I was in a meeting last week with 150 other people and a survey was taken of which season of the year was the favorite of those in attendance. Fall was the overwhelming choice, with over 60% of the participants indicating this time of the year is their favorite. Saturday was the ultimate fall day for me. Early morning Alpine Loop bike ride, Cougar Tail at Lavell Edwards Stadium, family companionship, another heart-pounding BYU overtime victory, evening wedding reception with lots of good food. If all of my Saturdays could be that enjoyable!
Our K – 3 graders take their beginning-of-year reading assessments today. For the past three years we have administered three times during the school year a test called DIBELS to our K – 3 graders. The only thing that has changed is the name of the test. Instead of DIBELS, it is now called the Acadience Test. This assessment gives our K – 3 grade teachers data on the foundational reading skills of our students in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. A team of testers that the Alpine School District has trained come into our library and administer the assessment. Each student’s assessment will take less than five minutes. The Big Five reading skills mentioned above are the foundation for at-grade-level reading skills. Once teachers have their Acadience results, they can more effectively diagnose what needs to be done to help each and every child be a proficient reader.
We are grateful that our librarian, Paula Ruesch, invited children’s author, Jennifer Nielsen, to our school last week. Our 4th – 6th graders attended an assembly where Jennifer shared how she became an author, and she also encouraged the students to explore their creative talents.
The following students were recognized as Students of the Week last week for demonstrating the characteristics of the Alpine Big 3, being Respectful, Responsible and Ready to learn. Congratulations!
Benson Anderson
Molly Barnes
Tessa Christofferson
Crew Feaster
Merced Francom
Gabby Ross
Hank Gillespie
Braden Hazel
Dean Hsiao
Lillian Hsiao
Crew Nelson
Phoenix Reinwand
Corbin Smith
Gabe Taylor
London Wing
I have attached a flyer for flu vaccination clinics being offered in our area
Have a great week, and as always, remember that it is a great day to be an Eagle!
Dave Perdue, Principal