September News
Top Stories at Mary L. Welty Elementary
Dear Welty Family,
Welcome to September!
We are excited to embark on a brand-new month filled with learning, growth, and discovery. Our teachers and staff have been hard at work tracking down engaging and enriching experiences for your children as we set off on this year's adventure.
This year, we are taking inspiration from the ultimate safari expedition! Just as wildlife explorers trek through uncharted territory, our students are stepping into exciting new landscapes—discovering their own unique strengths, navigating challenges, and forming strong bonds along the way.
A great safari teaches us that every trail brings something new to learn. The lion shows us courage in the face of obstacles, the giraffe inspires us to aim high and keep our eyes on the big picture, and the meerkat reminds us of the power of teamwork and watching out for one another. These values will guide us as we encourage our students to work hard, stay curious, and support each other every step of the journey.
We are thrilled to see the incredible achievements our young explorers will discover this year. Together, we’ll make this school year an unforgettable adventure—because the best discoveries are the ones we make together!
Warm regards,
Mariebeth Silva
Principal, Mary Welty
📖 What is DIBELS?
DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a set of short, quick assessments that help schools see how students are progressing in their reading development. These assessments allow teachers to identify students who may need extra support and to adjust instruction to meet their needs.
📝 How It Works
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In August, your child took the DIBELS assessment to check their reading level.
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Based on the results, teachers create a plan to support your child’s growth.
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Students are monitored on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on their individual needs.
The goal of DIBELS is simple: to make sure every student receives the right help at the right time so they can become confident, successful readers.
💡 Safari-Approved Strategies to Support Reading at Home
Here are some fun, engaging ways to help your young explorer track down reading success:
🐾 Partner Safari – Take turns reading pages or sentences together to keep the expedition going.
🦁 Chorus in the Wild – Read a passage out loud at the same time to build confidence and strength.
🎭 Explorer’s Theater – Act out short plays or stories using expressive voices to bring the characters to life.
📜 Daily Trail Guides – Read aloud to your child while they follow along with the text.
🧭 Sight-Word Scavenger Hunt – Search for sight words and spelling patterns hidden in books, magazines, or road signs.
🦁 Why Daily Attendance is Essential for Our Young Explorers
🐾 Builds Strong Tracking Habits – Daily attendance helps students establish routine, responsibility, and consistency on their learning expedition.
🧭 Navigates Academic Success – Staying on the trail every day ensures students keep pace with lessons, activities, and key milestones.
⏳ Keeps the Expedition Moving – Every lesson builds on the last; staying present prevents students from falling behind the pack.
🤝 Strengthens the Pride – Being at school daily fosters strong friendships, social growth, and essential teamwork skills.
🌟 Builds Confidence for the Trail Ahead – Regular presence empowers students to feel capable, connected, and ready for future journeys.
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative provides the only federally funded source dedicated exclusively to out-of-school-time programs.