Issue #4: September 3, 2025
Issue #4: September 3, 2025
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Ms. Michelle Alzamora
Dear Families,
Last week, we shared about some of the assessments we use to guide and support student learning. This week, we’d like to highlight one of our key math assessments.
To better understand where our students are in relation to foundational math skills, we use the Forefront Math Screeners with all students in Kindergarten through Grade 2, all new students, and selected students in Grades 3–5. These interview-style assessments help us identify any gaps in students’ mathematical understanding. When we discover that a student needs additional support, we implement Bridges Interventions, a research-based program designed to close learning gaps and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in math.
We have been using Forefront Screeners and Bridges Interventions for several years, and we continue to see a positive impact. Since adopting our current math curriculum three years ago, students are demonstrating stronger mathematical thinking, and fewer students are requiring intensive interventions. At the same time, we have seen continued growth in our MAP math scores, showing us that this balanced approach is supporting all learners.
Here are a few simple ways you can support your child’s mathematical development at home:
Encourage exploration and curiosity: Ask your child to notice and talk about mathematical patterns in everyday life.
Provide opportunities for hands-on learning: Play board games, card games, or cooking activities that involve counting, measuring, or problem-solving.
Talk about math in daily routines: Highlight how math shows up when you shop, cook, or travel.
Together, these small steps help children see math as meaningful and connected to the world around them. Thank you for partnering with us to build a strong foundation for your child’s success in mathematics.
Warmly,
The ES Admin Team
Attendance Matters: Tracking Absences and Tardies
Attendance Matters: Tracking Absences and Tardies
Every school day counts in your child’s learning journey. Research shows that children who attend school regularly in elementary school build stronger reading, math, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, frequent absences in elementary school are linked to lower achievement in later years and can even set patterns for poor attendance down the road.
To support healthy habits early, we are tracking student attendance, including both absences and tardies, more closely this year. When attendance concerns reach a threshold that begins to impact a child’s learning, parents will be notified so we can work together to support the student.
Good attendance is more than just showing up. It helps children build routines, responsibility, and confidence that set them up for long-term success. Thank you for your partnership in helping your child be present, on time, and ready to learn each day.
Reminder: MAP Assessments for Grades 2-5
Reminder: MAP Assessments for Grades 2-5
This week, our Grades 2–5 students completed the Language portion of the MAP Assessment. Over the next two weeks, they will take the Reading and Math sections. Your child’s teacher will share the exact dates for their class.
MAP is an adaptive assessment, which means the questions adjust to each student’s responses. This allows us to gather useful information about your child’s learning beyond grade-level bands, and it gives us external data to compare student performance with recognized standards. Teachers also use MAP results alongside other data to better understand each learner, plan instruction, and reflect on our programs as a whole.
There’s no need to study for MAP. The best way to support your child is by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and approach the experience with a positive mindset. Please also help them know this is not a high-stakes test—there’s no reason to feel stressed.
Families will receive MAP results once all testing is complete. In the meantime, you can learn more in the MAP Family Toolkit.
From the Counseling Department
From the Counseling Department
Welcome to all our new students and families!
It has been a joy getting to know your children over these first two weeks of school and to see them settling into their new spaces and building connections.
We’d also love to share with you a video that was shown at our Back to School Morning Meeting. In it, last year’s leaving students offer words of wisdom and advice for our newest scorpions... and there’s even a special cameo from our beloved ES mascot, Wadi! This video gives you a glimpse of the spirit of ACS, and we hope that before long, your family will feel right at home here too.
From the ES Learning Commons
From the ES Learning Commons
Leaders in Action: Our LC Ambassadors are hard at work, getting things done!
Our Little Shark Buddy has a name! After counting all the votes, the winning name is… Sharky!
Books, buddies, and big imaginations—fun times in the library!
ES Article of the Month
ES Article of the Month
Family Tech Planners: Use these tech planners to help your kids think through important questions around tech use: What will I do? How much time will I spend? Am I making thoughtful choices?
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars!
September 9 - CCT - Late Start Day
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