November 13, 2009 - Crocker Farm Elementary

November 13, 2009 - Crocker Farm Elementary

CROCKER CHRONICLES
November 13, 2009
The Rest of the Crocker Farm Story
To the Bulletin: In an article published in the Bulletin on November 6, data was presented about Crocker Farm’s relative
performance on the statewide MCAS exam last year. Is this data the whole story? No, it is not.
A more comprehensive look at the data tells a significantly different story. Instead of looking at the aggregate performance of
our elementary schools, which have been well-publicized for having disparate populations of students, it is more useful to look
at the subgroups and compare their achievement. When this analysis is done, Crocker Farm’s scores are above the district
average in some areas (for instance, special education students in math and white students in English/Language Arts, among
others) and below the district average in some other areas. This increasingly complex picture may be more challenging to
report but that makes it no less relevant when a comparison of how our schools are doing is published. Are we at Crocker Farm
content with our results? No, we are not.
That is why we are working hard to improve the achievement of every single student in our school. For instance, we worked
with the national literacy organization LitLife last spring to develop a coherent, rigorous, and consistent reading curriculum in
each grade level in our school, which is being implemented this year. We are addressing the performance of last year’s fourth
grade students (referenced in the article last week) by increasing the number of “sections” in math at this grade level, so that
every student is taught in a small group (the largest section is 11, with an average group size of less than eight). Like the other
schools in the district, we have started an Achievement Academy, with over thirty upper-grade students receiving additional
support after school three days a week. All students who did not receive a proficient or advanced score on the MCAS exam in
mathematics last spring are receiving ninety minutes of daily math instruction, which is significantly more than we have offered
in the past. We have a group of teachers meeting monthly to participate in the cutting-edge “Instructional Rounds” process,
observing each other to identify and consistently implement the best instructional practices. A Crocker Farm teacher won an
“Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics” grant from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
and is organizing professional development for our staff to improve expertise in specific mathematics content aligned with the
NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Six of our teachers will be trained this year in the Renzulli
Differentiation System, a tool used to ensure that all students are challenged in the classroom. Yet, are MCAS scores the only
thing driving our work with children? No, they are not.
We care about the whole child, as it is our belief that we want our students to have a wide range of experiences consistent with
their intellectual and social development. That is why we are expanding last year’s pilot program, Wednesday Enrichment
Clubs, to include more weeks this year. That is why when budget cuts forced a delay in our students’ opportunity to start
instrumental music instruction in school, we started a program in the classroom music setting in which our third grade students
learn to play recorders, so they wouldn’t have to wait until fourth grade to learn to play an instrument in school. That is why
our staff puts in incredible amounts of time to work with students to create Talent Shows and other school-wide performances
and assemblies where our students shine. Is there another side to the Crocker Farm story? Absolutely!
I am proud of our school and how hard we work every day to improve and enrich the educational experiences of our students.
Michael Morris
Principal, Crocker Farm Elementary School
CROCKER CHRONICLES
13 de noviembre de 2009
El Resto de la Historia de Crocker Farm,
Al Boletín: En artículo publicado en el Boletín el 6 de noviembre, se presentó data acerca del desempeño relativo de
Crocker Farm en el examen del MCAS el año pasado. ¿Es esta data la historia completa? No, no lo es.
Si miramos a la data con más detenimiento nos dice una historia significantemente diferente. En vez de mirar al
desempeño agregado de nuestras escuelas elementales, que han sido muy bien publicados por tener una populación de
estudiantes dispareja, es más útil mirar a los subgrupos y comparar su progreso. Cuando se hace este análisis, las
puntuaciones de Crocker Farm están por encima del promedio del distrito en algunas áreas (por ejemplo, estudiantes de
educación especial en matemáticas y estudiantes blancos en las Artes de Lenguaje Inglés, entre otros) y bajo el promedio
del distrito en otras áreas. Este escenario cada vez más complicado puede ser mas difícil de reportar pero no lo hace
menos relevante cuando una comparación de como están desempeñando nuestras escuelas se publica. ¿Estamos contentos
de nuestro desempeño en Crocker Farm? No, no lo estamos.
