
Pilot Knob STEM School E-News 2/26
High expectations, excellent staff, & super students!
About Us
A message from Principal Henderson on MINNESOTA Academic Standards & Tests
What are state academic standards?
The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards are the statewide expectations for student achievement in K-12 public schools. The standards identify the knowledge and skills that all students must achieve in a content area by the end of a grade level or grade band.
What are Standards-Based Accountability Assessments?
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. Students take one test in each subject (reading, mathematics, and science). Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead.
Statewide tests are annual, summative measurements of student achievement that are used, along with many other school and classroom assessments, to evaluate student learning and skills. Every spring our students participate in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA-IIIs) in both reading in math in grades 3-4; science starts in grade 5.
How do our students at school prepare for state testing?
Preparation includes:
- encouraging students to do their best learning and have a growth mindset
- teaching students grade-level academic standards in core instruction
- providing students opportunities to apply and learn academic standards
- assessing students' learning frequently and provide reteaching or enrichment
- communicate with families
- practicing using the online MCA item samplers in math and reading provided
Pilot Knob Calendar Events and News
February 26: PTA Meeting @ PK IMC @ 7-8 pm
February 26: Grade 3 Yang to Dodge Nature Center
February 27: Grade 3 Brooks to Dodge Nature Center
February 28: Grade 3 Kascht to Dodge Nature Center
March 2: Read Across America Day - Dr. Seuss's Birthday
March 9: Grade 2 to Dodge Nature Center
March 12: APEX Fun Run Fundraiser Kick-Off Assembly @ 1pm
March 12: Wendy's Night @ 5-7 pm
March 19: PTA Meeting @ 7-8 pm
March 20: Somali Elementary Parent Academy @ 5:30-7:30 pm
March 23: End of Quarter 3 Day - No School for Students
March 26-30: Spring Break - No School for Staff or Students
STEM Fair
Science in Winter Olympics
Using the Cube 3D
Student Science Fair Projects
PTA Night - February 26 @ 7-8 pm
You won’t want to miss our next PTA night! Parents, come and learn about our new math curriculum presented by Kate Skappel, District Curriculum Coordinator! FREE beat boxing lesson for Kids from Minnesota rapper and artist, Tyrell Woods.
Thank you to our PTA Families!
Thank you, families, for purchasing books for your children and in helping support our growing school library.
School District Bond Referendum 2018 - Vote May 8
District 197 will hold a special election on May 8. There will be one question on the ballot—a request for approval to issue building bonds for school additions, renovations and repairs.
The bond proceeds will be used to conduct overdue building and mechanical maintenance; modernize outdated classrooms and educational spaces; improve fine arts and athletics spaces; and address handicapped accessibility and school parking lot safety. Learn more about the referendum at www.isd197.org/bond.
Please also plan to attend an upcoming information open house on March 6 or 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Henry Sibley High School.
Community Open House Events
What: Learn more about elementary, middle and high school improvements at our upcoming Community Open House Events.
When: Community Open House Events @ 6-8 pm
- Tuesday, March 6
- Monday, March 12
- Thursday, April 12
Information: Hotline - 651-403-7557
Early voting starts March 23! Click here to learn more.
Secured Entries and Visiting School Procedures
Secured Entries and Visiting School Procedures
Safety is a top priority for our school. At Pilot Knob, we welcome families and volunteers. All visitors coming to school at any time must enter through the main office doors during school hours. All other entrances to the building are locked and secured and are not entrances for visitors.
Anyone wishing to visit the classrooms, school library, or volunteer during the school day must come to the main office to sign in. Using our iPad sign-in device in the main office, visitors will have their picture taken and wear a visitor badge during school hours. Visitors will be asked to come back to the office to sign out and leave through the main office doors. All regular volunteers must follow this process throughout the school year.
For information on our school procedures, click here.
Jump Rope for Heart
Yearbook Sales - Due Soon
Don't forget to order your 2017-18 Pilot Knob Yearbook before SpringBreak to guarantee a copy for your student. Yearbooks will only be delivered to students who pre-order.
To order a yearbook, visit ybpay.lifetouch.com and enter Yearbook ID Code: 1075718. Yearbooks are $19 with the optional current events insert an additional $2.
Questions? Email us at PilotKnobPTA+Yearbook@gmail.com.
Grade 4 Students - News Coverage at Dodge Nature Center
If you haven't had a chance to see the WCCO coverage on our amazing school that aired last night, click here to view!
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/…/14/top-10-wx-day-valentines/
Quick School Links
School Website: http://www.pilotknob.isd197.org/
School Procedures: http://www.pilotknob.isd197.org/about/schoolprocedures
School PTA Website: http://pilotknobpta.wixsite.com/pkpta
School District 197 Transportation Department: http://isd197.org/services/transportation
1145 Medallion Drive
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
651-403-8320
651-403-8324 - Español
Pilot Knob STEM School
Email: adriana.henderson@isd197.org
Website: http://www.pilotknob.isd197.org/
Location: 1436 Lone Oak Road, Eagan, MN, United States
Phone: 651-403-7900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobSTEM/