CLASS/TEAM PLACEMENT REQUESTS - 2008-2009

Believe it or not, it’s about that time of the year to begin thinking about and planning for the next school year. The Carnation Staff is about to begin the student placement process for the 2008-2009 school year. We value your thoughts and input about your child’s needs and would like you to share your input with us if you have concerns about their current team placement and would like a change for next year.

If you have concerns about your child’s current team placement (multiage classes or single grade team) you will need to complete and submit a “Team Placement Change Request Form” by Friday, May 2nd (4pm). If you have requested a team change in the past and it was granted we ask that you not request a change again without talking with the principal. We DO NOT accept requests for specific teachers or gender of teachers. This form is available by request only in the school office or on the school’s website: www.ce.riverview.wednet.edu. (Useful Resources Section). It WILL NOT be sent out to every parent. If you do not complete a change request form by the deadline (5/2/08), we will assume that your child’s current team placement is acceptable.

We realize there are many factors to consider when thinking about what type of classroom/team is best for your child. At Carnation Elementary we work hard to provide parents and students with good choices and alternative classroom programs on all teams. Our staff placement team and the principal will make the final placement decisions as to the specific classroom/teacher your child will be in, based on a wide-range of criteria. Our number one priority is to balance ALL classrooms. Parents will be notified of their child’s placement on Move Up Day, during the last week of school.

SPRING TESTING SEASON HAS ARRIVED!

From April 14th through May 2nd, school districts in the state of Washington will be administering the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in Reading, Writing, Math and Science to students in grades 3-5. Each grade level group at the elementary level will take the following tests during this testing window:
Grade 3— Reading & Math
Grade 4—Reading, Writing & Math
Grade 5—Reading, Math & Science

Students do not test every day during the testing window but have specific testing days within that time frame depending on their grade level. The WASL requires students to answer questions, write explanations and/or essays, and explain their reasoning in math and science. Each student’s work is compared to a standard of what students should know and be able to do at their grade level in the state of Washington.

By the fall of 2008, the results of all these tests will be returned to the Riverview School District from the state. At that point, teachers, specialists, and administrators, along with parents and students will review the results with the goal of improving student learning. The results will be
mailed to you at that time (typically in September).

It is important to remember that scores from a test like the WASL cannot replace a teacher’s observations and judgments. However, they can provide useful information to improve student learning. Students should be encouraged to do their best on the WASL. It is important to maintain a typical schedule and atmosphere at home during the testing window, giving extra attention to getting to bed on time and eating a healthy breakfast and lunch.

Appointments, such as orthodontist visits, should be rescheduled if they have been scheduled during the regular school day (9:15-3:25pm). By minimizing outside interruptions to the regular school day, we are maximizing the level of success for all students.

In addition, due to testing security measures parent and/or community volunteers will not be able to work or volunteer directly in the classrooms while a test is being given. Only trained school district employees are permitted to be present in the room during testing. Please check
with your child’s 3rd-5th grade teacher if you are a regular volunteer, to find out how they would like to use your volunteer time during this three
week testing time.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Feel free to contact the school or district office if you have questions about the WASL or testing
process.

O Ambassador's Club - Shows They've Got HEART!

The O Ambassador's Club at Carnation Elementary School hosted a special event to raise awareness and funds for development projects in Eastern Africa. Students like Hailey G. (above) sold carnation flowers donated by the local QFC & Safeway stores for $1.00 and raised $370 to help support educational programs for kids in Eastern Africa.

In addition, to raise awareness about global education needs and issues around the world, each flower had a special message and a "Did You Know Fact" attached to help our school community learn about the needs of others around the world. For instance, "Did you know that in Tanzania, Africa the average student to teacher ratio is 73:1?"

The Carnation O Ambassador's Club participates in the program, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Kids Can Free The Children. The O Ambassadors program inspires young people to become active and compassionate global citizens by connecting youth in N. America with disadvantaged children in the developing world, thus building bridges of understanding and encouraging lifelong community service.

The funds raised through this event will support Kids Can Free The Children's international development projects. These projects focus on tackling poverty as well as providing education, health care, and sustainable development - the four themes of the O Ambassadors program, which are well aligned with the Millennium Development Goals.

To learn more about the O Ambassadors Program please go to their website at:

www.oambassadors.org.

