Wheeling Elementary

Dear Wheeling Families,

March is CSAP testing month. Our third grade students have completed the Reading portion of CSAP in February, and will continue with the remaining tests in March. Our goal all year has been to increase our level of proficiency for reading and math on CSAP by at least 3%.

Please be sure your student is in school, on time. It is important that they are well rested and have eaten breakfast. Place positive emphasis upon the importance of doing your best on all school-work, including CSAP. If you have any questions regarding CSAP, please call me at 303-344-8670.

The CSAP schedule will be:

• March 4-6, Grades 3-5 Math, and Grade 5 Science
• March 10-12 Reading and Writing

International Night:Mark your calendars for April 21st for our first International Night. Information and request for participation will be sent home separately.

Fifth Block:Aurora Public Schools offers a voluntary fifth block of instruction for students who have shown academic growth during the school year and who could benefit most from additional learning time. Fifth block will provide 23 additional days of instruction for students who are making progress in math and literacy (reading and writing) but are not yet considered proficient. Staff at each school will select 50 students from each elementary school and 100 from each K-8, middle and high school. Invitations to attend will be offered to those students near proficiency in math and literacy (grades 2-4) and who have had continuous enrollment in APS for at least one year (March 2008 to March 2009), consistent attendance and overall good behavior. Students with plans to attend school in another district or at a charter school during the 2009-10 school year are not eligible for Fifth Block.

The regular 2008-09 school year runs from August 5, 2008, to May 20, 2009. The 2009 fifth block will be offered from May 26, 2009, to June 25, 2009. School staff will notify parents of eligible students starting April 6, 2009. Parents must confirm their children’s participation in fifth block by April 13, 2009. Transportation, breakfast/lunch and nursing services will be made avail-able to students. There will be no need to reapply for free or reduced lunch.

APS will also offer its traditional summer school to many students. In the spring of 2009, APS will provide parents the APS Youth Matters activity guide, which will include information about additional summer learning opportunities for students. For more infor-mation about Fifth Block Instruction, visit www.aps.k12.co.us/schools/fifthblock.

Sincerely,

Jan Lotter
Principal