Es por eso que estamos trabajando fuertemente para mejorar el desempeño de cada uno de nuestros estudiantes en nuestra
escuela. Por ejemplo, trabajamos con la Organización Literaria Nacional LitLife la primavera pasada para desarrollar un
currículo de lectura coherente, riguroso, y consistente para cada nivel de grado en nuestra escuela, que está siendo
implementado este año. Estamos analizando el desempeño de los estudiantes de cuarto grado del año pasado (a los que se
refirieron en el artículo la semana pasada) al aumentar el número de secciones en matemática a este nivel de grado, para
que se le enseñe a cada estudiante en grupos pequeños (la sección más grande es de 11 estudiantes, con tamaño promedio
de 8 estudiantes por grupo). Como el resto de las escuelas en el distrito, estamos comenzando Academias de Desempeño,
con más de treinta estudiantes en los grados altos recibiendo ayuda adicional después de la escuela tres veces a la semana.
Todos los estudiantes que no recibieron una puntuación de competente o avanzado en el examen de MCAS en
matemáticas la primavera pasada están recibiendo noventa minutes de instrucción en matemáticas todos los días, que es
mucho más de lo que se ha ofrecido en el pasado. Tenemos un grupo de maestros que se reúnen mensualmente para
participar en el proceso de máxima calidad “Rondas de Instrucción”, observándose para identificar y consistentemente
implementar las mejores prácticas de instrucción. Una maestra de Crocker Farm ganó la subvención “Emerging
Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics” de parte del Consejo Nacional de Maestros de Matemática y está
organizando desarrollo profesional para nuestros empleados para mejorar contenido en áreas específicas de matemáticas
alineadas con los Principios de NCTM y Estándares para las Matemáticas Escolares. Seis de nuestras maestras estarán
entrenadas para aprender el Sistema de Diferenciación de Renzulli, una herramienta que se utiliza para asegurar que todos
los estudiantes están siendo retados en el salón de clase. ¿Sin embargo, son las puntuaciones del MCAS lo único que nos
impulsa a trabajar con nuestros niños? No, no lo es.
Nos preocupamos de todo lo que representa el niño, ya que es nuestra creencia que queremos que todos nuestros
estudiantes tengan una variedad de experiencias consistente con su desarrollo intelectual y social. Es por eso que estamos
expandiendo nuestro programa piloto, Los Clubes de Enriquecimiento de los Miércoles, para que tengan más semanas
este año. Es por eso que cuando los cortes de presupuesto forzaron un retraso en la oportunidad de nuestros estudiantes
comenzar música instrumental en la escuela, comenzamos un programa en el salón de clase de música en el que los
estudiantes del tercer grado aprenden a tocar flautas, para que no tuviesen que esperar al cuarto grado para aprender a
tocar un instrumento en la escuela. Es por eso que nuestros empleados invierten mucho tiempo en trabajar con los
estudiantes en crear Presentaciones de Talento y otras presentaciones escolares y asambleas donde nuestros estudiantes
pueden relucir. ¿Hay otro lado en la historia de Crocker Farm? ¡Por supuesto que sí!
Estoy orgullosos de nuestra escuela y de lo duro que trabajamos todos los días para mejorar y enriquecer las experiencias
educacionales de nuestros estudiantes.
Michael Morris
Principal de la Escuela Elemental Crocker Farm
Crocker Cares Warm Winter Clothing Drive
To ensure all Crocker Farm children are toasty this winter season, we are collecting warm winter
outerwear. Please take a look in your closets for any
gently used items (ALL sizes, children and adults are needed).
We are looking for donations of:
* coats
* snow pants * snow boots
* mittens * gloves
* scarves
* hats
* snowsuits
Drop off:
During school, November 9 - 19 in the school lobby.
Pick up:
If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the
school Tuesday November 24, 6:00 - 8:00pm
or Wednesday November 25, 8:30 - 10:30am.
Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center.
If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos ([email protected] or 413-559-0224).
The Winter Gear Drive is sponsored by the PGO. Thank you for your donation!
