Roadrunner Review

February 2018 Principal Newsletter by Erika Krohn

Principal's Message

Dear Canyon Rim Families,

Happy February! My January got off to a rocky start with an unexpected surgery along with the planned surgery for my knee. I can't tell you how happy I am to be back, and I continue to feel better each day. Your wonderful children have all been so welcoming and kind to me. They make my day every day! Thank you to Mrs. Leach for taking good care of our school, students, staff, and families in my absence.

I was very proud that our school school took part in The Great Kindness Challenge for the 2nd year in a row. Mrs. Simkin beautifully displayed the hearts of kindness in the library-see photo below. Hundreds of acts of kindness created a ripple effect at our school. The best part-being kind is easy. The simple act of opening a door, giving a word of encouragement, sharing, smiling, or greeting someone makes people good. Let's keep the kindness coming-spread it like confetti!

Warmly,

Erika A. Krohn, Principal

#gratefulthankfulblessed

CA Dashboard Results-See How our School Stacks Up!

California has launched a new website designed to help communities across the state access important information about K-12 districts and schools. The https://www.caschooldashboard.org/#/Home features easy-to-read reports on multiple measures of school success, including test scores, graduation rates, English learner progress and suspension rates. The Dashboard is part of California’s new school accountability system based on 2013's Local Control Funding Formula. It is the next step in a series of major shifts in public education that have raised the bar for student learning, transformed testing and placed the focus on equity for all students.

To learn more about California's accountability and continuous improvement efforts, visit the https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/index.asp

Why a new system and new tool?

California is committed to informing communities about how well our schools are doing. California's future success depends on tapping into the potential of all students, so they graduate ready for college, careers and life. For schools to reach this goal, teachers, parents and the community need clear and useful measures of progress. As an accountability tool, the Dashboard will help the state identify schools (including charter schools) and districts needing targeted assistance.

What’s different?

In the past, accountability systems for districts and schools relied heavily on test scores. But one test taken on one particular day doesn't provide a complete picture of all the ways schools are helping students succeed.

Think of it this way: You can’t drive a car by only watching the speedometer. You also keep your eye on the road, check the mirrors, monitor the gas tank and pay attention if the engine light comes on. Similarly, the Dashboard provides information on different aspects of student performance, which will give a more complete picture of a school’s progress. The Dashboard also reports on growth to show a school’s trajectory over time.

Feel free to contact me (Erika Krohn, Principal) if you have questions about the CA Dashboard results.

January Big R/Kind Heart Raffle Winners

Spotlight on Strategies: Thinking Maps

One of Canyon Rim's best practices is using Thinking Maps to help build students' cognitive skills. Thinking Maps are non-linguistic representations of the eight fundamental thinking processes (see below.) Thinking Maps are used school-wide beginning in Transitional Kindergarten and in every content area. They help students solve problems, see patterns, and reach higher levels of critical and creative thinking. Thinking Maps also help students organize their ideas when writing an essay.

Parent homework: Using the graphic below as a guide, ask your child-what type of thinking does a Multi-Flow Map represent? Then substitute the next map and so on. See how well your child knows the maps!

Attendance Matters

Being in school every day means your child won't miss out on learning. Try to schedule appointments and family trips outside of school hours. If s/he asks to stay home "just because," remind him/her what s/he'll miss, such as reading groups, VAPA or P.E. Explain that students should only be absent if they are sick or if there is a family emergency.