NHE News
September 16, 2025
We want to share an important update about your child’s MAP Growth assessment results. Starting this fall, MAP Growth will use a new set of national norms to help interpret student scores. This allows educators to set more personalized growth goals, especially for students who are above or below grade level.
What does this mean for your child? You may notice that your child’s percentile ranking looks different than before. This percentile represents where your child stands when compared with their peers today--not peers from several years ago.
Because student performance has generally declined since the pandemic, the same score may now be associated with a higher percentile. This change applies to both current and past reports in MAP Growth.
Has the test itself changed? MAP Growth has also improved how it adapts to each student. The test now aligns even more closely with the material students are learning in class, helping teachers understand how students are performing relative to grade-level expectations.
How can you learn more? This blogpost explains the updates in more detail. If you have questions or want to talk more about your child’s progress, we’re here to support you.
Additional information about NWEA MAP in RISD and directions on how to review your child’s Student Progress Report can be found on the RISD Website. Your child’s MAP assessment results will be posted in the Focus Parent Portal about one week after each MAP window closes.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s learning journey. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions about how to read the reports or what next steps will be in supporting your child’s academic success.
We’re Excited to Welcome Lunch Visitors!
Starting Tuesday, September 2 (the day after Labor Day), families are welcome to join their children for lunch! We’ve taken a little time to get our cafeteria routines in place so everyone feels comfortable and safe.
Here are a few reminders to help make your visit smooth and enjoyable:
One visit per week, please. This helps us manage space and make sure every family has the opportunity to visit.
Arrive on time. Plan to be here before your child’s lunch period begins.
Bring your photo ID. All visitors must check in at the front office and wear a visitor badge while on campus.
Enjoy lunch at the visitor table. For safety reasons, visitors should sit at the designated visitor table with their child only. Parents may not sit in the cafeteria.
Friends can’t join your table. We know kids love company, but we ask that you enjoy this time just with your child.
Put phones away. To protect student privacy and keep the focus on your child, please avoid phone use, photos, or videos while in the cafeteria.
Head out after lunch. When your child’s lunch period ends, please exit through the front office. Visitors may not walk students back to class.
Permission for guests. If someone other than a parent/guardian plans to visit, we need written permission from the parent ahead of time.
Thank you for helping us make lunch visits a safe, positive experience for everyone. We can’t wait to see you in the cafeteria!
Focus Parent Portal