Recaudación de Ropa de Invierno Crocker Cares
(Crocker se Preocupa)
Para asegurarnos de que todos los niños de Crocker Farm estén calientitos este invierno, estamos
colectando ropa de invierno. Por favor averigüe en su armario si tiene artículos en buenas condiciones
(TODOS los tamaños, para niños y adultos.)
Estamos buscando para donaciones de:
* abrigos * pantalones para nieve * Botas para nieve * gorras
* mitones * guantes * bufandas * Mamelucos para nieve
Entrega:
A horas de escuela, 9 - 19 de noviembre en el vestíbulo.
Recogida:
Si le interesa algunas de estas piezas para su familia o sabe de alguien con necesidad, por favor planifique pasar
por la escuela el martes, 24 de noviembre de 6:00 - 8:00pm
o el miercoles 25 de noviembre de 8:30 - 10:30am.
Los artículos que queden serán donados al Centro de Sobre vivencia de Amherst.
Si usted tiene alguna pregunta por favor póngase en contacto con Erika Zekos ([email protected] o 413-559-0224). La
Recaudación de Ropa de Invierno esta auspiciado por el OPG. ¡Gracias por su donación!
Crocker Farm PGO WWW.CROCKERFARMPGO.BLOGSPOT.COM
W.I.S.H. Newsletter (WITH INVOLVEMENT, SUCCESS HAPPENS)
Save The Date
20 Movie Night - Join us in the cafeteria for popcorn and juice as we watch the newly released movie Up!
20 Teacher Curriculum/Workday - No School- Bakers needed to provide snacks to our teachers! Contact Becky at 230-3306
22 CF Day at Interskate 91- Join us for a free afternoon of skating from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (skate rental $4.50).
25 Early Dismissal--All Schools
26 -27 Thanksgiving Recess
KUDOS GO TO…
…Mr. Castellano for initiating a new 3rd grade music program after its instrumental music was cut. In
September, the PGO voted to fund the purchase of 35 recorders and books. The PGO applauds his creativity!
…Ms. Wilbur Ferro for continuing the CF tradition of 6th Grade Art Awards. The PGO will fund this program
for both this past and current school year.
…Xiomara Hernandez, Yaniris Fernandez and Kaye Dougan for organizing the fantastic Crocker Farm
Community National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration! This event was funded by the PGO.
…Karen Mack for organizing the Lend-A-Hand fundraiser and Class Parents!
…Summer Read-A-Thon coordinators: Claudia Canale-Parola, Yaniris Fernandez, Monica Moran and Bobbie
Jemsek.
…Erika Zekos for organizing our Dean’s Beans Crocker Java fundraiser, Winter Coat Drive and so much more!
Volunteers Needed!
Our community of Crocker Farm is doing an amazing job of composting and recycling for the last two years.
We are about to begin construction for our very own animal proof compost bins outside as well. We need
volunteers. For breakfast, it will be for about 45 minutes or less (around 8:15-9:00). For lunch, we need of help
during last lunch (12:30- 1:00) on Wednesdays but if you are available on other days, that is appreciated as
well. Please contact me, Ricci Mastoianni at [email protected] so we can talk about your interest and
availability. Thank you!
IT'S SO EASY to Support Crocker Farm
There are many ways to support CF without spending an extra dime! Just take a
minute to register; recycle or vote and Crocker Farm could earn hundreds of dollars
for student activities! PLEASE help out by signing up for these programs TODAY.
The more families that sign up the more money the school earns - it's that simple.
Thanks!
* Simplified Scrip is a fantastic new fundraiser for Crocker Farm. It's easy, earns money for student
enrichment & it costs you nothing more than the face value of the card! Choose from 100s of stores including
Stop&Shop, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Target, Whole Foods, etc. You buy gift cards & the stores give Crocker
Farm up to 10% of the value. You're shopping anyways, so why not support your school at the same time??
Here are the ways to start: Order online at www.simplifiedscrip.com or call in your order 1-800-514-1891
Contact Becky Demling (230-3306 / [email protected]) w/any questions.
Do you have a Target REDCard? Here is the link that gets you to the site where you can designate a
percentage of your Target expenditures towards Crocker Farm. Go to Target!
