We're already into the third month of the school year and it seems like it just began. Our fifth graders will be gearing up to take the New York State Social Studies test on Nov. 15 and 16. Much of that test is based on something called a Documents Based Question where the students have to use specific information to answer questions. You can help them by asking them to be more specific and detailed in their answers to you when you ask questions and to look for the answers in things they are reading. We have just begun to receive our ELA and Math scores from last year so we will be sharing that information with you soon. Parent conferences are beginning and our teachers are looking forward to meeting you if they haven't already.

As parents, a lot of paper comes your way during the school year and we appreciate it when you take the time to read it over carefully, it helps us in making decisions and keeping accurate records. If you move or change phone numbers, please take the time to send that information to us in writing. Also, if you have any changes in dismissal on a daily basis, it will help us if it is in writing. This is the best way for us to communicate changes in the building to you and it will help to keep you informed. If for any reason you need assistance reading something or something translated please let us know.

Speaking of writing, our 6th grade project of writing to College Presidents is going well and we have had answers back from several colleges, our bulletin board is starting to fill up and some of the children have received literature as well from the colleges they chose to write to. We will be expanding this project to write to some of the music departments in the winter and do some college visits.

Some of our 5th and 6th grade students are part of the walking club, that we have named the "Yates Walking Bees." This group walks three times a week. Our first walk is a walk to "Albany" by walking the number of laps that it will take us to walk 19 miles from Yates to Albany. During the year we're going to be walking to other locations. We'll be writing letters to ask different people to join us for our 20 minutes walk.

On Nov. 9 we will have our Go Home Early Drill. If you have a child that you pick up please plan to pick up by 3 p.m. We will be sending a letter on this.

Thank you for all that you do to work with us.

Teddy Bear Wishes for the month of November.

Valarie A. Scott
Principal