Welcome!

In an effort to provide more direct and ongoing communication with Sibley's school families and the larger community, I have created this page. It's content will be developed to provide small bits of information whenever there is a need. I encourage you to subscribe to this blog so that you will know whenever new content is available.

District Aims:

Safe, healthy, welcoming schools;
Increase student opportunity and achievement;
Operate in the most effective and efficient manner.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Morning Muffins

On April 20th, our PTO will be sponsoring what we call, "Morning Muffins."  It is a time for families and kids to get together in our gym for a small morning breakfast.  The best part about it is the conversation that occurs at the tables about school, friendships, and families.  We think it serves its purpose well as it is time for our PTO to promote and support the importance of family involvement.  This event is open to all students, although we do ask students to be accompanied by an adult.  In the past, unsupervised mornings have resulted in situations that are a bit too chaotic and not something we would like.  If you can't accompany your child, they can always bring a grandparent, cousin, neighbor, or even a teacher.  Thanks for understanding and we look forward to seeing you. 

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA's)

Every April, students in grades 3-6 take the MCA's in Reading and Math.  This week, students have begun those tests.  As many would attest, tests can make one nervous but students should try not to worry about them.  My advice is always to get a good night's sleep, something to eat, and take the time to work slowly and carefully.  Most of the time when mistakes are made, they are made out of haste. 
So you know, the results of these assessments will come out individually for your review during the summer.  The tests themselves will compare your child with others in the same grade state-wide and the results of these tests also determine if a school has made Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) as defined under No Child Left Behind (NCLB).  Last year, Sibley did not make AYP, and so through the course of the year, and based on our student individual data, we have made some adjustments to programming and instructional practices.
If one has questions about the result of the tests or how to interpret them, don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher or your Principal.

Peggy Bennett - District 241 Teacher of the Year!

Every year, our district goes looking for input from people to make their vote for who they believe should be our District 241, Teacher of the Year.  We have a local committee that works hard organizing and promoting this great program.  Committee members include teachers and community members and anyone can nominate.  Peggy Bennett has been teaching 1st grade for a very long time and teaching is no doubt her passion.  She has been nominated numerous times prior to winning this year, and has positively impacted countless of students and families in her years teaching at Sibley.  Peggy is always looking for way to motivate and encourage students to be there best and enthused about reading.  On several occassions, she has even co-authored student stories with reading groups allowing them to create, write, and read their stories to a wider audience.  She is alwasy looking for ways to integrate techology in her classroom and has been a district leader and state-wide presenter in the use of Smartboards.  Peggy is a passionate educator and goes beyond expectations to meet the needs of her students.  With that said, Peggy is also representative of all the great teachers and staff that work in our district, and humbly accepted the honor on their behalf as well.  In her acceptance, she turned the light on everyone else in the room knowing that she could never do what she does without the great support from her teaching colleagues, custodial staff, food service personnel, suppot staff, and adminisration.  Thank you Peggy and Congratulations!!