Big Y's Education Express is back. This program earns the school "points" that can be converted into sports
equipment, computers, etc. at the end of the year. Last year we earned great instruments and a new cd player for
the Music Room!
Stop&Shop's A+BonusBucks program sends a check to Mr. Morris at the end of the year. Last year 60
households earned Crocker Farm over $1000! They donate 3% of your grocery purchase to Crocker Farm! How
great is that? Crocker Farm's "Designation Number" is 05194.
Atkins Farm Card. When you show your Atkins Farm Shopping Card they donate a percentage of your
purchase right back to us. This generous program earns Crocker Farm $400 each year!
Collect Box Tops for Education & send them in. The drop box is in the lobby. These really add up!
Recycle your printer's ink jet cartridges at the school. Just send them in your child's backpack & we'll get $1
for each one we recycle!
Amherstopoly - Great for Giving!
There are still a few Amherstopoly games available for sale through the
PGO. Don't have one yet? Want to give one as a gift this winter? Send an email to the PGO at
[email protected] & we'll make sure you get a copy! Just $25.00 (& every penny supports the
Amherst elementary schools).
What does the Crocker Farm PGO do with your money?
* Planning events that bring us together as a school community.
This includes Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Martin Luther King Day Celebrations, Movie Nights,
Math Night, Wednesday Clubs, Coffee with the Principal and more!
* Finding ways to show our appreciation and support to our teachers and staff.
We sponsor mini-grants for teacher supplies, library materials and equipment. Provide food for
workdays and throw our teachers a fantastic end-of-year feast!
* Sponsoring activities to raise funds for equipment and supplies, special school events, field
trips and scholarships.
BIG NEWS ON THE PLAYGROUND FRONT…
The Crocker Farm PGO is pleased to announce a new playground initiative designed to replace
and augment the existing front play area. The PGO will raise $25,000 before June, with plans
to install the new playground this summer. In addition to replacing three current structures with
new components which will accommodate multiple children at one time, we will also increase
available play equipment with two small, stand-alone pieces. The pieces selected include a 20
person wave see-saw, 2 free-standing surf boards, an elevated merry-go-round and new swings.
In addition to these exciting new pieces, at the end of their school year, the Mark’s Meadow
community is graciously gifting their newer playground structures to Crocker Farm (see
pictures below).
Building a better playground cannot happen without your help. We need
everyone to be a part of our fundraising and community efforts. Please
consider giving your time and money to this worthwhile effort.
For more information, please contact Becky at 230-3306.
Teacher Wish Lists
Cleaning out your closets? Please be on the lookout for any of the items listed below. To donate,
please bring the item into school or contact [email protected].
Ms. Zera (preschool)
Tape / CD player
Toby Bobbitt (Therapeutic)
Lego people
K-2 storybooks on friendship, caring, sharing,
calming down
Matchbox cars
Microwave for the staff room
Linda Stenlund (School Nurse)
Small free-standing mirror
Full size plastic pillow cover
Container or salt
Box of popsicles
Sweatpants (all-sizes)
Underwear (k-6th)
Document holder for entering health records
Ms Martinez (SEI k-6th)
Ziploc bags
Paper plates
Paper cups
Ms. Wilcox (k)
Long arm stapler
Ms. Foley (K)
Lakeshore craft tape Center
Craft Tape refill
Classroom Laminator Machine
Multisize electric pencil sharpen for fat pencils
Cowbell/ recess bell
Ms. Robinson (grade 3)
New board games/ Battleship
Masking Tape
Headphones
Stories on tape
Cassette tape player
Puzzles
Building games
Kleenex
Chart paper with lines
Sponges
Ms. Holland (grade 3)
Hand sanitizer
Regular cards
Chess/ checkers set
Winter mittens and gloves
#2 pencils
Pink rectangle erasers
Winter hats
Twister game
Board games
Masking tap
Ms. Schreiber (grade 4)
Pencils
Disinfecting wipes
Green pens
Construction paper
Chart paper
Globes
Glue sticks/white
Scissors
Masking tape
Clear packing tape
Physical Education News for Fall 2009
It has been another busy and active beginning in physical education classes at Crocker Farm.
