Cub Connections

OUR MISSION

Creating effective communicators, independent thinkers, and future leaders.

Email: jmcalister@mcssk12.org
Website: https://www.mcssk12.org/EndeavorElementarySchool
Location: 1997 Old Railroad Bed Rd, Harvest, AL, United States
Phone: (256) 851-4620
Facebook: facebook.com/HomeoftheCubs
Twitter: @HomeoftheCubs

April 5- Return from Spring Break and prepare for state testing

April 7-9 and April 12-13 ACAP Testing for Grades 2-5

April 14- ACAP Science Testing for Grade 4

April 14-15- ACAP Make-up Testing

April 22-23 - These will be E-Learning Days for Traditional Students.

April 22-23 - These will be ACAP testing days for Virtual Students in grades 2-5.

All Virtual students in Grades 2-5 will come to the building for ACAP Testing on these days. Information went home to our virtual students giving details of how this will be handled.

May 10-21- Retention meetings with Parent, Teacher, Admin if needed; Scheduled by the teacher.

May 24- 5th grade Awards Day - Time TBA; Parents may attend virtually.

May 24- Chromebook return in the carline 11-2 or in the front office 3:30-5:30. All Chromebooks must be returned before report cards will be issued.

May 25-27- Field Days and Parties (Parents will not be allowed on campus for these events this year. We are sorry!)

• May 25- Grades K and 3
• May 26- Grades 1 and 4
• May 27- Grades 2 and 5

May 28- Last Student Day ½ Day for Students - 11:30 Dismissal

The Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) assessment will be administered to grades 2-5 beginning Wednesday, April 7th. We have been providing instruction and opportunities in the classroom to familiarize students with the ACAP format and online tools.

• The assessment will be administered 100% online, unless there is a documented need for paper assessments.
• Students will be assessed in math and English language arts (Reading and Language).
• Science will be assessed in grade 4.
• The English/language arts assessment will include a writing component for students in grades 4-5.
• All test items are aligned to the Alabama Course of Study.
• The Grade 2 assessment will be used as a baseline for the third grade growth, not to measure achievement for accountability purposes.

Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), has provided Online Tools Training (OTT) through their website. This will allow students to become familiar with and practice the tools provided on the ACAP.

• Students can access the OTT as often as needed, from home or in the classroom.
• The OTT allows students to experience the same testing interface they will encounter during testing. Students will be able to experiment with the features and tools that will be available during the live test.
• Students will answer grade-level and subject-specific questions while receiving hints about the tools and features of the test.
• The OTT runs on a standard Google Chrome web browser.

Endeavor and Madison County Schools are dedicated to meeting the needs of diverse learners by ensuring academic achievement and success for all students. Please take time to visit the Online Tools Training link so you and your child are familiar with the ACAP prior to the administration next week.

ACAP Practice Test

Tips to prepare for Testing

1. Get a good night of rest prior to each testing day.

2. Be sure your child is hydrated prior to testing. They will not be allowed to have a water bottle during testing. Hydration helps the brain.

3. Remind your child of the importance of working hard, staying focused, and doing their very best on the test.

4. If your child is nervous about the test, help calm them and send me an email. We will ensure they are calm and comfortable prior to testing.

5. Have your student to school on time each day. Nothing will upset a child more than being late and not having the same preparation the rest of the class has or having to miss the first test and wait up front until they are allowed into the testing room.

Chromebook return will be May 24th. All virtual students who have school Chromebooks should return these on this date.

Someone will be in the carline area from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on this date for you to drop off your Chromebooks and chargers. You will not have to get out of your car.

If you are unable to return them during this time, you may come into the front office between 3:30-5:30 and leave these at the front desk.

Report cards will not be issued until devices are returned or paid for. Please get these into us on this day or email Mrs. McAlister to make arrangements for return. jmcalister@mcssk12.org

I received some information recently about an opportunity to get money into our classrooms that was completely virtual. I know that the PTA fundraiser just concluded but we thought we would give this a try.

A copy of the letter and prize information can be found at these links:

• Fundraiser letter
• Prize Information

Virtual students/parents are invited to participate. You guys were not sent information but we want you to get on board and help support your teachers and our school as well. Please read the letter that was sent to other families at the link above and get started! You may pick up your hugger prize for participating once you register.

So far, we have raised over $6900 for our classrooms. Please keep up these efforts through April 30th. Purchases from the merchants can be done through May 28th but we want our teachers to be able to spend their gift cards before our year ends so please make those donations before April 30th.

Please don't forget our virtual teachers. They did not have the information until now and need to catch up with their peers so please support them starting today!

Thanks so much. All of this will make a difference as we finish out the last days of the 2020-2021 school year and prepare for the future in our classrooms.

The PTA Fundraiser has concluded. All items should have been picked up by now. If you have not received your items, please contact Mrs. McAlister so that we can locate them and get them to you ASAP. Thank you to everyone who participated.

The library and ACE programs will be hosting a read-a-thon beginning April 26th. Watch for more details on how your child may participate and support these two valuable programs!

May 28th is our last student day. Students will dismiss at 11:30. Busses will leave campus by 11:40 and carline will begin about 11:40, after busses have left. Please mark your calendars for this date/time change.

If you are interested in watching board meetings online, you can use the following link to access the MCBOE YouTube Channel. All board meetings are streamed live. You can also see videos of previous board meetings. This is a great way to stay informed about district-level decisions that affect our school and your child's education.

MCSS Board of Education You Tube Channel

ALL schools in the Madison County School System have been approved for a USDA waiver allowing us to provide breakfast and lunch meals for virtual, remote, and traditional learners at no cost to families.

We are approved for the 2020-2021 year. Please continue to complete and submit applications for free and reduced meals as usual so correct statuses will be in place when the waiver ends.

-- This applies to ALL students(full price, reduced, and free) under 18 years old
-- Meals may be picked up at any MCSS school.
-- If you have children in multiple schools, you may pick up all meals at one school. You do not have to travel to each school.

As always, if you have questions, please email us:

Principal- jmcalister@mcssk12.org

Asst. Principal- ywright@mcssk12.org

Registrar- cdunham@mcssk12.org

Counselor- yfletcher@mcssk12.org

If you and your family need assistance during this difficult time, we will be happy to help you find that help.

Please begin by emailing us and letting us know your needs. We will get you in contact with those that can help.

Email Yolanda Fletcher, our School Counselor at: yfletcher@mcssk12.org

Email Yolanda Wright, our Assistant Principal at: ywright@mcssk12.org

Email Jenny McAlister, our Principal at:

jmcalister@mcssk12.org