January 9, 2025
Important Upcoming Dates
January 19: No Students – MLK Day - preserved as a day of service & reflection
February 3: PTIA Meeting 6:00 p.m.
February 6: Snack Shop
February 11: STUDENT COUNT DAY
February 13: No Students – Staff Professional Development
February 16: No Students – Presidents' Day
Highlights and Happenings from Ms. Smith
Happy New Year and welcome back! There’s nothing quite like the energy of students returning after break, and this week did not disappoint. Despite being a little tired at first, our students came back excited to see their teachers, eager to learn, and ready to jump back into their routines. We are off to a strong start and can’t wait to see all that 2026 has in store for our school community.
On January 5, the day before students returned, our staff came together for a meaningful day of professional learning and collaboration. In the morning, we had the opportunity to meet as an entire staff to reflect on our school improvement goals and set clear intentions for the second semester. In the afternoon, we partnered with The Reading League to deepen our understanding of science-based reading practices. Because this research forms the foundation of our new reading curriculum, spending time learning the why and how behind these practices was incredibly valuable. We are grateful for our families’ continued support for these professional learning days and for our families’ commitment to reading at home with your children.
Construction Update
Construction is progressing quickly at Wacousta, and our four new classrooms are on their way. Follow the progress on Instagram #wearewacousta. We are on schedule to open this new part of our building in August 2026.
Mid-year Assessments
Over the next two weeks, our students will be participating in mid-year assessments, including MAP Growth test from NWEA and DIBELS.
MAP Growth from Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA)
MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.
MAP Growth tests are unique and adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s knowledge. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of where your child is on their learning journey— regardless of whether they are on, above, or below their grade level.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
DIBELS represents a system of assessments that allow us to determine how students are performing on important reading skills. The assessment takes approximately 2-6 minutes to complete.
A student’s scores on the DIBELS measures provide information about whether or not students are on track for grade level reading success. The scores show areas where students are doing well and areas where they may need additional support.
Both the MAP Growth and DIBELS assessments provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, allowing for teachers to identify students with similar scores, in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.
Results will be sent home when the district assessment window closes in a few weeks.
We are excited to see the growth our students have made since the beginning of the year. Once mid-year benchmark testing is complete, teachers will meet to review the data and use it to determine next steps in instruction to best support each student’s continued learning and success.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run will be coming to Wacousta this spring! This program will enable our 3rd and 4th grade girls to build life skills while working towards the ultimate goal of running a 5K in mid-May. More information on registering students will be coming in January. For right now we are recruiting coaches. All coaches need to be 18, complete a coach application, consent to and complete a background check, complete an in-person coach training on January 31 or February 7, and commit to attending 2 ninety-minute practices a week. Practices will be held right after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting February 24th, for 10 weeks. If you're interested, and would like more information, please contact our head coach Mrs. Ries at riess@glcomets.net.
Staffing
Many of you have noticed that we have had substitute teachers in our physical education class over the last couple of weeks. To ensure continuity of instruction, we are in the process of hiring a long-term substitute. Additionally, we are collaborating with the district physical education teacher lead to support curriculum implementation and lesson planning. I appreciate your support in ensuring a smooth transition for our students.
2026-2027 School Year
I know it is hard to think about next year already, but the Board of Education approved the school calendar for next school year. Here is the 2026-2027 GLPS District Calendar! It is a 2-page pdf. The first page provides a visual overview, and the second page lists the specifics. We hope this is helpful in your planning.
January’s Lunch Menu
Check out the January lunch menu at grandledge.nutrislice.com. This website is helpful to check the breakfast and lunch menus of any building in the district. You can check for nutritional information, filter allergens, and translate the menu into 50+ languages! It's a very helpful tool for parents and staff members.
Upcoming Events, District News, & Community Information
Please review what the school district shares in newsletters about events, news, and information, please visit http://glcomets.net/Upcoming
Allyson Smith
Principal, Wacousta Elementary School
