningful experience that highlights the power of compassion, service, and community involvement!

Each year, parents and guardians are required to compete registration for their students at Grand River Academy. This allows you to complete updates for your students to make sure we have the most recent information on things like custody and emergency contacts. This also allows us to count your student for school funding so that we make sure we have the financial resources necessary to provide your students' educations.

If you haven't already completed this process, please do so as soon as possible. This can be done by logging in to ParentVUE and clicking on "online registration." You then select "Grand River Academy" from the list of possible places to register. Thank you for your help and cooperation.