GVMS April Newsletter

April when all students take the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) exam. This gives you as parents, the students themselves and teachers valuable information about how they are progressing in relation to the the Colorado State Standards, other students in Colorado and other similar schools in the state. We will be testing every morning from 8 to 10 am beginning on April 7 and continuing through April 20. This schedule will ensure that students are fresh for each session and that we can continue with regular classes throughout the testing window.

Please support your child this month by ensuring they get to bed early, eat a nutritious breakfast (free in our cafeteria), and drink plenty of water. In addition, we are asking that students leave their chromebooks at school as much as possible. That way the devices are fully charged and not accidentally left at home.

In May, students will also take the final NWEA assessment. This is different from CMAS in that we get immediate results and can see student growth from August through May. Throughout the school year, students set individual goals related directly to their growth and achievement on NWEA.

No single assessment tells the entire story about a child, however, testing is a part of life even after graduation. Many careers require regular assessments and the spring testing windows help prepare students for the reality of life. We thank you in advance for supporting your child through this assessment season.

Sincerely,

Ms. Davis

Our spring conference time begins this month with "Invite" conferences on April 6th from 8-4. Teachers have been contacting parents about these conferences. If you are invited, please make your attendance with your child a priority. We will be celebrating successes and problem solving struggles cooperatively. In addition, Mrs. Speakman and myself will be available to support you and our child with any needs or decisions.

On May 4th and 11th, all students will be celebrating student growth and achievement with parents/guardians and family members via Student Led Conferences. Your children have been collecting evidence to share with you all year and will have a great conference prepared. Please plan to attend and celebrate with your children. If for any reason you cannot attend our Student Led Conferences, we recommend that you send another family member like a grandparent, aunt, older sibling or close family friend.

We are excited to help you celebrate your child's success and growth.

Track and Field for boys and girls began on March 17th. Our home meet will be on April 20th at the high school. Plan to come see our child compete!

Our clubs continue to thrive and create places of belonging and purpose at GVMS. We currently have several clubs and student organizations meeting during lunch. They all have a different focus and help make our school amazing. Thank you to the kids and sponsors who keep these going. If you are interested in joining any of the clubs, see the sponsor to inquire.

StuCo: Mr. James (Entry by election)

NJHS: Mrs. Hoyt and Mr. Amborn

Builders Club (Kiwanis): Ms. Johnson and Mrs. Vargas

Yearbook: Ms. Blair

6th Grade Leadership: Mr. Steckel and Mr. Atkinson

Chess Club: Mr. Amborn

All quarterly and semester grade reports will be available through Infinite Campus approximately one week after the quarter ends.

In an effort to conserve our resources, we will issue paper report cards upon request.

April 6:

• Conferences

April 7-24:

• CMAS Testing

• Colorado West Music - Band

• Teacher Appreciation Week

May 14:

• Band Concert @ Highs School

May 15:

• GVMS Theater Performance

• Night at the Museum

May 21:

• Choir/Uke Concert

May 23:

• GVHS Graduation

May 28:

• 8th Grade Continuation @ 10:00 am
• Last day of school

Canvas is the platform that teachers use to post assignments, resources, and grades. This is also where students can access these things, and sometimes even turn in assignments. Canvas support for parents can be found here. Follow the links for informational videos below.