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Happy Spring,
As we welcome April and embrace the warmth of spring, we are reminded that the end of the 2023-24 school term is approaching, bringing with it a sense of renewal and growth, both academically and socially. Over the past months at USC, we have witnessed remarkable progress and achievements, and I am immensely proud of every one of our students for their hard work and dedication.
Throughout the year, our emphasis on reading as a cornerstone of our educational goals has remained steadfast. Recognizing that reading serves as the gateway to all other academic disciplines, we have worked hard to ensure that students receive the necessary support to become proficient readers. As our elementary staff completes their final Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training, we take stock of the significant strides made. This year, introducing UFLI (explicit phonics instruction) alongside decodable readers has led to remarkable advancements in decoding, spelling, and overall literacy skills among our students at the Tier I level.
We look forward to seeing continued progress and success in the upcoming year.
On the social-emotional front, we have prioritized social and emotional learning to foster positive interactions and relationships among our students. This commitment is evident through initiatives such as tier I social and emotional support, the implementation of the Be Good People curriculum, and Mission Mondays. Our dedication to reinforcing our Rebel Rights (Be Respectful ∙ Be Responsible ∙ Be Safe) remains constant, and we highly value the partnership with parents in instilling these values both at school and in the broader community.
As we near the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) scheduled for April 11 for grades 3 - 6, it's important to understand that while these assessments provide valuable data for evaluating our instructional effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement, they offer only a snapshot of your child's progress throughout the year. Our dedicated staff witnesses significant growth and achievements in each student daily, which go beyond what assessment data alone can capture. Therefore, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the important milestones of progress, growth, and achievement you observe in your child. By dedicating time to celebrate these moments, we affirm the unique and wonderful qualities of every student at USC.
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, let's continue to inspire our students to strive for excellence and prepare for the challenges ahead. I commend our teachers and staff for their dedication, and I wish everyone a joyful and productive spring season ahead.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer Taylor
USC Elementary Principal
It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!
Rebel Rights: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe