GVMS April Newsletter!

Each spring, students across Colorado take CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) tests, which are based on the Colorado Academic Standards. These assessments measure student achievement in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. CMAS testing for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take place April 9-11, with 8th grade testing continuing on April 16th.

Please note that personal electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, headphones) must be powered off and given to your child's testing teacher. These devices will be returned at the end of each testing day. If a device is not turned in, all tests in that classroom may be invalidated.

Here are a few ways you can help support your child during testing:

• Ensure good attendance, especially on testing days, as make-up tests cause disruptions to the school day
• Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest before testing
• Ensure they come to school with their computer fully charged and their charger
• Please make sure your child comes to school with an independent reading book
• Encourage your child to approach the tests with confidence and a positive attitude

Thank you for your support!

What is TAR? Well it is an opportunity to recover grades and make up time missed from classes. So far, we have been working with kids since November and the results are paying off. Students meet in the library with teachers on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:05-6:05 pm. They bring missing work and teachers support them with tutoring, small group work time and a quiet supportive environment to complete missing work, fill in learning gas and recover failed grades.

We usually have between 14-20 students attend, they get a snack and teachers ensure that they meet up with their ride at 6:05.

Over 25 failed grades from the first semester have been recovered so far. This is often critical for students who may have slipped in their focus for a period, yet can make it up and go on to be successful.

Failing grades can lead to the need for Summer School attendance, so it may be better for a student to attend TAR.

If you have any questions about TAR, or would like your child to attend, please reach out to your child's teacher, or contact Mrs. Speakman.

On April 7th, we will have parent-teacher conferences, which will be by invitation only. In May, we will host student-led conferences, giving your child the opportunity to share and celebrate their year of learning with you. Sign-up information for student-led conferences will be shared later this month.

April Mondays:

Theatre Aspen Monday Program for students in grades 3-8 from 9-3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2nd & Friday, April 4th:

8th Grade trips to GVHS

Thursday, April 3rd:

NJHS Induction from 7-8 p.m.

Monday, April 7th:

PT Conferences from 11-7 p.m. (Invite Only)

Wednesday, April 9th-Friday, April 11th:

ELA and Math CMAS Testing (6th, 7th, and 8th grade)

Wednesday, April 16th:

• Science CMAS Testing (8th grade)
• 6th grade and 7th graders gone for service project and fieldwork

Friday, April 25th:

Choir to the Colorado West Music Festival

Friday, May 2nd:

GVMS Theatre Performance at 6:30 pm

Saturday, May 3rd:

Mayfest in Parachute

Monday, May 5th & Monday, May 12th:

Student-Led Conferences K-8

May 6th-May 9th:

NWEA Spring Testing

Friday, May 16th:

Night at the Museum - celebration of learning

Tuesday, May 20th:

Band Concert @GVHS

Thursday, May 22nd:

Choir and Ukulele Concert

Thursday, May 29th:

Last Day of School

8th Grade Continuation at 10:00 am