Dear West Springs Families
This week was full of excitement while we had our first Spirit Day and Fun Lunch activities! Thanks to all the volunteers who came to help deliver lunches.
Lunch at WSS
As you have seen in our various communications since last June, we have moved from two lunch hours to a single hour for our Grades 1-4 students. We want to begin to share what this looks like and how you can support your child(ren) through this transition.
First, we are now eating in common spaces outside of the classrooms on lunch tables rather than in the classrooms at their desks. There are many reasons for this shift that we will highlight over the next couple of months in our weekly messages.
Our first focus to share is that we are excited to separate learning spaces from eating spaces. This reduces mess in the classroom which helps our facilities staff keep our school looking great and helps reinforce expected behaviour during lunchtime that is different from expected behaviour during learning time. The two are very different!
Lunchtime is a time for mindful eating, socializing and moving our bodies in a safe and fun way. We are targeting “restaurant” behaviours in our new “lunchrooms” such as facing forwards when eating, talking with the people directly beside and across from us (not behind or two tables away from us) and remaining in our seats while eating.
Stay tuned for our second focus in a couple weeks! Ask your child(ren) what they think it might be!
Literacy and Numeracy Assessments
Universal screeners are assessments that measure a learner’s proficiency in different skills. In the Calgary Board of Education, teachers administer mandatory literacy and numeracy screening assessments in Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Types of Assessments
▪ The Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) Digits test requires naming digits as quickly as possible, thus revealing the automaticity of many of the same cognitive and linguistic skills central to reading.
▪ The Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST) purpose is to assess phonemic awareness. Phonological awareness, or the awareness of and ability to work with sounds in spoken language is foundational for decoding, blending, and word reading. ▪ Letter Name and Sound Test (LeNS), assesses knowledge of the names and sounds of letters, and common multi-letter graphemes. The LeNS is designed to screen learners for foundational phonics skills to develop into independent readers.
▪ The Castles and Coltheart Reading Test 3 (CC3) is a word reading test of single word reading (decoding and whole word recognition). It is designed to identify the nature of reading difficulties and provides next steps for instruction and intervention.
▪ Provincial Numeracy Screening Assessments look at knowledge of symbolic numbers. Results of the assessment can be used to help teachers identify and address gaps in foundational understanding of numbers. These mandatory screening assessments are completed at the start of the school year in Grade 1, 2 and 3 and in January for Kindergarten.
Why are Assessments Needed?
Literacy and numeracy are important skills that develop during early childhood. Assessing learners in their early years:
▪ Provides essential information to teachers, schools, parents and Alberta Education about potential learning issues and needs.
▪ Ensures learners get the help they need early in their education.
▪ Monitors growth over time.
▪ Supports a transparent, accountable, and responsive education system.
Results of Assessments Universal screeners do not replace day-to-day teacher observations and classroom assessment and do not have any impact on formal reporting processes such as report cards. Rather, the results of universal screeners help inform planning for next steps such as targeted interventions or instructional planning and are not used to determine grades. Teachers engage in ongoing communication with parents/legal guardians throughout the year. Teachers communicate information learned from universal screeners with families and how it might impact an individual’s learning journey as appropriate. Together, they will support the learner’s academic growth and determine a path forward. There are a number of ways you can learn more about your child’s learning, progress, and achievement. For more information, please speak to your child’s teacher if you have questions about their learning.
CBE Days of Significance
The CBE is committed to building a culture of appreciation and inclusion, where students and staff can see themselves valued, respected and celebrated. For more information on key dates, please visit the CBE Dates of Significance Website. If your family recognizes a significant date that you would like acknowledged as part of our weekly family messages, please contact Ms MacMillan with the details lgmacmillan@cbe.ab.ca
On the Horizon
September 22nd – Fall Equinox
September 23rd – Terry Fox Run 2pm
September 26th – WSS Recognizing Orange Shirt Day
September 27 - Professional Learning Day - no school for students
September 30th - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – School is closed.
Have a great weekend,
Susan and Leah, WSS Admin Team