Plato Pizza Party

Thursday, December 15th was an exciting day for students in grades 3-5 attending the Plato Pizza Party.  This event was a reward for students doing well on their Plato benchmark tests.  Students who showed a 10% growth or remained proficient or advanced were eligible to attend.  Over 60 students enjoyed pizza and root beer the last half hour of the day.  We'll do this again in February, so encourage your students to work hard and learn lots between now and then.

Parent Involvement Policy Feedback request

Parents - We want your input for the elementary school! 

Shoshone Elementary School is seeking input into our parent involvement policy.  An open comment meeting will be held in the library on Tuesday, December 13 from 4:00 – 5:30.  Parents are invited to stop by at any point within the time frame to give comment on the policy.  If parents are unable to make the meeting, feedback can also be given through the following email:  feedback@shoshone.k12.id.us  until Wednesday December 21^st. 

You can read the draft parent involvement policy below:

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY FOR SHOSHONE ELEMENTARY     
The staff of Shoshone Elementary believes one dynamic of effective schooling is parental involvement.  In order to encourage parental involvement, the staff at the school will assist in the following ways:

District Responsibilities
Develop sound educational policies
Implement research-based programs
Establish an effective evaluation process for those programs

Teacher Goals and Responsibilities                                                                         
Establish clear, concise expected learning results
Monitor results
Provide high quality instruction and resources
Provide timely information to parents and students

Distribution Information
The Parent Involvement Policy for Shoshone Elementary will be posted in the school, as well as on the school web site.  A copy of this policy will be included in the student handbook in both Spanish and English. Information related to school events and parent meetings will be communicated in both English and Spanish to parents through invitations sent home with students. Classroom teachers will provide achievement test information during conferences and parent meetings.  Printed information will be sent home. The compact outlines how teachers, students, and parents will share in the responsibility for improved student achievement.  This compact will be discussed with students and sent home for your review and signature.

Parent Participation
Parents will receive information and have opportunities to participate in activities planned throughout the school year.  Opportunities will be provided for parent input regarding the education of their children through surveys and parent-teacher conferences. The school will provide opportunities for conferences, as requested by parents, to discuss suggestions and make decisions regarding the education of their children. Within established guidelines, parents are encouraged to observe instruction and other school activities that involve his/her child. Parents are encouraged to volunteer at school and/or participate in the Parent Teacher Organization Committee.

Meetings
Parents will be informed at the annual Title 1 meeting about the school’s participation in the Title 1 program, the requirements of the program, and their right to be involved. Parent meetings and conferences will be held at various times to meet the needs of families.

The school and family working together is an essential dynamic that can help students achieve the expected learning results of the school.  We believe parental involvement has the greatest influence when the school personnel, students, and parents share responsibility for the growth and development of each student.

Plato Testing

Next week, students in grades 3-5 will begin Plato testing.  This test will show us the amount of growth students in grades 3-5 have made in reading and math.  We will use the data from this testing to help us plan lessons for the students so they can be successful during spring ISAT testing in April and May.  Students who show 10% growth from their fall Plato testing will be part of a Plato Pizza Party in December.  The exact date is still to be determined.  Please encourage your children to do their best on the test, and show us what they know!

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is running over with coats, hats and gloves.  Many of these items look almost brand new.  Any items left in the lost and found at Christmas vacation will be donated to the Idaho Youth Ranch.  Please stop by and claim what belongs at your house! :)

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thank you to all our hard working cafeteria ladies for the wonderful Thanksgiving Feast we enjoyed last Thursday.  The food was outstanding, students were so polite and well mannered, and everyone was stuffed beyond compare.  We enjoyed having all the parents and community members who were able to attend.  It was a dinner to remember.

Dragon Fruit!!

Students at our school experienced a fun, new snack this past week.  Dragon Fruit, native to Viet Nam, was a huge hit and we can't wait to have it again!!

Miss Wendy takes a break

Miss Wendy took a little break, and when she came back she found this good looking boy in her spot!  Thanks Ashton, for holding down the fort!  :)

Veteran's Day Assembly, Nov 10th

Shoshone students were a wonderful audience today during our Veteran's Day Assembly.  We are so proud of the outstanding citizenship they showed to our veterans and represenatives from the armed forces.  Our students were able to participate in the assembly by singing "Thank a Vet", and helping the guest speaker with their special word "Sacrifice".  It was a wonderful assembly for everyone involved.

Awards Assembly on Monday November 7th

Students and teachers celebrated learning successes on Monday, Nov 7th.  Students were recognized for having perfect attendance, being Shining Stars, having high achievement, and being good citizens in their classrooms and on the playground.  Certificates were given, and prizes were drawn.  Additionally students participated in games if they had perfect attendance, and 100% of their homework turned in on time. Mr. Thueson gave us information on the history of our United States flag and how to take good care of it, and Miss Wendy told us about a new contest to collect Box Tops for Education.  It was a great assembly and we are proud of our students here at Shoshone Elementary!  Let's keep up the good work!