Lancaster Elementary School “Unlock the Mystery of Learning” Welcome to Open House Lancaster Elementary School 2018-2019 “Unlock the Mystery of Learning”

Meet Mrs. Arroyo & Mrs. Searcey

This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond. New Faculty This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond. We are also fortunate to have a full-time MHP, Ashley Tamboli, along with our School Resource Officer, Deputy Troy White. Feel free to reach out to our counselor and MHP if you have any counseling needs for your child.

Internet Resources Parents have access to JPAMS to check grades and attendance in the student progress center. You will receive a letter from the school board with log in information specific to your child. Please visit lancasterelementary.stpsb.org for updates on events, student handbook, teacher website links, cafeteria menus, etc… We also have a link to My Payments Plus to pay for cafeteria fees and student fees. You can also access Moodle which has a lot of our textbooks online, as well as Typing Agent. **Pass out Moodle Directions from Erin.

Cell Phone Policy STPSB has changed the policy on cell phones. Students are allowed to store cell phones in the off position at school. At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag. Consequences will be given for use of cell phone, and parents will be required to pick the cell phone up at their convenience.

Car Line Reminders Make sure you have your tag displayed where it can be easily read. Use the stacking lanes in the morning and afternoon. Please be courteous to other drivers, buses, and staff members. Refrain from using cell phone. If your child is serving a detention or is attending morning intervention, please arrive early, as kids will be dropped off in the carline. For safety reasons, please do not check your child out after 2:45 pm.

Math Curriculum Updates In review of data over the past few years, math has been identified as an area to be strengthened as a whole school. We are following the STPSB Guaranteed Curriculum which addresses the Louisiana State Standards for math. This year we are incorporating the use of Eureka strategies, along with traditional algorithms and procedures for teaching new math concepts. Parents can visit the Louisiana Believes website to review the state standards, along with access to parent resources. Visit stpsb.org to see sample units and the curriculum we follow. Parents can also view resources on our individual teacher webpages. For example, the parent’s guide to Eureka with videos. If you have questions during homework, please let us know by indicating on the homework assignment.

Math Assessment Breakdown Math tests are given at the end of each set of skills. (example- Test 1 Place Value, Test 2 Comparing) We are considering a Unit test if time permits. *Tests are modeled in a format to prepare students for standardized testing. POD quizzes- average each week’s grades for one POD grade.

ELA Curriculum Updates State standards and curriculum resources can be accessed through stpsb.org and Louisiana Believes websites. This year we are doing 3 Guidebook units which are based off of a novel study and supporting resources. Achieve 3000 is a literacy-based program that we are also using. This strengthens our reading of non-fiction articles and written response to text. ** Discuss the main novels for your grade level at this point. Third grade: adjust with your curriculum.

Insert your grade level breakdown of ELA here. ELA Grade Breakdown Insert your grade level breakdown of ELA here. *** 4th-6th grade teachers: Please place the breakdown of the ELA grade here to include spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, Achieve.

Insert your grade level breakdown of ELA here. ELA Grade Breakdown Insert your grade level breakdown of ELA here. *** 4th-6th grade teachers: Please place the breakdown of the ELA grade here to include spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, Achieve.

Social Studies Curriculum Updates In review of data in recent years, this is an area that we need to strengthen. We are teaching literacy skills in social studies with the use of primary and secondary sources. DBQ’s (Document Based Questions) will be used to analyze social studies content. *** Explain what this means: DBQ’s

Social Studies Grade Breakdown *Social Studies tests will be given as we finish each skill. The study guides will be glued in the SS notebook.

Science Curriculum Updates We are moving towards investigative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) based science lessons. Our lessons are following the Louisiana State Standards and are incorporating literacy skills, anchor phenomenon, science experiments, and technology.

Science Grade Breakdown There will be some in-class activity grades (such as labs and stations) The tests that are given will be based on the standards learned in class, and they will modeled in a format to prepare students for standardized testing. Notes and study guides will be glued in Science notebook.

Curriculum Resources As you can see, education today is pulling from a variety of resources to address state standards for each subject. Textbooks are used to reinforce standards, but they are not used as a sole program. At any time if you struggle with the content or resources, please let us know so we can help you.

3rd-4th Grade Paper-Pencil Testing: State-Wide Testing LEAP 2025 Testing Dates: 5th-6th Grade Online Testing: April 1-May 3 3rd-4th Grade Paper-Pencil Testing: April 29-May 3 Please be mindful with student attendance during these dates.

Class Reminders Our communication throughout the year is essential! Please check the binder daily (behavior chart on back & newsletter in first pocket). VIP folders go home on Wednesdays. Email is the best way to contact us (-: Lunch is from 11:30-11:50 Birthdays are to be celebrated! Please send in pre-cut cakes or individual treats such as cupcakes or brownies (please be mindful, we do have some nut allergies in both homerooms) **VIP folder reminder here. What day does it go home? Procedures for that to be returned.