We are working hard on our Power Benchmarks – the skills and
concepts that we consider to be very important. We teach these
reading, writing and math concepts and skills all year long, and
they are important for students to know and understand to be
successful in school and in life.
The state’s Colorado Student Assessment Program testing process
is very valuable to us, not only because it tests these important
Power Benchmarks and shows us what our students understand well and
what they need to improve on, but also because the state judges our
school based on CSAP information.
CSAP test results help us plan our teaching to meet the needs of
our students. If students give their best effort on CSAP tests we
get good information, and we improve what we do.
CSAP testing will occur in February and March, with third-grade
reading Feb. 19-20, and the rest of the testing for third- through
sixth-grades March 10. Plan for your children to be present at
school for testing days. Students usually do a better job when they
test with the rest of the class than if they have “make-up” testing
to catch up on later. Students who regularly receive accommodations
such as extra time, reading aloud, smaller group or scribing in the
classroom will be allowed to have some of the same accommodations
on CSAP.
We are not allowed to read the reading test to students and we
cannot help them with sounding out or explaining words. We
encourage students to do their best, using the strategies they
already know. Getting plenty of rest, eating nutritious meals and
having a positive attitude will help each student be successful. I
am looking forward to many of our students scoring proficient or
advanced on CSAPs. I have visited all of our classrooms and I can
see that our students are performing well.
I stopped by one of our second grade classrooms and the students
were sharing poems they wrote. The poems were about colors, and the
students did a wonderful job describing how different colors make
them feel or what they make them think of. The students will
display their work so that visitors and other people in the
building can enjoy the poems. We welcome parents and community
members to visit Cresson and see the great work our students and
teachers are doing.
We need adults who are willing to dedicate an hour or so each
week to making a difference for a young person. We have several
students who would like to extend their learning beyond the
classroom, and many students who would enjoy sharing books or
getting help with math. Mentors are a wonderful way for students to
enrich their learning experience.
Volunteers are always welcome at Cresson. We have several times
and grades available where you can read with students, offer
support in the classroom, help students get organized, and other
rewarding jobs. Students benefit from the extra attention and
teachers appreciate the help. Call the school if you are
interested.
Please call the business office if you are interested in
substitute teaching. You do not have to have a college degree or
teaching certification to be a substitute, but there are certain
requirements. We would love to welcome you to our school.
We have spaces for preschool students who are at least three
years of age, for Head Start, Colorado Preschool Program, Special
Education, and tuition students. Tuition is $45 per week for half
days or $90 per week for full days, Monday through Thursday. If you
have questions or concerns about your little one, please call Patty
Waddle at our preschool at 719-689-3420. We have an incredible
program here, and we are happy to welcome more students.
Beginning Ballroom Dance (Latin dances) will be Tuesdays Feb. 5
to March 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This six week session is $40 per
person or $70 per couple. Contact Stacy Smith at 689-5745 for more
info.