April 2022
Dear Families,
Spring has arrived in Syracuse with snowflakes and a snow day. Only in Syracuse! Despite the snowy weather, Ed Smith is in spring mode with many activities in the planning stages for the end of the year.
Currently we are winding up the ELA NYS testing and will be conducting the NYS Math testing at the end of the month. Our students are doing well on the computer-based format, and we are proud of their efforts. Often the adults are more nervous about the technology compared to the students. The student’s knowledge of technology is impressive when we think back to when we first started testing on computers.
On April 5, we will host a virtual session for parents on our in-house assessment- called NWEA – formerly known as the STAR assessment. This session will take place on TEAMS for all grades. The link can be found on our website and will be sent out on Talking Points. Check your child’s book bag on Monday for their NWEA report to refer to during the presentation.
In addition, we have been holding a virtual book club series for students and their parents on Thursdays from 6-7 pm on TEAMS as well. We will continue to send the link through Talking Points. The event culminates with a virtual visit by the author on May 26. We hope to see more students and families attending as over 300 books were distributed to students. We are hoping for a large turnout for our author visit as well. If you missed the previous sessions, it is ok to still join us.
Our spring recess is April 11 – April 15. There is no school that week. Students return on April 18. Let’s hope we see some sunshine during spring break!
Looking forward into May, we will be holding our Middle School Musical on May 12 & 13 at 7pm. Save the date for the Great Ed Smith Carnival on May 20. We are excited for its return! In addition, our Kindergarten & 1st grade students will take the stage on May 25th.
As you can see, we are slowly but surely planning our annual traditions and it is a welcome relief to see students excited practicing for various events and concerts. The school is once again buzzing with excitement, and we can see it on the kids’ faces daily.
Our PTO is once again meeting in the building with a virtual option on April 21st at 7pm.
Finally, be on the lookout for permission slips for field trips! Those are turning also. Spring has arrived at Ed Smith and so are the smiles.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mr. Barber
APRIL NEWSLETTER
Ed Smith April Newsletter