Battle Parents,
Great things are happening and still to come at Battle Academy:
· Thanks to all of the families that participated in Math Night. Many parents expressed a deeper understanding of the math strategies and activities that are taught in the classroom. Parent Nights are wonderful opportunities to learn more about classroom instruction and how to support your child’s learning at home. Mark your calendar- Related Arts Night is scheduled for December 6th.
· Due to your support, involvement and participation, the 2011 Battle Banzai was bigger and better! Thanks so much to all of the volunteers and parents that supported this event to benefit our school. I am also thankful for the many staff members that volunteered their time to plan and prepare for the festival. This event is one example of what happens when our educators, parents and community supporters work together. More exciting activities such as Spirit Week and Arts Experience are ahead.
· Parent Coffee- On November 15th @ 7:45am in the Literacy Center we will begin with informal conversations. At 8am, I will discuss the school’s goals and progress. We will discuss academic goals, programs and school culture. This will give you a chance to talk with other parents and administration about how to continue moving our school forward.
· “We CAN Battle Hunger” food drive during the month of November.
· Holiday Lunch on December 1st and Winter Celebration on December 20th. More information will be provided through agenda mates, newsletters, Facebook and/or emails.
· Battle will continue to build community relationships by participating in activities such as the Main X24 event on December 3rd and the planning of a pocket park on our grounds.
Winter Break is quickly approaching! There is still plenty of time and opportunity for learning and mastery of grade level standards. Remember, as we move deeper into the school year, the work will inevitably become more complex and involved. We encourage you stay informed and involved in your child’s education. It is very important to stay in direct contact with the classroom teacher.
I look forward to your continued support and involvement in this amazing learning environment.
Regards,
Saunya
October 2011
Battle Parents,
I hope your school year is off to a great start. It is hard to believe the first nine weeks are almost over. Report cards will go home on October 14th for all students. This year, Power School-Grade is being used to report grades for intermediate students (3rd-5th grades). You will receive a printed a copy of this report. Please take some time to discuss the report card with your child. Congratulate his/her good work and offer support and encouragement in those areas where he/she needs it. Please remember that there is still plenty of time and opportunity for learning and mastery of grade level standards. If you still have any questions or concerns about your child’s performance in class, please be in direct contact with the classroom teacher.
As we move deeper into the school year, the work will inevitably become more complex and involved. The teachers will work diligently to teach essential standards and skills. Please be supportive of your child should he/she encounter moments of stress or doubt. At those times, remind them to communicate with their teachers, for they are committed to help and share their many gifts and talents. Please plan to attend the parent nights that are held on a monthly basis. This is another way to communicate with your child’s teacher and to support the learning that takes place in the classroom.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your child. I look forward to working with you this year as we continue to build on this great learning community!
Saunya
August 2011
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to school! I hope you enjoyed the summer and are ready to begin another great year. I want to extend a special welcome to all of our new Battle families. Hopefully, you will see that Battle Academy is such a special place of learning. Our students will continue to engage in a more rigorous curriculum based on Tennessee’s higher academic standards. These standards demonstrate the state’s commitment to ensuring our students are more prepared for college and today’s workforce. In addition, kindergarten through second grade students will receive instruction based on the Common Core Standards. There’s been a national movement to set the academic bar at essentially the same level everywhere. Tennessee along with 47 states recently developed the Common Core Standards. Battle Academy teachers have embraced the expectations, challenges and professional growth that the new standards require.
I am so proud of our staff, students and community members. Based on results from the Spring 2011 TCAP achievement test, Battle is in good standing, significantly raised student achievement scores and met the target goals. Based on overall test results, Battle students scored higher than the district and state in reading and mathematics. We will continue to work hard to meet the needs of all students and reach the target goals for 2012. This school year, the following is planned in efforts to maximize learning and raise student achievement:
-Project Coach: This model requires certified educators to receive a minimum of 6 mini-observations by an administrator each school year. Value of the model - teachers refine their classroom practice; take ownership for continuous professional growth; end result - student achievement grows.
-Lead Teachers: Debbie Rosenow and Daniel Silva will provide support, research based strategies and best practices based on their specialized training in the area of literacy. Debbie and Daniel have received training at the district, state and national levels. Cindy Kean will provide the same support and services in the area of mathematics. Cindy has received specialized training at the district level and through the Teachers Development Group. Hamilton County Schools will introduce a new mathematics program called enVision. Cindy will support new teachers and other staff members with implementing the program.
-School Wide Positive Behavior Support: STAR- Self Control, Teamwork, Always Prepared and Respect. SWPBS increases student learning by providing clear expectations for behavior to minimize disruptions and reduce office referrals. Battle has significantly reduced the number of office referrals and suspensions. Due to the success of this program, we will continue to develop and improve aspects of this initiative.
-Promote a positive climate and culture through monthly assemblies, teacher incentives and more school wide events. Our school community has provided positive feedback about coming together once a month to celebrate the wonderful things happening at our school. This year, we will add Spirit Week in January to continue to build a positive environment and love for all things Battle.
-Staff Development- Teachers will increase attendance to various trainings, conferences and workshops to present current information and up to date research based student needs.
One of the ways you can help us is by communicating with your child’s teacher about activities that will reinforce learning and skills at home. On a regular basis, talk with your child about the importance of good character and doing their best academically.
Again this year, we will be working to maintain a 95% daily attendance rate and decrease the number of students who are tardy on a regular basis. We depend strongly on you to help us in this endeavor.
In closing, please communicate with our school’s PTA and Ms. Patty Streip, Family Partnership Specialist to continue to build relationships and enhance parent involvement. PTA meetings and Parent Nights are ways to address your individual or group questions and concerns. However, don’t hesitate to stop by, give me a call or make an appointment whenever you have questions or concerns. If we work together, I believe we can continue to build on our strengths and enhance areas in need of improvement. I look forward to working with you and the teachers to make this school an exciting, welcoming and safe place for students!
Ms. Goss