The Daniels Desk

The M-STEP window is open for the next 8-10 weeks. Our 3rd and 4th graders will be taking the ELA and Math M-STEP test during this window. Teachers will communicate the testing dates via Bloomz.

Here are a few questions that are commonly asked:

What is the M-STEP test?

· This M-STEP is a “summative” state assessment, meaning that it measures what students have learned during the year in relation to Michigan’s career and college ready learning standards.

· The M-STEP is required under both state and federal law, to ensure all children are learning.

What Information do State Assessments give the school?

· An important snapshot of achievement at the student, building, district and state level. Valuable information for teachers to use to align classroom instruction and lesson plans with state standards.

What can I do to help my child?

· Make sure that your child is well rested and eats a high protein, low sugar/carb breakfast: Children who are tired, hungry or have too much sugar and carbs are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.

· Remember—Attending school matters: Tests reflect children’s overall knowledge and achievement. Missing school means missing instruction.

· Talk to your child about testing: Let them know that assessment is a regular part of learning. Make sure they understand why they are being tested and how it is important to their future. Keep state tests in perspective: Reduce your child’s anxiety about the test by reminding them that it is just one measure of learning, and another way to find out where their academic strengths and weaknesses are. Remind them of what they do well, and how they have improved with effort.

Sending a shout out to all those students who participated in the Spring Read-a-Thon. BLE made $3360 for the spring 2023 Read-a-Thon. We are using those funds for student, staff and family incentives.

Final reading stats:

· 129 readers with minutes

· 19, 813 total minutes read schoolwide

· Top Reader: Carter Ledbetter, Top Individual Fund Raiser: Bryce Aschmetat, Top Class Fund Raiser: Samantha Latta, Top Minutes (Class): Andy O’Boyle/Penney Durbin

Ten Benefits of Reading

· Good Habit for Stress Reduction

· Mental Stimulation for your Brain

· Knowledge Enhancement

· Vocabulary Expansion

· Improves Your Memory

· Stronger Analytical Thinking Skills

· Improves Concentration and Focus

· Better Writing Skills

· Tranquility

· Free Source of Entertainment

SPOTLIGHT ON READING

Check out this book ...

Hello Readers,

Everyone loves unicorns. This is a great book with outrageous traps and hilarious hijinks, catching a unicorn has never been more fun. Enjoy!!!

Reminders From the Office:  

* Returning Registrations are due no later than May 5th

* April 18th Countdown to Kindergarten #2 6-7 PM

* Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8 - 12

* May 16th - Career Night 6-7:30 PM

* May 26th - Field Day

Returning Registrations for the 2023-24 School Year

As we are approaching the end of this school year, we are also starting to plan for the 2023-2024 school year. Student's returning registration is part of this process. It is important that we have updated information in order to communicate with you and keep your student(s) safe. Harper Creek Community Schools has moved to online returning registration in PowerSchool. This new process allows you to have access to all your student(s) online forms with one sign on ID and password. To access your student(s) returning registration forms, please set up your PowerSchool single sign on account by following the instructions on your student's registration paperwork that was mailed home. We ask that you please complete the online forms; making sure to answer all of the questions. We are requesting that returning registration forms be submitted by Friday, May 5th.

If you need another copy of your student's registration paperwork, please call the office at 269-441-3250.

Birthday Shout-outs for April

March Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Senora Kenney - Spanish Teacher

CAREER NIGHT COMING THIS MAY 16th, 6-7:30pm

Last spring, we had our first Career Night, and it was a great success. We would love to continue this annual event and add even more presenters. Last year, we had an ER nurse, a crafter, a doctor, a farmer, and even more. If you would like to come in to share what you do in your career or have a friend who would like to participate, please scan the QR code below. The deadline is April 28th. We will also be providing dinner and career books for students to take home.

~ Mrs. Duval

PE News from Kindergarten

Hi BLE families & loved ones,

Spring has officially Sprung! We are focusing on being intentionally active this April! With the weather starting to warm up, and it being lighter for longer each day, it’s a wonderful time to model and be mindful of empowering our kiddos to get lots of fresh air and enjoy activities that we were previously stuck inside doing (during the winter): reading, playing board games, writing, etc. outside now!

Family walks, biking, practicing sight words with chalk, counting while playing hopscotch or catch, are all wonderful ways to enjoy nature, while also strengthening our bodies and brains! In addition, any kind of game, sport, or activity is also a wonderful opportunity to practice not just how to be a respectful winner, but also a gracious loser. These skills are so important not just for sports and clubs, but also daily at school as kids work on fostering and maintaining relationships with one another! Thanks for all that you do as our partner in education!

Printable 2022 - 2023 School Calendar

All of us can be the eyes and ears of the community and ensure that our children are safe. I encourage everyone—students, staff, parents, and community members— to report potentially harmful or criminal acts using OK2SAY.

To submit a confidential tip:

• Call 855.565.2729
• Text 652729 (OK2SAY)
• Email [email protected]
• Download the Mobile App search OK2SAY
• Visit the OK2SAY website at www.ok2say.com