The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

As we enter an important time in the school year, our students are preparing for upcoming assessments. All students will participate in the NWEA assessment in May, and students in grades 3–5 will take the M-STEP in April. While these assessments provide valuable information about student growth and progress, they also present an opportunity to strengthen an essential life skill we have been focusing on all year: courage.

Courage, as we define it through our work in Social-Emotional Learning, is choosing what is helpful, right, and kind—even when it feels hard or uncomfortable. For many students, testing situations can feel challenging. They may worry about getting answers wrong, feel pressure to perform well, or experience uncertainty when faced with difficult questions. This is where courage becomes incredibly important. Taking a test is not just an academic task—it is an opportunity for students to practice perseverance, confidence, and a positive mindset.

When students approach assessments with courage, they are more likely to fully engage in the process. Courage encourages them to try their best on every question, even when they are unsure of the answer. It helps them stay focused when the work becomes difficult and to keep going rather than giving up. It also allows students to trust themselves and apply the skills and knowledge they have been building all year. These habits not only support stronger performance on assessments but also reinforce the resilience students need for long-term success.

It is important for families to know that these assessments are just one measure of student learning. They do not define your child or capture everything they are capable of. Instead, they provide us with important information to guide instruction, celebrate growth, and identify areas that may need additional support. Our goal is for every student to approach testing with confidence, knowing that effort and perseverance matter more than perfection.

You can support your child during this testing season by reinforcing the idea that doing their best is what matters most. Encourage them to take their time, read carefully, and not be discouraged by challenging questions. Remind them that it is okay not to know every answer, and that showing what they do know is what counts. Helping your child get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time also sets them up for success.

Most importantly, continue to emphasize courage at home. Talk with your child about facing challenges, trying their best, and staying positive even when things feel difficult. When children understand that it is okay to feel nervous and still move forward, they build confidence that extends far beyond a single test.

By working together, we can help our students approach both the NWEA and M-STEP with courage, resilience, and a strong sense of self. These skills will not only support them during testing but also serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Courage Grade 1

Courage Grade 2

Courage Grade 3

Courage Grade 4

Courage Grade 5

Our Alma Elementary Parent Teacher Organization is launching this year’s Fun Run, and we are excited to invite every family to take part. Registering your child is quick, easy, and makes a meaningful difference for our school community. The Fun Run is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of our students, our families, and the incredible support system that surrounds them.

The AEPTO plays a vital role in creating the experiences our students look forward to all year long. Thanks to their dedication, our Panthers enjoy outstanding field trips, engaging book fairs, and new books added regularly to both classroom libraries and the school library. They also provide essential classroom supplies, help stock our PBIS stores, and support countless extras that enrich learning and strengthen our school culture.

When families participate in the Fun Run, they help ensure these opportunities continue for every student. Your involvement directly supports the programs that make Alma Elementary such a vibrant and joyful place to learn. We are grateful for our PTO and for the families who partner with us each year—your support truly makes a difference

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors: