DOUGLAS
DRAGONEER
Douglas A+
Creative Arts & Science Magnet Elementary School
Week of May 12 - 16
DOUGLAS
DRAGONEER
Douglas A+
Creative Arts & Science Magnet Elementary School
Upcoming
Events
May
13 5th grade dance informance 2:45
pm
May 20-22
EOG testing
May
21 2nd grade dance informance 2:45
pm
May
23 4th grade dance informance 2:45
pm
May 23 Books Come Alive informance, 5:30pm
May
26 Memorial Day – No school
May 29 Ice Cream Celebration, 6 – 7:00 pm
Understanding Standards Based Grading: The Fundamentals of 1, 2, 3, 4
Volume
1.3 - This is the third in a series of articles regarding standards based
grading.
Why do we
grade?
Have you ever really thought about the purpose
of grading? Take a moment and ponder
this question. Why do we grade? ……..
Did you think of any of the following reasons?
§
To help students and parents understand what is to be
learned
§
To inform parents/guardians about the student’s
learning
§
Determine student promotion
§
Determine who will win awards
§
Help motivate or provide incentives for a child to
learn
§
Indicate student strengths and weaknesses
§
Clarify a student’s achievement status
§
Guide the student in self-evaluation of their progress
How many more did you think of? Actually all of the above are used as
purposes for grading. As you can see
there are many different and varied reasons for grading. Which is the most important? Many educational researchers define
“communication” as the most important purpose for grading. With this in mind we must be clear and
concise in our grading and there must be a shared understanding of how grades
are determined and what they mean.
Grades may take different meanings over the course of a child’s
educational journey. Teachers should be
clear in their grading and share with parents their standards, how they are
measured, and expectations. Consistency
in grading supports clear communication.
Parents should talk with their child’s teacher if they are concerned
about a student’s grade. Communication is a two way street and should be open
at all times with no detours or roadblocks.
Communication allows us to support student learning and encourage
success for our students.
The following source was used for this article:
O’Connor, Ken. How
to Grade for Learning. Arlington
Heights, IL. SkyLight Professional
Development. p. 15-16.
DANCE INFORMANCE
– MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
5th Grade Ecosystems Dance Alive!
Come see the
balance of nature interpreted in dance movement. The plants and
animals of the rainforest and the Australian Outback come to life through
the 5th graders' choreography. They will share their dances with you on
Tuesday, May 13th at 2:45 pm in the gym.
2nd Graders Take the Stage by
Storm!
Each 2nd grade
class has created a dance depicting a storm or weather event. They
have taken their knowledge of weather from science class and combined that with
our dance elements to tell the story of the storm from beginning to
end. Join us for heat and wind, rain and snow on Wednesday, May 21st at
2:45 in the gym.
4th Grade: Poetry in Motion
The 4th graders have been analyzing and
interpreting the poetry of Langston Hughes. Combine that with their study
of Alvin Ailey's choreography, dance elements and the the themes of
oppression and hope, and you have a recipe for beautiful
choreography. Their ideas and expression shine through in these wonderful
dances. Join us on Friday, May 23rd at 2:45 pm in the gym.
The After School Program will have a Books Come Alive II Informance on Friday, May 23rd @ 5:30 pm . The production is being produced and directed by two of Sanderson High School’s graduating seniors, Justin C. and Jeremy W., who are already familiar to the Douglas students and staff. Come, bring the family, and enjoy an evening of the arts.
Check out our MSA School of Distinction plaque!! Our
very own teachers, Ms. Burrows and Ms. Zelasky, presented a very well attended
session on Artful Learning at the Magnet Schools of America Conference in
Chattanooga, TN last week and brought home our beautiful new recognition
plaque. Stop by the office to admire it and then watch for it to appear
on our "wall of fame"!!
URBAN MINISTRIES
NEEDS YOU
On July 3rd a few Douglas Families will be helping to
restock the shelves at the food pantry at the Urban
Ministry Center.
Typically food banks get lots of donations
between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this is the time of year that things
get lean. They have a great shortage of supplies right now, but the needs in
our community continue.
During the month of May, we will be doing a school wide
food drive to help families in need. If you can help with this food drive,
please send in needed items during these last few weeks of school. They will be
collected and delivered in early July to meet the needs of families in Raleigh
for the summer.
NEEDED
ITEMS ARE LISTED BELOW:
Canned Meats: tuna, chicken
Canned Fruits
Breakfast Cereal; Grits
Powdered Milk
Dried Beans
Mac & Cheese
Applesauce
Peanut Butter
Pasta: dry and canned
Rice
THANK
YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!
Robin
Bolash and
The
Douglas Elementary Staff