Welcome Back to School and thank you so very much for a wonderful opening as well as a highly successful Back to School Night.  How quickly the first month of school passed!  We are continuing to gear up for testing during the month of October.  As you are already aware we tested the sophomores on the 23^rd of September for their MAP assessment as well as baseline expository prose writing.  On October 4, we will test the remainder of the 10^th graders.  All other students (grades 9, 11, and 12) will have a delayed opening.  10^th graders will come at the regularly scheduled time as well as some seniors who need to re-test on the HSPA.

Wednesday and Thursday, October 5 and 6, the 11^th graders will come at the regular time as they will be taking their MAP test as well as doing an expository writing benchmark assessment.  The other students (grades 9, 10  most of 12^th grade) will have a delayed opening both days.

Since Test data and data driven decision making continues to be very important we have begun to utilizing MAP.  This test is a measurement of Academic Progress which presents students with engaging, age-appropriate content.  As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty.  The result is a rewarding experience for the student, and a wealth of detailed information for teachers, parents, and administrators.  We have now assessed all 9- 11th graders who had math and/or English during the fall semester.  This will be our first time using the MAP test at the high school for all 9-11^th graders.

Fine and Performing Arts Academy continues to be a source of pride for our school district.  This Wednesday evening, October 5, there will be an informational meeting.  Please check our website for important information and deadlines.

October is also Parent Conferences as well as Homecoming Activities.  October 7 is an In-Service for all staff in the district so students will not be in school.  The 14^th of October is our Parent Conference Day from 7:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  We hope to see you then!

Homecoming festivities kick-off with Powder Puff Football on Thursday October 13.  Please join us as our young ladies compete in the game of football and our young men cheer on the players.  This is a very intense game pitting each grade level against each other!  Homecoming is October 22 with a parade in the morning followed by skits and a home football game.  That evening will be the Homecoming Dance where the Queen will be crowned.

Please check the school calendar for important upcoming events and please be aware that I will be utilizing School Messenger to send out important alerts or reminders.  If you are not getting these alerts, please contact the school office to ensure we have correct phone numbers.

Thanks for taking the time to read this letter and allowing me the opportunity to educate your most prized possession.  I hope this is continues to be a year-long dialogue, and I look forward to a successful 2011-12 year!