February News

📗📝📕

Goals: ELA 33%, Math 32%, Science 26% Making Progress 52%, Reclassify 16%

Dear Welty Families,

February is the month of love, kindness, and a whole lot of ogre-sized hearts 💚

This month, we’ll be focusing on building a stronger school community through acts of kindness, compassion, and helping one another—because even ogres know that teamwork makes the swamp a happier place! We invite you to join us in making February a month filled with love and kindness for all. 💖

February is also a big deal here at Mary Welty Elementary! Our English Learners will be showing their bravery and hard work during AZELLA testing throughout the month—very much like heroes on a quest. We’ll also be giving our 3rd Quarter Galileo benchmarks to check student progress and help guide our instruction. We have full confidence that our students are ready to shine (no dragon fire needed)! 💪✨

To help your child feel calm, confident, and ready for testing, please review the shared testing schedules carefully. Thank you for being amazing partners in your child’s learning journey.

We love our students MUCHOTE—from the swamp to the castle and everywhere in between! 🏰🐉

Warmly,

Mrs. Silva, Principal
(and proud leader of this amazing swamp!)💚

• 📚 Feb 2–6 – Galileo Testing (K–1 & 4–5)
  🗣️ AZELLA Testing (Grades 2–3)

• ⏰ Feb 4 – Early Release (12:45 PM)

• 🏅 Feb 6 – Roadrunner of the Month

• 📄 Progress Reports Sent Home

• 📚 Feb 8–13 – Galileo Testing (Grade 2-3)

• 🗣️ AZELLA Testing (Grades 1–2)

• 🧑‍💼 Feb 9 – Governing Board Meeting (4–5 PM)

• ⏰ Feb 11 – Early Release (12:45 PM)

• 💃 Feb 12 – Valentine’s Dance (Grades 3–5)

• 💖 Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day

• 📝 Feb 17–20 – AZELLA Testing (Kindergarten)
  ✍️ Writing Sample (Grades 1–5)

• Feb 16 – Presidents’ Day (No School)

• ⏰ Feb 18 – Early Release (12:45 PM)

• 🗣️ Feb 23–27 – AZELLA Make-Ups
  ✍️ Writing Sample (Kindergarten)

• ⏰ Feb 25 – Early Release (12:45 PM)

💛📚✨ Ms. Ozuna is being recognized as Teacher of the Month for her outstanding dedication and hard work. She brings enthusiasm and purpose into her classroom, creating an environment where students feel confident, motivated, and valued. Ms. Ozuna is always willing to support her students and teammates, and her thoughtful approach to teaching helps every learner grow.

• Talk positively about tests 💬😊
  Remind your child that tests show what they know—they are not a measure of how smart they are.

• Keep routines normal ⏰🏠
  Stick to regular bedtimes, meals, and morning routines to help your child feel safe and calm.

• Get a good night’s sleep 😴🛌
  A rested brain works better. Avoid late nights or screens right before bed.

• Eat a healthy breakfast 🍎🥣
  A full stomach helps with focus and energy during testing.

• Practice calming strategies 🧘‍♂️🌬️
  Teach simple techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or counting slowly to 10.

• Encourage effort, not perfection 💛⭐
  Praise your child for trying their best, not just for correct answers.

• Avoid pressure or last-minute cramming ⏳❌
  Too much review can increase stress. Confidence comes from preparation over time.

• Use positive self-talk 🗣️💭
  Practice phrases like: “I can do this,” “I am prepared,” and “I will try my best.”

• Arrive at school on time 🚌⏱️
  A calm start to the day helps reduce anxiety.

• Send a loving message 💌🤗
  A quick hug, smile, or encouraging note can make a big difference.

• Set a swampy routine 🌙☀️
  Same bedtime, same wake-up time—even ogres need sleep!

• Prepare the night before 🎒
  Pack bags, lay out clothes, and keep mornings calm (no roaring needed).

• Save quests for after school 🗓️
  Try to schedule appointments outside school hours when possible.

• Talk kindly about school 🗣️💬
  When parents speak positively, little ogres feel excited and proud to attend.

• Send your child off with encouragement 💌
  A hug, a smile, or a “You’ve got this!” goes a long way.

• Celebrate showing up 🎉
  Every day at school is a win worth cheering—no dragon required!

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Title IV B afterschool program is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Arizona Department of Education. For more information visit: http://www.azed.gov/21stcclc/