Coulston Elementary School
Comet Connection Newsletter
Notes from the Coulston Office February 16 , 2025
SNOW MAKE -UP DAY
Parents just a reminder that our snow makeup day is tomorrow, Monday, February 17th. School WILL BE in session tomorrow. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Yearbook Sales
The deadline to order 2025 yearbooks is March 28!!!! Yearbooks will be delivered this spring! There will be limited extras ordered, so please make sure to order yours today!!
SCS Loves To Read
Shelbyville Central Schools will celebrate reading the week of February 24-28. This will be a week full of reading and fun. We are looking forward to spirit days, guest readers, and a week full of reading excitement!
IREAD Testing Information
What is IREAD-3?
IREAD-3 (Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination) is a test that checks if students can read at the level expected by the end of third grade. It focuses on basic reading skills, like recognizing words and understanding what they mean.
What kind of questions are on IREAD-3?
The test has multiple-choice questions only. Students choose the best answer from a list. There are no written or spoken answers.
Is IREAD-3 timed?
No, students can take as much time as they need.
What skills are tested?
The test has three sections, taking about 90 minutes total over 2-3 days:
Foundations and Vocabulary – Identifying word sounds, synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
Nonfiction – Understanding and analyzing informational texts, including main ideas and cause/effect.
Literature – Understanding stories, including characters, plots, themes, and narrators.
How does the test adapt to students?
IREAD-3 is a computer-adaptive test, meaning it adjusts questions based on a student’s answers. After testing, families receive a report showing performance in each section.
What is the passing score?
A score of 446 or above is passing.
In third grade, students must pass to move forward.
In second grade, scores below 446 don’t mean failing but may indicate a need for extra support.
IREAD-3 for Second Graders
Starting Spring 2025, all second graders will take IREAD-3.
The test is the same as for third graders.
Students are not expected to master all skills yet.
The goal is to build confidence in reading, not create stress.
If a second grader scores "At Risk":
They will get extra reading help and retake the test in third grade.
IREAD-3 for Third Graders
All third graders must take IREAD-3 unless they passed in second grade.
If a third grader doesn’t pass in spring:
They get extra reading help and retake the test in summer.
If they don’t pass the summer retest:
They may have to repeat third grade unless they qualify for an exemption.
What if my child doesn’t pass?
Students must pass by the end of third grade to move to fourth grade, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions include:
A disability or special education plan that prevents retention.
English learners with less than two years of support.
Passing the ILEARN Math test.
Already being held back twice before third grade.
Already repeating third grade once.
Even with an exemption, students must keep retesting until they pass or finish sixth grade.
How can I help my child prepare?
Read with them daily and ask questions.
Encourage longer reading sessions with books at their level.
Use the IREAD-3 Released Items Repository for practice questions.
Where can I see sample reports?
You can find sample reports for Grade 2 and Grade 3 in both English and Spanish.
GRADE 2 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT SPANISH GRADE 2 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT
GRADE 3 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT SPANISH GRADE 3 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT
IPADS and ELEARNING
IPADS and ELEARNING
Parents, since we’ve used all our snow make-up days, we will now switch to eLearning days for bad weather. In January and February, teachers will send iPads home with students every Friday, just in case of bad weather over the weekend. Please make sure the iPads come back to school on Monday fully charged, along with their chargers.
Remember, iPads used at home must still follow the internet guidelines in the student handbook. If an iPad is damaged, parents are responsible for repairs or replacement unless you’ve purchased optional technology insurance. Thank you for your help.
Inclement Weather Update
Parents as we approach winter weather, please remember the following:
2 Hour Delays-School will begin 2 hours after our normal start time.
Buses will pick up students 2 hours later.
Breakfast is NOT served on a 2 hour delay.
2 Hour Delays on Wednesday will result in school getting out at the normal time of 2:15.
Snow Days will be used before elearning days(MLK Day/President's Day).
Check local tv stations(WTHR/WISH/WRTV/Fox59), our Coulston Facebook page, and website for weather updates and closings/delays.
As the weather is colder, please have your child dress for the weather. There have been several cold days that students were at school without a coat or heavy jacket. If your child is in need of either of these, please contact Mrs. Reed.
Reporting Student Absences:
Upcoming events:
February
17--Snow Make-up Day-SCHOOL IS IN SESSION
17-PTO Meeting in LGI Room at 5:30
24-28-SCS Loves to Read Week
25-Third Grade Recorder Concert-6:00PM
March
3-10-IREAD Testing
14-21-Spring Break
Transportation Change Reminders
Please see the information from the student hand book in regards to transportation changes.
This is located on page 21 of the student handbook.
SCS Healthy Food Policy
Parents, just a reminder that students are provided with a free breakfast each morning. Items such as Starbucks, Dunkin, McDonald’s etc are not allowed. We are seeing more of this with our car riders in the mornings. Please make sure if you are providing this breakfast for your child, that they finish eating it before they enter the building.
Also, just a reminder that water bottles can ONLY contain water. Please make sure that your child does NOT bring Gatorade, juice, soda, tea, etc in their water bottles. Thanks so much for your help with this! It is greatly appreciated.
Background Check Information
Background Check Information
Parents just a reminder if you want to volunteer at school, please call the office to get information on how to submit/apply for the limited and extended background checks. You can reach the school at 317.398.3185.
Free and Reduced Application
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Coulston Elementary School
Phone: (317) 398-3185
Fax: (317) 392-5721
Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm
Address:
121 N Knightstown Road
Shelbyville, IN 46176