Principal'sPage
               
Grades 2 through 6 will again particpate in the end-of-the year Criterion Reference Tests, CRTs for short. Because grades 3 through 6 will have these administered on-line the testing window has been enlarged to cover one full month. The greatest advantage to participating in this new process is that we will receive the students' results within 48 hours. This will be very advantageous in organizing class lists and instructional groups for the 2009-09 school year. These tests are indicative of a year's worth of teaching and learning. Daily, on time attendance is very important. Although we will have several make-up sessions, the computer lab schedules don't give us the latitude provided when we took the tests in the classrooms with pencil and paper.
This year's theme "Heroes for Life," has been very successful and very interactive. The monthly "chACTer" card has generated visual reminders of our commitments. The foundation of this program is desirous for all students of life to recognize, respect, and celebrate the many contributions that ordinary people make in our lives. Building attributes of heroism into everyday life through everyday acts of kindness is a worthy lifetime goal. Bennion Elementary has received national recognition for this yearlong endeavor.
And now the "CHANGE FOR COLEMAN." How do I express what I have see, stories I've heard and actions I witnessed? Lindsey's words would say it best. In a recent note she sent to the school Lindsey wrote, "It is a true blessing tom come to teach at Bennion and meet such smart, amazing, wonderful, caring people. I love and miss you all so much! I am sorry that this is a feeble attempt to say thank you for all you have done for us and are doing. Thank you, thank you!" The Bennion family extends beyond the few acres of this campus. As of this typing almost $2000 has been donated and deposited with the Granite Education Foundation who is assisting in the distribution of these funds. The contribution jar will continue to be displayed in the office. The Coleman family has a web address for a family blog and invites you to visit. It is www.coleman2family.blogspot.com
This is the hardest letter of the year for me to write. With this letter comes a sense of closures when, in fact, because of the many accomplishments this year, it should be a threshhold over which to step into a warm sun filled summer and a renewed excitement for a new school year. The number of volunteer hours invested in the campus by faculty, staff, and patrons, on behalf of our children is acknowledged and appreciated. My personal "thank you" to Valerie Colby, her PTA board and volunteer assistants. Also to Craig Ferrin, School Community chairperson, and council members.
This is an edited version of the message sent home in the Thursday envelope.