The Weekly Buzz
The Weekly Parent Newsletter for Van Wert Elementary School
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we head into the Labor Day holiday weekend, I want to take a moment to thank you for helping us begin the school year on such a positive note. The first few weeks of school are an important time for students as they learn new routines, build relationships with their teachers and classmates, and settle into the expectations of a new grade level.
We are grateful for the trust you place in us each day. Our teachers and staff are working hard to create classrooms where every child feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. Your partnership makes a tremendous difference, and we appreciate all you do at home to support your child's success.
I hope this extended Labor Day weekend provides your family with an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quality time together.
Staying Informed About Your Child’s Progress
As we continue through the first nine-week grading period, this is a great time for families to begin checking in on their child's academic progress. Grades are one of several ways we communicate student learning, and our goal is for grades to provide families with an accurate picture of what students know, understand, and are able to do.
Throughout each nine-week grading period, students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning. Grades will come from a variety of classroom activities, assignments, and assessments rather than from a single test or Common Unit Assessment (CUA). Our teachers are also working collaboratively to ensure that the assignments and assessments given to students are aligned with grade-level standards, appropriately rigorous, and meaningful measures of student learning.
We encourage families to stay connected by regularly reviewing your child's grades and completed work, talking with your child about what he or she is learning, celebrating growth and effort, and reaching out to your child's teacher whenever you have questions or concerns about academic progress. One of the most valuable questions you can ask your child is simple: “What did you learn today?” Asking your child to explain, show, or teach you something they learned is a wonderful way to reinforce learning at home.
Thank You for Your Partnership
The success of our students is truly a team effort. When families, teachers, and students work together, we create the strongest possible foundation for learning and growth.
Thank you for your continued support of our teachers, staff, and school. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments and milestones our students will achieve.
Have a safe, restful, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! We look forward to welcoming our students back refreshed and ready for another great week of learning.
Warm regards,
Will Zwingmann, Ed.S.
Principal
