Achieving Academic Excellence

Dear caregivers -

As we begin the second semester, we would like to share important updates regarding academic expectations and curriculum changes. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed and prepared for the learning ahead, so we encourage you to read the information carefully. Please note that first semester report cards will be coming home today and provide valuable insight into your student’s progress thus far. Your partnership is essential to your student’s success, and we look forward to collaborating with you to make this semester a positive and productive experience for every learner.

We value the strong partnership we share with our families and truly appreciate your continued support as we work together to help every student succeed. As learning expectations grow, our shared goal remains the same—to make sure students feel supported, challenged, and confident in their learning.

Please reach out to your child's teacher or administration if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely -

Beth McCoy, Principal

emccoy@k12.wv.us

We are excited to share a new reading program being introduced across the district this week called Magnetic Literacy. This comprehensive program helps students build strong reading foundations while also developing knowledge, critical thinking and writing skills, and a love for reading. Magnetic Literacy is designed to help students become confident, purposeful readers, writers and thinkers.

The districtwide implementation of Magnetic Literacy helps ensure consistent instruction and grading practices for all students across Berkeley County Schools. All teachers follow the same district-approved curriculum, grade-level standards, and grading guidelines. If concerns come up about a student’s progress, our first priority is always collaboration—working closely with families to understand needs, provide targeted support, and problem-solve together in the best interest of the child.

These practices align with the Berkeley County Schools Literacy Statement and our Annual Strategic Plan, which focus on:

· Clear expectations and strong, standards-based instruction

· Consistency across classrooms and schools

· Shared responsibility among educators, families, and students

· High expectations and a commitment to academic excellence

Together, we are helping students build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to succeed. We value our partnership with families and encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to work together in support of your child.

As we transition to Magnetic Literacy, all Berkeley County Schools are updating reading, language and spelling grading expectations to improve consistency across schools and ensure grades more accurately reflect student achievement. Beginning in January, teachers will move to a body-of-evidence approach aligned to Magnetic Literacy’s built-in assessments and key performance tasks.

As part of our transition to Magnetic Literacy, spelling instruction looks different from the traditional weekly word lists many of us remember. Instead of memorizing a set list of words, students are learning spelling patterns, word parts, and meaning, which aligns with the Science of Reading and supports deeper, long-term literacy development.

You may notice a change in grading criteria and the quantity of grades for ELA as we work to ensure grades are an accurate reflection of student ability and academic performance.

i-Ready Parent Reports will be sent home at the end of next week. These reports provide valuable information about your child’s progress and growth so far this year. Students who are currently performing below grade level will receive additional academic support through targeted or intensive interventions. At this point in the school year, your student should be demonstrating growth and continuing to push toward grade-level expectations. We are proud to celebrate many successes, as a large number of students met their middle-of-the-year goals.

Parents can monitor their student’s grades and assignments at any time through Schoology. To access this information, please be sure to log in using your parent account, not your student’s account. If you have trouble accessing your parent account, contact the school for assistance.

Link to SOAR'n Newsletter to learn more about Schoology: https://secure.smore.com/n/tuazj