Benton Elementary would like all 100% Remote Learners to complete an important survey. The goal of the survey is to find ways to increase student engagement. The survey should take five to ten minutes to complete. The survey will close on February 5th. A link to the survey is https://forms.gle/ayT8CAF5JgxQ2dn2A
Benton Elementary students are getting ready to take the Winter NWEA. Our winter testing window is from January 25th – February 12th.
One of the most important questions we can ask as educators, students, and families is, “Are students learning?” To help answer that question, students will be taking the MAP Reading and MAP Mathematics assessments. Some students will also take the MAP Fluency assessment depending on their needs. Each one takes about one hour to complete. The winter scores will be an important indicator for teachers, students, and families to see how well students are growing academically since our fall assessment. This is one metric we will use to measure learning and help determine next steps. Please take take time to review this website: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/family-toolkit/.
Our goal is for 100% of our students to take this assessment. Similar to the fall, we invite our remote families to schedule a time to come to the school for 2-3 hours to take the assessments. Remote students will test in a classroom spaced six feet apart from one another and the teacher. They will be expected to wear a mask during testing, but will have opportunities to take mask breaks. They should bring a water bottle, snack, and an independent reading book. Please call the main office today at 453-4240 to schedule a day and time.
This is a great opportunity to talk to your child about some attributes of learners: persistence, grit, citizenship, engagement, risk-taking, dreaming, and being adventurous. These can all contribute to academic achievement. In regards to the NWEA, you can ask: What was your Fall RIT score? What are you doing in school to increase your score? What are you learning about?
The experience of learning is an exciting endeavor, and we look forward to seeing great gains at the end of this school year.
Respectfully,
Mr.. Wedge
Welcome back! Benton Elementary is looking forward to seeing our Gray cohort students tomorrow, 1/4/2021. Remember that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, shortness of breath, and lower respiratory distress, and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you are exhibiting these symptoms or have been identified as a close contact, contact your medical provider and remain at home until you get guidance. If you have any questions about school attendance , please contact the school and speak with our school nurse at 453-4240.
Benton Elementary students had the opportunity to cheer on Wreaths Across America as they convoyed by our school. We are thankful that they are helping us honor our heroes. It was a very meaningful experience for our staff and students.
On Monday and Tuesday 12/21 & 12/22 (gray and blue days) Benton Elementary is having Holiday Spirit Days. Show your holiday spirit by wearing your favorite/ugly holiday sweater, red and green, or a holiday hat! Join the fun!
Please remember that tomorrow, 12/14, is a teacher in-service day. The next student day is on Tuesday, 12/15, which is a Gray Cohort day.
This is Mr. Wedge, principal at Benton Elementary. As stated in Mrs. Hersom's most recent update (https://www.msad49.org/article/362257), Benton Elementary will transition to remote learning tomorrow for all students. As a result, all students will be remote learners on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. Gray cohort students will be returning on Friday for in-person learning. Your child's teacher will contact you in regards to their remote learning plan.
As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, December 14th as it is a teacher in-service day. Please refer to our adopted hybrid calendar for student cohort days, which is found on our district webpage. Next Tuesday will be a Gray day. Our Blue cohort student's first day back will be Wednesday, December 16th.
Our district food services will continue providing meals to our Benton students. Meals will not be served at Benton Elementary. If you are in need of a meal, please contact Heather Drew-Clark at Lawrence Junior High School at 453-4200 extension 2313. Families that live closer to Albion and Clinton Elementary schools, can call the appropriate school and let them know you are coming.
Benton Elementary before and after school care will be closed during our building closure and will resume on Friday.
If you have any questions about remote learning expectations, please contact your child's teacher.
Congratulations to our students who are on our most recent addition to our High Honors Hall of Fame from last school year. Dealing with a school closure last Spring was incredibly challenging, but we want to honor all of their academic achievements! While we didn't recognize honor roll students this first quarter due to the difficult transition to remote learning, we will resume for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters. We are all excited to see who can earn High Honors for the rest of the school year!
Student of the Week! Teachers will be looking for students each week that exemplify:
Engagement in Learning (i.e. attendance)
Academic Achievement
Citizenship
Persistence/Grit
Adventurer/Risk-taker
Dreamer/Going above and beyond
Students receiving this award will receive
- a certificate from Mr. Wedge and Mrs. Blais
- ticket to a special virtual Bubbleman event in May!
http://www.bubblemania.com/science/virtualassembly.html
Mrs. Pratt and Mrs. Roy changed out our playground StoryWalk book today. The new story - Mine, All Mine is a an enchanting story of friendship, family, and learning to share.
Lost and Found - some families are missing some really nice clothes. If any of these belong to you, please contact the office as we will be donating them soon.
Attention all families: Please take this 5 minute survey from The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Even if you completed the survey last year, we need your participation again! Click the following link to begin the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020FamilySCHKennebec
Google Classroom for Parents - helpful hints
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGo1cIL1U9o
Benton Elementary School will be sponsoring a Christmas Giving Tree for our students during the holiday season. Check out this article for more information: https://www.msad49.org/o/bes/article/325131
Openings are still available for our Pre-K program! Sessions running Tuesday-Friday (no blue/grey days). Remote services also offered! Email cdavis@kvcap.org or go to www.kvcap.org for more information.