Dear Northwest Families,
As we move through January and approach the midpoint of the third quarter, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Winter can be a long stretch for students and adults alike, but our classrooms remain full of learning, growth, and care.
Our mid-year assessments have now been completed. These assessments give our teachers valuable information about how students are progressing in reading and math and help guide instruction for the remainder of the school year.
It is important to note that mid-year testing is not about labels or final outcomes—it is about growth. Teachers use this information to:
- Adjust instruction and small groups
- Provide targeted support where needed
- Extend learning for students who are ready for new challenges
Families will begin seeing information come home, and teachers are always happy to help explain what the data means for your child. As always, our focus remains on steady progress, confidence, and a love of learning, not just numbers on a page.
January is also a natural time to pause, reset, and reteach our schoolwide behavioral expectations. Across the building, students have been revisiting what it means to be Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Engaged (CARE) in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and on the playground.
This reset is not about punishment—it is about clarity, consistency, and helping students succeed. Routines and expectations help students feel safe and confident, especially during the long winter months. Simple reminders and reinforcement at home—such as using words to solve problems, taking responsibility for actions, and showing kindness to others—make a big difference at school.
Regular attendance continues to play an important role in student learning. Each day builds upon the last, and being present helps students stay connected academically and socially. At the same time, we appreciate families keeping students home when they are sick so we can maintain a healthy learning environment for everyone.
Please continue sending students dressed appropriately for outdoor recess whenever possible, as fresh air and movement are an important part of the school day.
Yours in education,
Craig Munro
Principal