Parent Update

Watch us SOAR!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed the vacation week with family and friends.

Here are a few quick updates for everyone that I discussed in my video:

We have been reviewing the results from the iReady Diagnostic in the areas of reading and math. I am excited to share that at the beginning of the year, we had 40% of the school K-4 at our above grade level in reading. At the mid-year point, we have 66% of our students performing at or above grade level. That is amazing growth! In math, we started the year with 31% at or above grade level. At the mid-year point, we have 62% of our students at or above grade level. We were very happy to see the growth in our K-2 students in the area of phonemic awareness and phonics. While iReady is only one tool that we use to monitor progress, it does give us insight into areas that our students are doing when in and areas that we need to focus our instruction. I am so proud of how hard Clough students have been working!
During the PD afternoon before vacation, the teachers focused on writing instruction. We looked at our students' writing samples and planned how we would address their needs. I am excited to share that we have only been back one week and already teachers have been challenging students to do even more with their writing and the students are responding in a positive way! We are also wrapping up our time with our writer-in-residence, Motoko, and we are excited to celebrate the 4th graders amazing writing work at a culminating event in April.
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! The Book Fair will be here the week of March 20, more information coming. We are also planning to host a Family Literacy Night during Book Fair week. Save the date of Wednesday, March 22 from 6:30-7:30 pm and see below for a link to RSVP to this event!
March 17 is a full PD day in MURSD. There will be no school that day while staff is participating in professional development at the high school.
We have been registering kindergarteners and preparing for the future of Clough! If you have not registered your child yet, please make sure to go to the website to start the process.
ELA MCAS for 3rd and 4th grade will be happening at the beginning of April. I will be sending separate MCAS specific updates to 3rd grade and 4th grade parents.
We will be seeking parent feedback through the form of a survey created by the Clough School Council. Be on the lookout for a Google form where parents can help us identify what we are doing well as a school and what we need to work on.
Our core value this month is RESPECT. Students will be discussing respect during KCR time. Can't wait to hear all the discussions about demonstrating respect at school and at home.

Thank you for your continued partnership this school year!

Sincerely,

Liz Garden

Clough Principal

Family Literacy Night! - March 22

Come for s'more fun at Clough's Literacy Camp-In! Click here to read more about it and to RSVP to this fun event!

Notes from the Nurse...

iHealth Test Expiration Date Extension

The FDA recently extended the expiration date of iHealth COVID-19 at-home tests by an additional 3 months. iHealth COVID-19 at-home tests may be used for up to 15 months from the date of manufacture. Find the new expiration date at https://ihealthlabs.com/pages/news. Please do what you can to share this news with anyone who may have received tests from your organization.

New State Behavioral Health Help Line:

The Department of Mental Health has launched a new Behavioral Health Help Line that people can call or text at 833-773-2445. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 200 languages. The help line can help individuals and families navigate the behavioral health system and access treatment, including mobile crisis services. District and school leaders are asked to please share this resource with staff, families, and students, where helpful. For more information, please see the FAQ. Anyone with questions or concerns about the help line can email the help line director at Mio.Tamanaha@mass.gov.