Mid Week Update   9-26-18

Dear Silver Hill Families,

You can tell it’s been a busy week by the fact that this is already a mid week update!

Our bulletin board is up and ready to go for the Haverhill Public School’s School Everyday campaign.  Our goal is to get students to school on time everyday. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the Department of Education as, “Absent 10% or more of the school year.” We have 180 days of school, so that would be 18 days.  We know that there are times that your child just cannot be here…and if he/she is ill we want them to stay home! But we do encourage you to not plan vacations during school days.  Even if your child makes up missed work, he/she is still missing learning experiences that can only happen by being in the classroom. Our school wide goal is to maintain a 95% average attendance from September – June. If there is a reason that getting your child to school is difficult, please let me know and we’ll help. We can do this! The first Attendance Awareness Breakfast will be on Thursday 10/4/18, from 9:00-9:30. Parents/guardians of the winning class will be invited to attend breakfast at Silver Hill! As soon as I have more information on the upcoming breakfast, I will be in touch.

During tomorrow night’s School Committee Meeting, 7:00 in the City Council Chambers, Superintendent Marotta will present an overview of Haverhill Public School’s MCAS Data. I have provided her with highlights of Silver Hill’s data, and will be at the SC meeting to answer any questions. I am very pleased with our Student Growth percentiles, and very proud of the students and teachers who worked so hard to meet our goals! MCAS reports for students currently in grades 4 and 5 will be going home to parents/guardians within the next two weeks. My Coffee with the Principal on November 7 will be a presentation of our Spring 2018 MCAS data.

The October Coffee with the Principal will be on Wednesday, October 10, from 6:00-7:00 in the library. Fifth grade parents have requested an overview of the fifth grade programs this year. I have invited fifth grade teachers to attend, as well as Diane Palmaccio our reading specialist and Jenn Donais our math coach, to present the curriculum and programs. The notice and RSVP will be coming home with your child next Monday. Please list any specific questions you have so we can be sure to address them during the meeting. Thank you!

This year’s Walk for Peace will be held this Saturday, September 29, starting at 4:00 at GAR Park and ending at Riverside Park. Lots of fun with music, games, and food. Hope you can March for Peace on Haverhill City Streets!

Have a great week,

Margaret