To view the Carnation Elementary O Ambassadors Club Blog Page go to that website and then type in:

Username: Carnation O Club

Password: Tiger 123

There are lots of great activities and resources for parents and kids and you can find out what our club is doing next. Our next club meeting is Monday, March 17th (wear green and get a special treat!) from 3:30-4:30pm in the school's LRC.

C-ya there!

Mr. Poage, Principal

O Club Sponsor

Enjoy!

Welcome Children's Author David Greenberg!

Today we had an exciting and hilarious time with children's author David Greenberg. He entertained and taught us about writing funny poems and stories. Some kids (the library helpers) even got to have lunch with Mr. Greenberg. He kept us laughing the entire time. Check out some of his books listed below - see if you can find any of them in our school or public library! If you really like one of them you can purchase it online! Thanks Mr. Greenberg for coming to Carnation! Most Popular Books by David Greenberg: Slugs (Little, Brown & Co.) Bugs! (Little, Brown & Co.) Skunks! (Little, Brown & Co.) Snakes! ( Little, Brown & Co.) Whatever Happened to Humpty Dumpty? (Little, Brown & Co.) Your Dog Might Be a Werewolf, Your Toes Could All Explode (Bantam) The Great School Lunch Rebellion (Bantam) The Book of Boys for Girls — The Book of Girls for Boys (Little, Brown & Co.) Don't Forget Your Etiquette! The Essential Guide to Misbehavior (Farrar Straus Giroux)

MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATER - COMING TO CARNATION SOON!

The audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of “JACK AND THE BEANSTALK” will be held on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 3:30pm-5:30pm in the Carnation MPR. There are roles for students in Kindergarten through 5TH grade. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition and those cast must attend.

This is a group audition - no advance preparation is necessary, but a smile J never hurts. Students should just be ready to come and have a good time!

Rehearsals will be conducted every day the week of January 22nd-25th from 3:30pm to 8:00pm in the CE – MPR. In addition, since this is a 4 day week, there may be an extended rehearsal Friday afternoon, January 25th (1/2 Day early release that day). Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4½ hours of rehearsal will be asked to bring a sack lunch, dinner or snack.

The performances will be held on Saturday, January 26th at 3:00pm & 7:00pm and will be presented in the Carnation Elementary MPR. The students in the cast will be called for dress rehearsal before the performance that day. All those cast must be available for all scheduled performances. Tickets will be on sale to parents/family of participating students and staff first for $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students/children. Additional tickets will be on sale at the door.

The Missoula Children's Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers! The residency in Carnation is made possible by a grant from the Target Educational Grants with help from the Carnation PTSA.

If you have questions please contact the school office (844-4551) or Missy Paulsen (333-5569).

CARNATION CARES: HOLIDAY GIVING TREE!

We have been amazed at the overwhelming response from our wonderful Carnation community to our first community holiday giving tree. With over 140 tags available to start with, only 5 remain. All gifts will go to children and families in need right here in our own school and community (include the Stepping Stone Preschool).

The holiday time can be very stressful for many families who are struggling to make ends meet, but with your support these kids will not be disappointed with their holiday gifts. With your generous donations each child in the family (living at home) will receive one nice new clothing outfit (including pants, shirt, shoes, socks & undergarments) and a requested toy. In addition, each family will receive a gift card for food or other needs. Cash donations and Safeway or QFC giftcards are welcome donations too (please make checks payable to the Carnation Elementary Sunshine Fund).

If you are participating please remember to get your unwrapped gifts delivered to the school office by Friday, December 14th - so we can wrap them and get them delivered by the winter break.

Thanks Carnation for showing how much you care!

Mr. Poage

CONFERENCE TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

The days seem to be speeding past as we enter our third month of school. We are approaching the end of our first quarter of school already, which means it’s time for us to meet with families to share student progress, set social and academic learning goals and visit with you and your child about the good things that are going on in school.

Fall Conferences at the elementary schools, in the Riverview School District, are November 16th, 19th, 20th & 21st. School will be dismissed each day at 12:30pm and there is NO 1/2 day Kdg. on these dates. Lunches will be served each day that week.

Students who are pre-registered may attend the Carnation Extended Day Care Program from 12:30-6:30pm. Please contact Mary Jacobson @ 844-4529 to get your child registered today.
Please be sure to return the conference notes we have sent home and write your conference times on your calendar. If you are unable to attend your child’s conference or need to reschedule, please contact your child’s teacher directly. Please try to make other childcare arrangements for siblings so that you may direct your full attention on your child and his/her teacher.

Please help us reach our goal to have 100% conference attendance.