Thoughts on MCA's

It has been far too long since my last post and during that time, a lot has happened.

During the month of April and into May, students in grades 3-6 took their state MCA tests in reading, math, and science.  Math and Reading MCA's are those results that also determine if a school has made their Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) when compared to themselves from the previous year.  Last year, Sibley did not make their AYP target.  This year, we continued our efforts in the area of reading with a further emphasis on reading strategies to assist all students with understanding text, both fiction and non-fiction.  We also took time in the area of writing, which is an area that is sometimes overlooked in schools.  Student writing, and their 'thinking through the end of pen," can be seen throughout the school and in various classrooms as student work is hanging proudly for others to see.

Let's face it, making sense of what we read and discuss by putting clarity to our thoughts through speaking and writing is not an easy task for many an adult.  The research shows that applying reading strategies to all content areas and increasing the time spent writing create critical thinking necessary to succeed beyond school and later in life.

Schools feel a great sense of pressure to do well on their state's tests.  Nobody is saying that we don't think about or want our scores to be better.  I don't know any educator that would tell you otherwise.  However, as we focus on being proficient, sometimes we are only concerned about that . . .  being proficient. The schools responsibility is to the whole child.  We should want our students to learn and excel at history, science, speaking, technology, reading, and math.  By providing a wealth of experiences and high expectations in each,  students at all levels excel rather than meet a proficiency target.  As a school and district, we are excited about some of the changes underway to help us accomplish this . . . . stay tuned.

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. 

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!!

Reading Corps

For the last two school years, Sibley has been fortunate enough to host a Reading Corps member whose sole purpose and training is in delivering research based reading interventions to students in grades K-3.  These students are not eligible for any other district support services like special education, or Title 1.  However, they qualify to work with a Reading Corps Literacy member by showing "just below" grade level expectations in reading.  Through careful work with a member, these students are brought to grade level and then monitored the rest of the school year to assure that they stay at their grade level benchmark in reading.  To date, Sibley has had about 15-16 students reach grade level and then be monitored.  It is a great program and it comes at no cost, other than "in kind" contributions on the part of the school district.  The best part of this program is that it is growing. This year, Lakeview and Hawthorne both requested and received a literacy tutor and next year (11-12) Halverson will as well.  Read the latest local news about Reading Corps.  If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying, please do so at the following website

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!!

Thanks to everyone that made this year's spring production of Alice in Wonderland a success.  This was probably one of the most "theatrical" 4-6 musicals we have done with several individuals needing to know their lines, some solo singing, and some pretty extravagant props.  It is wonderful to be able to provide this opportunity to our students and we hope that you would agree.  Our high school auditorium is the perfect place for this to occur and a great way for more families to attend by providing this event in the evening. This is something we look forward to having next year.  It is also important to note that students in grades 4-6 work hard in selecting the musical they perform.  There is a lot of sharing,debate, and finally a vote is cast.  Who knows what next year will bring, but we know it will be great. 

Alice in Wonderland

Don't miss out on a great performance coming Thursday.  Our annual spring musical will be performed by our students in grades 4-6 at the High School at 7pm.  They have been practicing hard all week and are eager for Thursday evening.  The songs are great and the props are awesome. Don't miss it. See you there.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration is underway.  We will be hosting registration at Brookside on March 1st from 9-11am and also Thursday evening from 5-7pm.  We look forward to the new year and seeing your student in our school.  When you come to register, you will want to be sure you have an updated copy of your child's immunization records and birth certificate.  In addition, you will be asked to register in the school attendance area that you currently reside.  If there are changes, that information will be communicated sometime in May.