Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 M a r c h 2 0 1 6 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsd.k12.nj.us A L e t t e r f r o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools Dear Members of the Clinton Township Community: The Clinton Township School District presented its PARCC data at the January 11 Board of Education meeting. The data provided demonstrates that CTSD scored above both the NJ and PARCC States' averages in all areas with the exception of the 8th grade level math test. The majority of the 8th grade students participated in the Algebra I End-of-Course Assessment, where 95% of students scored at, or above, expectations. The entire presentation, along with important PARCC parent resources, is available on the school website: www.ctsd.k12.nj.usO. Our district is pleased with the results and looks forward to enhancing our instructional practices, to advance learning for all students and improving further next year. Please see the bar graph to the right to view further comparisons and, as always, any questions can be directed to the Superintendent, Dr. Drucilla Clark at: dclark@ctsd.k12.nj.us With appreciation for a great community, Dr. Drucilla Clark Clinton Township School District Mission Statement: The Clinton Township School District, in partnership with the community, achieves excellence for each child by ensuring a meaningful and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment, developing life-long learners who are responsible and productive citizens. SuRScho This past February, the first grade classes at Spruce Run School caught the Olympic spirit and participated in our own indoor Winter Olympics. The day began with Opening Ceremonies that included a parade with flags, singing the "Star Spangled Banner", reading of the oaths and a declaration that the games were open! Each class represented a different country and first grade athletes were cheered on as they participated in different Olympic events, minus the snow and ice, in our gym. From speed skating on paper plates to two-man bobsled on roller scooters to the ski jump onto mats, students learned about courage, strength, determination and good sportsmanship. Everyone had a wonderful Olympic experience. Read Across America: At Spruce Run School, we focus upon learning to read and developing a love for reading. The month of March brings a special view on reading in our school as we celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday, and our students engage in special reading activities during "Read Across America" week. We will have a read-a-thon in school and we will track our progress. Special Spirit Days during the week of March 2 will celebrate a different Dr. Seuss book each day. LET'S READ! PaickMcGahScho World Language at PMG and SRS: ¡Hola a todos! (Hello, everyone!) February was designated Discover Languages Month by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), so here's an update on what we did in our Spanish classes in Clinton Township! At both Spruce Run and Patrick McGaheran, students practiced what they already know through songs and games that can be found on my Teacher Page through the Clinton Township website. (http://clinton.oncoursesystems.com/ websites/12866129). In Kindergarten, we learned how to count to 20 and first graders learned about months of the year and classroom objects. In second grade, we learned how to ask about the weather and third graders discovered where the Spanish-speaking countries are in the world. Second Grade Class Trip: Our second graders just began their study of Earth Science by focusing on the sun, moon and stars. They're asking and answering such questions as what are day and night and how do they differ? As a culminating activity, the students are excited to visit the planetarium. At the end of March, all of our second graders will have the opportunity to visit the Raritan Valley Community College planetarium with their teachers. The students will view two shows entitled Magic Tree House: Space Mission and Earth, Moon, and Sun (and Coyote). Many of our students are very fond of the Magic Tree House series and teachers enjoy the connection to literature. Earth, Moon, and I N O U R S C H O O L S : PARCC Presentation Jan. 11, 2016, CTSD BOE ELA Comparison Chart MATH Comparison Chart PARCC Presentation Jan. 11, 2016, CTSD BOE ELA Comparison Chart MATH Comparison Chart

• Cover