We were lucky enough to have a wonderful young P.E. intern from Springfield College, Mr.
Smith, here for the first half of the semester, and he was a talented and energetic addition to
the P.E. classes. Unfortunately, he had to move on to Holyoke High School, where he will
finish his internship at the secondary level. We wish him the best of luck.
Students in kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades started the year with movement activities, soccer,
“fun stations” with different manipulative equipment (scooters, balls, jumpropes, hopscotch,
hoops, etc.), “get-to-know-you” games, and gymnastics. The third and fourth grade classes
started off with soccer lead-up skils, cooperative games, and gymnastics. Students in 5th and
6th grades have worked on the rules and techniques for Ultimate (Frisbee), flag football,
“street games” (four-square, hopscotch, jumprope, basketball, wall ball, floor hockey, among
others) and gymnastics.
During the gymnastics unit, all classes learned how to do forward and backward rolls,
headstands, handstands, cartwheels, balance beam, rings, springboard, and rope climbing,
among other things. Students who were able to climb the knotted rope to the top were
allowed to put their names on the “Top of the Rope” list, and those who climbed the
unknotted rope—a much more difficult task—got an additional * next to their
names…congratulations to all!
It is very important for your children to get fresh air and exercise every day. Model good
habits by exercising with your child, taking a walk or a bike ride, or just playing outside.
You both will benefit from the experience.
Kacey Schmitt
Physical Education teacher
TOP OF THE ROPE CLUB 2009
6TH GRADE:
Claudia Marinero
Christine Sherwood
Olivia Weld
Katie Dunn
Thomas Perkins
Adam Crowe-Chandler
Hannah Ackerman*
Kaheem Campbell
Max Conte
Zofia Noble*
Emily Caballero
Sophie Ackerman*
Emma Anderson
Adit Bhandari
Stefan Kosanovic*
Imani Hinson
5TH GRADE:
Abby Kleinman-Eddy
Delia McHale
Emma Mack*
Julia Warren
Bryant Rodriquez
Ajeya Clouden
Andre Shepard*
Kaylin Rivera
Eduard Otero*
Emme Geryk*
Gabe Gadja
Noah Zoble*
Linette Rosado Ayala
Michael Doyle*
Greisha Chiquila
Roxanna Abarca
Ben Gilsdorf
Xianna DeJesus*
Grace Bertrand
Daniel Lyra
Don Haynesworth
4th GRADE:
Dasia DeJesus*
Sadie Blumenfeld*
Alberto Morales-Fernandez*
Rebecca Tuthill
Nicole Gerena
Amarys Hernandez Rodriguez
Abeliz Lebron-Colon
Juan Ross-Perkins
Manny Francis
Amanda Crowe-Chandler*
Alex Martinez
Kai Harwood
Julia Jemsek
Brianna Guerin
Aleksa Kosanovic
Haadiyah Cruz
Jefftian Otero
3RD GRADE:
Abigail Kamara
Raymond Gilken
Virnalis Mejia
Sidney Zobel*
Alethyan Nunez
Jahad Jordan
Viseth Coleman
Luca Harwood
Devin Dixon*
Oliver Noble
Kiera Florance
Madiha Anjum
2ND GRADE:
Ms. Mattone
Maya Moczo
Lucas Morales-Fernandez
Tina Wehrli
Brayan Rivas
Gabi Gerena
Isabella Shepard
Fiona McHale
Alexis Shaffer
Rosie Dinsmore
Erin Klaes
Anu Sitarama
Vianka Acosta
Alexis Mainville
1st GRADE:
Sam Eddy
Emma Nicolaou
Mara Colon
Matthew Ferinne
Hannah Keochakian
Louis Kollmeier
KINDERGARTEN
Annie Refermat
Greetings from the
Crocker Farm library!
It was lovely to meet so many families on Curriculum Night in September (I know! It seems like a
long time ago!). Based on your questions that night, I realized that I should
explain a little more about how the children check out books from our library.
Crocker Farm library checkout policies:
How many books can my child take out?
