Dear Waters Community:

This week we completed NWEA MAP Reading assessments. We are excited to analyze the results and utilize the data to continue enhancing instruction that will best meet the needs of all the students.  

This week will conclude our second quarter and on Friday staff will join together for a professional development day. Topics of learning will be MAP Reading data discussions, SMARTBOARD, Math Trailblazers, STEAM, Agency, Authority and Identity, and practical strategies with Attention Seeking and Manipulative Behaviors. 

Please join us at our February LSC meeting where members of our leadership team will provide an update on our MOY Math and Reading data results along with other important initiatives. 

Waters is offering Girls In The Know and Selective Prep, please check out these great programs.

I am also pleased to announce that Mrs. Vecchioni's program has received a Creative Schools Fund grant for the STEAM initiative and maker mindset. Additional details will be shared soon!

Happy New Year and welcome back!

I look forward to students and staff returning to school tomorrow and our continued work together. Thank goodness the temperatures are rising! Even though it feels warmer outside, please make sure your child is wearing a coat, hat and mittens/gloves. We want to make sure everyone continues on a healthy path as school attendance is vital to your child’s learning.  

Please be on the lookout for information regarding:

• NWEA MAP Reading – Students will begin testing next week. You should receive an email from your child’s teacher this week for specific grade level testing.
• Girls in the Know – Waters will host a one-month, four-session series for mother-daughter pairs and covers topics such as body image, friendships, conflict resolution, and tech and cell phone use. More information here.

Register NOW for SelectivePrep’s After School MAP Test Program (for 7th Graders)
Waters is hosting SelectivePrep this coming March. SelectivePrep offers a 16-hour program to help prepare students for the Measure of Academic Progress (NWEA/MAP) test that will be used for the 7th grade standardized test score. Scores from this test represent one third of the selective enrollment admissions score. Additionally, scores from this exam will play a crucial role in whether or not a student is admitted to other competitive programs including International Baccalaureate (IB) and advanced magnet high schools.

To fully prepare students for these more rigorous tests, the SelectivePrep program has incorporated material based on the new tougher Common Core standards. Classes at Waters Elementary will start on Thursday, March 15 and run for eight sessions from 3:30-5:30 p.m. We will need a minimum of 10 students to run the class at Waters Elementary so please spread the word. The deadline for registration is Thursday, March 1. Register here. If you need more information or have any questions, please visit our website or call 312-409-8411. 
 
Please join us Tuesday this week at 4:00 p.m. for our monthly LSC meeting. We will present a 15-week update on our Continuous Improvement Work Plan.  

Have a beautiful week!
Ms. Crespo