what's happening at belwood?
This year I want to do a better job of showcasing the great work that our staff and students do every day. I plan to do this through social media postings (click the Facebook and Twitter icons at the top right of this page), using the School Story feature on Class Dojo, and even a new YouTube channel, where important news and information will be shared about various things going on at BES.
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Belwood teachers share their reasons why they chose to be a teacher...
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attendance matters--help us fight chronic absenteeism
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Belwood needs your help in fighting chronic absenteeism among our students. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of the school year, or 18 school days. In the 2013-2014 school year, 40 BES students missed 18 ore more days of school. In the 2014-2015 school year, 53 BES students missed 18 ore more days of school. In the 2015-2016 school year, 47 BES students missed 18 ore more days of school. 18 school days equals approximately one month of instruction lost, causing these students to fall behind academically and even socially.
Likewise, while it may not fall into the chronic absentee category, at least 25% of BES students missed at least 9 days of school in each of the past three years. Research conducted in 2011 by The Child and Family Policy Center shows that students that miss more than 9 days a year are in danger of becoming chronically absent in the future. This research shows that chronically absent students are much more likely to fall behind in reading and math by 3rd grade, are more likely to drop out of high school, and are more likely to miss out on various college and career readiness skills. AttendanceWorks.org has some resources to better inform parents of the importance of good attendance (especially in lower grades), as well as how parents can improve their child's attendance in school. |
school-based governance team
As part of our district charter, Belwood has a school based governance team that discusses important issues within the school and contributes to the decision-making process. This team, made of seven staff, parent, and community representatives, typically meets with me each month to provide input on a number of different issues, such as budget/fundraising, staffing, facility needs, community/parent outreach efforts, staff and student support programs, etc. I am very thankful to have this group alongside me to help make the best decisions possible for our school this year.
2016-2017 BES Governance Team Members: Steven Williams (chairman, parent), Mandy Cantrell (parent), Kelly Rampy (staff, parent), Katie Roberts (staff), Ginger Walraven (staff), Cameron Taylor (local business/community rep--Mohawk Industries), and Chad Moore (principal, parent)
Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes will be posted on the official BES website each month.
2016-2017 BES Governance Team Members: Steven Williams (chairman, parent), Mandy Cantrell (parent), Kelly Rampy (staff, parent), Katie Roberts (staff), Ginger Walraven (staff), Cameron Taylor (local business/community rep--Mohawk Industries), and Chad Moore (principal, parent)
Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes will be posted on the official BES website each month.
BES uses CLASSDOJO
Every teacher at BES is using Class Dojo this year as a behavior management tool as well as an avenue for parent communication. There are also great character development resources available through Class Dojo that closely align with our overall vision of developing the whole child. Click here to visit the Class Dojo website and learn more about it. You can also contact your child's teacher to get information about how to sign up and access your child's class page.
various Resources for Parents (taken From Mr. Moore's Twitter Feed)
Expert advice to ensure you are engaging in your child’s education
Grade Guides: From PreK through High School
Researchers now have evidence that reading to your preschooler is key in the development of language & literacy
3 Things Parents Need to Know About ESSA (New federal education legislation)
How to get boys excited about reading
A majority of U.S. students now live in poverty. The effects:
Use this game as a fun way to encourage random acts of kindness:
7 Things a Daughter Needs from Her Father:
5 Way Dads Can be a Good Example of a Great Man.
Researchers now have evidence that reading to your preschooler is key in the development of lang & literacy