The Scholarly Beat
January 2021
Principal's Corner
Happy New Year!
A new year always brings about the concept of starting new and fresh. Every day offers that for us, but a new year … oh, the possibilities! At Sonora we are always looking at how to grow, learn and change our practice to best support the students and families we serve. That takes dedication and an open mindset. I can't tell you what a dedicated staff that we have at Sonora to do this work. Thank you for being part of our family, and sharing our students with us.
If I can do anything to support you, your child, or your family, please don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email (rstewman@sdale.org).
Happy New Year!
Dr. Stewman
Sonora Reading Challenge
Once your scholar participated in an activity for 20-30 minutes, they may color in the activity.
Please return the paper by January 6th, 2021.
If you complete 9 or more activities and return your paper by January 6th, 2021, you’ll get a sweet treat! For students who complete 14 or more activities, you will be invited to a Hot Cocoa Bar AND entered into a drawing to win a token to the book vending machine!
Twenty readers will be chosen at random.
We hope they enjoyed READING over the break!
Note: The newsletters are linked below for your convenience.
Upcoming Student Assessments to Monitor Student Progress and Growth
Dear Parent,
During January (see dates below), your child will take a MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® on a computer or tablet. MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.
MAP Growth tests are unique, and it adapts to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.
MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject and have the same starting performance level. Each school year, students in grades K-5th take the tests in the fall, winter and spring. Following each testing period, you will receive a summary of how your child is performing academically.
We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit.
January 4th … First Day of School
January 4th … PTA Virtual Meeting (for more information like their Facebook Page under Events)
January 7th … 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Students take the Reading MAP Assessments
January 8th … 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Students take the Math MAP Assessments
January 11th-14th … K, 1st & 2nd Grade Students take Reading and Math MAP Assessments
(For specific dates or times for your K, 1st, or 2nd grader, please contact your child's teacher)
January 12th … Report Cards go home (2nd 9 weeks and 1st semester)
January 18th … No School (MLK Jr. Day)
January 25th … PTA Valentine Gram Sales Begin
January 25th … PTA Winter Pictures (more information to follow)
PTA Virtual January Meeting
Check the Sonora PTA Facebook page for details. They will be posting the event soon. Give their page a like!
Springdale Covid-19 Reporting
Stay Up to Date with Sonora Elementary
Sonora Elementary School
"Home of the Scholars"
Established 2011
Mascot : Sonny the Scholar (Owl)
School colors: red, silver, and black
Email: rstewman@sdale.org
Website: https://sonora.sdale.org/
Location: 20200 Sonora Road, Springdale, AR, USA
Phone: (479) 750-8820
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonorascholars
Twitter: @SonoraScholar