Principal's Newsletter
by Robin D. Croteau M.Ed February 13, 2026 💘
Second Quarter Student Growth Assembly
On the morning of February 4th, the entire student body gathered in the gym to be recognized for student growth, achievement and perfect attendance during second quarter. Students were nominated for growth and achievement by their teachers and based on their NWEA Assessment scores given in math, ELA and science triannually. In addition, the handful of students who evaded illness and were present all 44 days of the second quarter were also recognized. Finally, our middle school students who made honor roll and high honor roll were presented with certificates in front of their peers. While learning may look different at the early elementary, upper elementary and middle school classrooms, it is important that students are recognized for their commitment to learning and acknowledged when they have made significant progress from one quarter to the next. For a list of middle school honor rolls students please see below.
Focusing On Skills So Every Student WINs!
As we begin quarter three with fresh student data points, teachers will begin preparing to "pilot" a more intentional, skill-based intervention block for their students in preparation for a more structured model that will be incorporated into the schedule next year. While all students have a WIN (What I Need) time already built into their schedule, it is collectively utilized as a more general academic support and not a targeted Tier 2 intervention.
Tier 1 academic instruction is what takes place in a whole group setting within the classroom. Some students master the skills being taught immediately while others need a little more time or to learn the skills a different way. Targeted Tier 2 intervention happens when students are grouped based on a skill or set of skills that they have not yet mastered in the classroom. Over a six to eight week time period, students meet during WIN time and work on the skill in a small group setting. At the end of this time period students are reassessed. When they improve they move!
All students have a wide variety of academic skills with different levels of mastery. Tier 2 intervention models, when targeted and skill-based, bridge the gap between Tier 1 classroom instruction and Tier 3 specialized instruction most commonly appearing in a special education student's IEP. It is the most effective method of addressing what we already know; no two students are the same! Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues, analyze data, pick a skill or skills then group students with the intention of focusing on said skill for a six to eight week period of time. At the end of their "pilot" teachers will gather to share their experience and discuss what went well and what challenges they faced. By doing this now, our staff are sure to "win" when we roll out a formal model in the fall!
Sullivan County Dental Initiative Coming to LCS!
In late spring the Sullivan County Dental Initiative will be visiting LCS to implement the School Oral Health Program. These preventative treatments are available to your children at no cost! Through this program children will receive a screening, guided cleaning, cavity prevention and dental supplies. Look for the information packet going home with your child today. Forms can either be returned directly to the school or the QR code can be scanned and they can be registered online! This is a wonderful opportunity for all students and complements the care that some of our children already receive from their regular dentist. Any questions can be directed to Nurse Jessamyn!
FREE Ice Skates!
In doing our early spring cleaning, we have discovered multiple pairs of figure skates (primarily) that we are looking to rehome. We have reached out to other schools and do not have an interested party at the moment. If your family would like ice skates please contact the school prior to February Vacation. You can let us know what size you are looking for and if we have them, they can be yours at no cost!
