The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Our students have been actively engaged in NWEA assessments this week, and the results are truly inspiring. In most of our classrooms, teachers are witnessing significant growth, a testament to the effectiveness of these assessments and the hard work of teachers and students. As your partner in education, we understand the importance of the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) target goals for our children's academic progress. The NWEA's MAP Growth assessments provide invaluable data that can help tailor educational paths to individual student needs. According to the NWEA, these target goals are crucial. Teachers use target learning goals to catch up and excel their students, ensuring each student's unique needs are met.

The role of NWEA Target Goals begins with personalized learning. NWEA assessments, a cornerstone of our educational approach, offer insights into students' academic levels, allowing for meaningful and realistic customized goal setting. This reassures us that we provide our students with the most effective education. Our NWEA target goals are not arbitrary but rooted in growth measurement. These goals are based on normative data, reflecting the average growth observed among students nationwide, ensuring our students are on par with national standards. One of the critical benefits of NWEA target goals is the motivation and ownership it instills in students. When students are actively involved in setting their goals, they develop a sense of ownership over their learning, leading to increased motivation and effort. We have an outstanding number of students who made or exceeded their projected growth. However, it's important to note that making or exceeding NWEA target goals does not guarantee success in the M-Step, a different assessment that measures proficiency in Michigan state standards.

When students don't meet their target growth, we have a support system. We continue to address any gaps in knowledge and provide additional support, such as tutoring, personalized learning plans, and extra resources, to get them back on track. This ensures that every student receives the help they need to succeed, and you can rest assured that we are here to support your child's academic journey.

We eagerly look forward to sharing your child's NWEA Parent Reports with you. Students will bring home their reports on June 6, 2025. If you have any questions about your child's progress, please don't hesitate to contact the office or your child's teacher. This information will provide valuable insights into your child's academic journey and help us work together to ensure their success.

Dr. Konowalow

Greetings from the Desk of the K-5 Counselor:

Dear Parents and Caregivers of Alma Public Schools Children,

As we approach the end of the school year, it's natural for both students and families to experience a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a bit of anxiety. Transitions can bring uncertainty, especially as routines shift and students reflect on their growth, friendships, and the year behind them. Some may feel nervous about what’s next, or sad about leaving familiar faces and environments.

During this time, it's helpful to acknowledge these feelings and create space for open, supportive conversations at home. Celebrate your child’s progress and the challenges they’ve overcome, and reassure them that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. Together, we can help them close out the year with confidence, resilience, and pride in how far they’ve come. I know I am proud of them all and continue to feel privileged to be here!

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any reason. I love hearing from you.

A few attractions that may interest you over the summer include:

• APS Summer School, June 9-27, 2025, M-F, 9am-2pm. Look for flyers going home.

• Alma Public Library Summer Reading Program. Flyers coming soon.

• Alma College Camps for Kids, alma.edu/summer

• His Place Summer Camps, HISPLACEALMA.COM/EVENTSANDCAMPS

• Alma Police Athletic League 2025 Summer Camps

• Alma Community Art Center, alma-cac.org

Anne M. Swan, LMSW

K-5 School Counselor/Social Worker

aswan@almaschools.net

1st Grade Creativity

2nd Grade Creativity

3rd Grade Creativity

4th Grade Creativity

5th Grade Creativity

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors:

Exciting things are happening at Hillcrest Elementary as high school students step into the role of reading mentors for first- and second-grade students! With warm enthusiasm and engaging storytelling, these older students are bringing books to life—sparking imaginations and building literacy skills in the next generation.

Through this heartwarming program, our youngest learners gain confidence in their reading while developing a love for stories. The high school mentors serve as role models, showing that reading isn't just a skill—it's an adventure!

Together, they’re building a stronger, more connected school community—one page at a time. 📖✨

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Hillcrest is 11:38 and Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am