
Leslie Bell Elementary Newsletter
April 2024
From the Desk of Mrs. Smith
4th quarter is in full swing at Leslie Bell and we are gearing up to finish the year strong! As the end of year approaches, so do our end of year assessments. At Leslie Bell, we are in preparation for end of year benchmark assessments and the Missouri Assessment Program.
Important Upcoming Dates
PTO Meeting Information
PTO meeting will be on Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:00 pm in the LBS library.
The meeting will focus on the Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle as well as planning Teacher Appreciation Week that will be held April 22nd - 26th.
Leslie Bell Elementary is planning a special event to observe the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This event will provide students with a unique opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon and learn about astronomy in a hands-on way. Staff will be taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all students during the event including special eclipse viewing glasses.
We kindly request your support in preparing your child for this event by discussing the importance of following safety guidelines and using proper eye protection when observing the solar eclipse. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions regarding your child's participation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A permission slip is being sent home with the above information. If you would NOT like your child to participate in this event, sign and return the permission slip.
LBS PTO Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Raffle
The annual PTO Spaghetti Dinner will be held in the Leslie Bell cafeteria on Monday, April 15th.
Prices:
Adult- $10
Child- $5
Tickets for the raffle will also be available to purchase at the door.
This years basket themes are:
Kindergarten Theme- Garden Fun
1st Grade Theme- Outdoor Family Movie Fun
2nd Grade Theme- Camping Fun
3rd Grade Theme- Family Cookout
4th Grade Theme- In Our Lexington Era
In addition to the themed baskets, Ms. Sarah and the LBS students will be creating grade level art auction items that will be raffled off as well.
Our PTO and staff cannot wait to see you there!
Spring Benchmark Assessment Information
Our students kindergarten through 4th grade will be working on their end of year benchmark assessments. The students will be taking NWEA Reading and Math beginning on April 9th through April 25th. 3rd and 4th grade students will also take NWEA Science the week of April 9th.
Beginning May 1st, students in kindergarten through 3rd grade will complete their final Dibels Benchmark assessment for the school year.
The newest assessment data will be shared with families with 4th quarter grade cards.
MAP Test Information
MAP Test week(s) will soon be here! Students will be taking the English Language Arts MAP assessment April 30th - May 2nd and the Math MAP assessment May 7th - 9th. Attendance is extremely important for 3rd and 4th grade students during this time.
As we prepare at school, we also need assistance from families at home.
Get a good night's rest the night before!
Eat breakfast! We will continue to offer every student breakfast. Make sure to check the calendar to see that it is something they like to eat!
Be at school ON TIME! Both grade levels will begin testing at 8:15. If a student arrives late to school, they will not be able to enter their classroom late and will have to test in an alternative setting. It is best for a student to be in their classroom where all the amazing learning has happened all year.
Encourage your child to try their best and give their best effort even when they come across a question that is challenging.
Additionally, students will be given the opportunity to earn prizes based on their daily effort! Each students will receive a rubric each day for effort. These rubrics will act as a chance to earn prizes for their hard work. On May 10th, students will have the opportunity to have their name draw for a prize and/or to pie a teacher in the face.
3rd and 4th grade students will also have the opportunity after MAP testing to attend a celebration field trip. Students will be going to Bump City at the Gage Center in Blue Springs, eat at a park after, and then return to school. This is a celebration for their hard work and dedication all year. Please be looking for the permission slip that will be coming home as we get closer to the date.
In order to attend the MAP field trip, student must earn all their points on the rubric each day for effort and behavior and have perfect attendance during the MAP assessment day(s). Verified absence with a doctor's note will be excused. The students will be attending on Monday, May 13th.
Kindergarten Screening Information
Summer school classes will be have a focus on reading and math with lots of hands on learning!
Priority deadline for Enrollment is May 3rd.
2nd Grade Showcase Information
2nd grade students will present their Showcase on Thursday, April 25th at 6:30pm, in the LBS gym. Doors will open at 6:00. Please bring your child 15 minutes (6:15) before the scheduled program time. Students will meet in their classrooms with the classroom teacher.
There will be a Silent Auction sponsored by PTO of classroom art projects created by students alongside Ms. Sarah. The Silent Auction artwork will be available to bid upon beginning at 6:00. Bids will close 15 minutes after the program is over.
It is very important that your students are in attendance. Students have worked hard preparing our music and art projects, and it helps them to learn and understand performance/audience manners and expectations. Please encourage your child(ren) to “dress up” for the program. Thank you so much for your continuing support. We are very excited to share our Arts with you!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crosson and Ms. Sarah
Title 1 School Wide Survey
Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve our school community and ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. We kindly ask for a few moments of your time to complete the Title 1 survey. Your responses will provide valuable insights into our programs and services, enabling us to better meet the needs of our students and families.
Your participation in this survey is vital in shaping the direction of our school's Title 1 program and initiatives. Your input will help us identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, guiding our efforts to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Counselor Smith Update
Counselor Smith is wrapping up counseling lessons during the month of April. The students will complete lessons for the school year. The students wrap up the year with their Test Taking Skills unit.