Submitted by Dr. Stephen Waigand, Rock Port Elementary Principal

Spring weather is in the air, trees are in bloom, and the fields are busy with activity. The end of our school year marks many celebrations for the work students and staff put in throughout the year. At our most recent Energy Bus assembly, we recognized students with superior achievement and superior growth on the NWEA assessments. These benchmark assessments are taken twice a year (fall and spring) in math, reading, and language. Students with “Superior Achievement” scored in the 80th percentile or above on one or more of these assessments, placing them in the top 20% of all students in the country. We recognized 32 students for superior achievement. In addition, students with “Superior Growth” scored in the 80th percentile or above on one or more of these assessments, placing them in the top 20% of all students in the country for growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. We recognized 44 students for superior growth. Many other students scored in the 60th and 70th percentile range. Well done to all our students and teachers for a great school year!

The assembly was also a springboard into motivating our students in grades 3-6 for the upcoming Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests this month. Each year our upper elementary students take math, reading, writing, and/or science state assessments. The assessments provide a snapshot of learning for students in all public schools across the state. While these assessments measure some aspects of a child, there are many other areas of equal importance in a child’s life that cannot be measured on standardized tests. We try to celebrate those throughout the year as well.

We are proud of our sixth grade students for completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. After a few years without a formal DARE graduation ceremony, all three county schools were able to get together this year in Fairfax and celebrate all sixth grade students. Alexi Stoner was the overall county essay winner and had the opportunity to share her DARE essay at the ceremony. She did a great job, as did all of our students that evening.

Our third grade students will be heading to the state capitol May 10-11. The overnight trip to Jefferson City is the culminating event from their Missouri History units throughout the year. Students will get a mix of education and fun as they go to the State Capitol building, Supreme Court building, Jefferson Landing, Central Dairy, Arris Pizza, and Strikers bowling alley. It has been a few years since we last took this trip; we are looking forward to hearing some great stories and experiences upon their return.

We are putting the finishing touches on the 2022-23 school year. Several activities and events are planned for the month of May. They include: spring band & choir concert (May 4), kindergarten round-up and preschool open house (May 5), spring music program (May 18), grades 3-6 field day (May 22), preschool-grade 2 fun day (May 23), elementary awards assembly and fourth grade wax museum (May 24), and the last day of school (May 25). Summer school will begin on May 30 and run through June 16. Stay connected with daily classroom events and school updates on Twitter @RPBluejays as we finish this year strong. As always we strive to . . .

Love all our Passengers

Serve their academic needs

Care for the whole child

Every Student, Every Day