Student Placement for 2009-2010

Dear Holmes Families,

I hope that everyone had a restful break!  As we move forward with the remainder of the school year, the next two months will be full of activities.

In addition to the excitement that the end of the year brings, it also reminds us that it is time to plan ahead for fall.  Soon we will begin the process of developing class lists for the 2009-2010 school year.  Special attention is given to having the same student body for each class, i.e., same number of students in each achievement group, behavior, gender, special programs, and learning style.

Input from parents is valued in the placement process.  If you would like to provide specific information that will impact your child’s achievement, please complete the Student Profile Worksheet.  Student Profile Worksheets are due to the classroom teacher by Friday, May 1st.  Specific teachers cannot be requested.  Rather, share the knowledge you have about your child, and the Holmes School staff will do the very best to place each student in a class that will best meet his/her needs.

The Holmes Staff will develop class lists based on the number of students at each grade level.  The process of creating class lists will ensure a fair and equitable process for all students.  Students and parents receive class placement information in late August.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and for working with us as a team to make the best placement decisions for all students.

Sincerely,

Suzie Hackmiller, Principal

Letter for students in Ms. Jennings's 3rd grade

Oliver Wendell Holmes School   

INSPIRE CREATIVITY, CULTIVATE ACADEMIC GROWTH, NURTURE OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY                                           

 April 13, 2009

 Dear Parents/Guardians:

I hope that this note finds each of you enjoying the beginnings of the spring season.  In addition to the usual excitement that comes at the end of every school year, we also spend time planning in advance for the coming year.  Soon we will begin developing class lists for the 2009-2010 school year.

We are exploring an exciting opportunity that is available to us this coming school year.  Due to the large number of 3^rd graders moving to 4^th grade our current enrollment will require an additional teacher in 4^th grade.  Therefore, we are considering looping Ms. Jennings current class to 4^th grade.  “Looping” is a term used to describe the educational practice in which a single grade class remains with the same teacher for two or more years.  This practice is also known and referred to a continuous learning.  There are many advantages and academic benefits to this practice including a decrease in student anxiety for the coming year, an increased sense of community, less review of practices and procedures at the beginning of the year, as well as greater academic performance.

I would like to invite you to join Ms. Jennings and myself for an evening of discussion around the topic of “looping” on Tuesday, April 21^st from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in Ms. Jennings class, Room #218.

I look forward to seeing you on the 21^st.

Sincerely,

Suzie Hackmiller, Principal