Dear Friends of IES,

The 2009-10 school year is progressing rapidly. Teachers and students are working hard to increase student achievement.  At the same time, we are providing fun events to make our school inviting and exciting!

 We are very busy planning effective instruction for our students.  Our teachers and paraprofessionals study and analyze data after each progress monitoring session and benchmark test.  Once the data is analyzed, our teachers collaborate and plan instruction to meet the needs of our students.  We have data walls posted in the classrooms, teachers' lounge, and our lobby.  These displays will keep us current on our strengths and areas that need improvement. 

 Job-embedded professional development has been very effective this year.  Our teachers have been trained in Qwizdoms (student response systems that can be used to teach and assess), PD 360 (video clips of best practices in education for teachers to share), Benchmark Scantron (an online assessment program used to monitor students' performance and design instruction accordingly), and Fasttmath (a computer based program to increase math computation). 

 Technology is at an all time high this year!  Every teacher received a Smartboard and 6 new computers for the classroom.  This state-of-the-art technology is used with instruction.  It heightens student motivation and promotes interactive teaching/learning.

 We have included several 3rd and 4th graders to serve on our School Improvement Committee and our Positive Behavior Support Committee.  We recently met and they provided the committees with valuable input.  We will address their comments to make improvements in our already successful school. 

 Our PTA sponsored "Trunk or Treat" for our students! It was a huge success.  Trunks of several cars were decorated and our students gathered lots of candy as they passed each car.  A huge thanks to all of our parents and teachers who donated the candy.  It was a fun event! Please join our PTA as they plan our Christmas Tree Lighting.

 Red Ribbon Week was filled with neat activities and attire to remind us to choose healthy life styles and to say no to drugs.  Classroom doors and bulletin boards sent out creative messages to support "Just Say No"!  Thanks to all who participated!

 The cookie dough fundraiser was a huge success!  Our physical education teacher, Coach Hamilton, will use some of the proceeds to purchase needed materials to provide the best PE program around!  Be looking for more information on the proceeds in Tiger Tales.  A special thank you to all who contributed.

 With all that is going on, we always remember that the most important focus of our day is to create a respectful environment where all students can work to their potential.  We believe that all students have gifts and talents to share.  Please encourage our students to read, write, and practice their math facts.  This is the best gift that we can offer to them.

Sincerely,

Mrs. LeBlanc