Kindergartners and first graders can check out one book at a time. Second graders can
have two books, third graders three books, fourth graders four books, etc.
How long can my child keep the library books?
Three weeks. The children can choose to renew (check them out again) for another threeweek period if they bring the books into the library.
Is there a fine if the books are returned late?
There is no fine, but the children are not allowed to check books out if they have any
overdue books. If books are lost, families are asked to make arrangements with the librarian to
replace the book, if possible.
How often does my child come to the library?
Each class comes to the library on a different three-week schedule, so ask your child’s
teacher if you aren’t sure when your child will be coming to the library with his/her class.
Children may come to the library any day, however, if they ask their teachers for a library pass.
New shelf markers!!
Ask your child to tell you about his/her new library shelf marker. Each student has one to
help keep our bookshelves organized while looking at books. The shelf marker also
reminds the children of their ID numbers so that they can look up their own records on the library
catalog. They can then find out what books they have out, if they have any overdue books and the
status of any books that they’ve placed on hold.
NEXT MONTH in the Crocker Chronicles:
What is the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award program??
Short answer: An exciting reading program for our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders!
Happy reading,
Susan McQuaid, librarian
December 4th 2009
Schedule of Events
(times are approximate)
4:15 - Hayrides by Muddy Brook Farm (E. Pleasant Street,
loads of parking nearby) to the Amherst Common.
4:30 - Amherst Regional School 7th Grade Chorus
(front steps to Town Hall)
4:45 - Tree Lighting!!! (town common)
5:30 - the Minuteman Marching Band parade reaches the
Town Common with Santa! Sing~a~longs and loads of fun
for everyone!
Muddy Brook
Farm
6:30 - Visit with Santa at the Amherst History Museum (short
walk to 67 Amity Street)
Questions? Contact the
Amherst Area Chamber of
Commerce @ 253-0700
Cider, Donuts, and Coffee provided by
Atkins Farms Country Market
Amherst Survival Center
Annual Toy Drive Drop Off
www.people.umass.edu/support/asc
Bring New and Unwrapped toys, clothing, sporting equipment, books, and games for
infants through teens to the common during the Merry Maple and help local kids in need!
ARHS Dance Theatre Ensemble presents:
TRIBUTE-giving thanks to the king of pop
Date: November 13, 14th
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Amherst Regional High School
$7 Adults
$5 Students
Dinner available for $5 at intermission
If you purchase a ticket in advance your name will be
entered into a raffle.
November visiting day is: Wednesday
Picture retake is scheduled for November 17. If you would like your child to have his/her picture
retaken, please send back the original package on the day scheduled. If your child has not had his/her
picture taken and you need a package form, please call the office at 362-1600 and we will send one
home with your child. No pictures will be taken without the form.
The weather is turning colder. It is time to send your children with appropriate outdoor
weather gear. Please remember to label your children’s hats, coats, boots, mittens etc.
El clima está cambiando. Por favor envíe a su niño (a) a la escuela con ropa apropiada para el
clima. Asegúrese de escribir el nombre de su niño (a) en los sombreros, abrigos, guantes,
bufandas y botas
IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS:
Thursday, November 19- CF Talent Show-1:30 CF auditorium
Friday, November 20-Teacher Curriculum Workday-No School
Tuesday, November 24-Amherst School Committee-7pm ,High School Library
Thursday/Friday- November 26-27 – No School- Thanksgiving Recess
Savings Makes Cent$: Every Wednesday from 8:15-8:45 in the Crocker Farm Lobby.
For more information, contact the office:362-1600
ABSENT LINE: Parent/Guardians are required to call the absentee line, 362-1659 if your child will not be in school.
If your child is tardy to school, please have him/her stop by the office for a pass before going to class.
Linea para reporter ausencias: Se les require a todos los padres/encargados que se comuniquen con la escuela
llamando al telefono 362-1659 si su hijo(a) va a estar ausente. Si su hijo(a) va llegar tarde a la escuela por favor
asegurese que su hijo (a) sereporta a la reporta a la oficina primero.
Crocker Farm Elementary
Phone: 413-256-1600
280 West Street Amherst MA 01002
Fax: 413-256-0835