Due to the 2 hour early relase on Tuesday there will be no Ultimate Frisbee practice.

The new Community Learning Center has posted class information for the fall: http://ecksteineagles.org/ost/

Dear Eckstein families:

I am writing to let you know about an important step that Seattle Public Schools is taking towards our goal of ensuring an excellent education for every student.

During the first four to six weeks of the school year,  your child will take tests called Measures of Academic Progress™ (MAP). We give students MAP tests to determine your child’s instructional level; to measure academic growth throughout the school year; and to measure growth from year to year in the areas of reading and mathematics.  Results from MAP are available immediately and so will support our teachers in knowing what students have learned and the progress they are making. Teachers will use this information as they consider how to adjust instruction to help each student succeed.

The tests will be taken using a computer, and your child will spend a total of about two hours completing these tests. MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.  And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.

Each school year, students in grades Kindergarten – Ninth Grade take the tests in September/October, January and April/May. This year, teachers will share information about MAP results during parent-teacher conferences in November.

We are truly excited to have a new tool available to our teachers and students that will help us focus on every child’s individual growth and achievement.  Consistently tracking student progress and using that data to help improve student achievement is a key strategy of Seattle Public Schools’ strategic plan, Excellence for All.

Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to ensure an excellent education for your child. For more information about MAP, including resources for parents and guardians, you may download the Parent Toolkit at www.nwea.org >> Students & Parents.  Please also feel free to ask me, or your child’s teacher, about MAP.

Sincerely

Kim Whitworth,

Principal

Families,
Eckstein students will be dismissed at 12:35 on the following days this school year for teacher Professional Development.
September 29, 30
October 27, 28
February 2, 3
March 2, 3
May 19

Students interested in playing Ultimate Frisbee can sign up during lunch this week. Practices begin on Friday and will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the season. Competitions will be held on Saturday. Students need to have a physical, blue clearance card and release form turned into Ms. Watters before practicing.

Families,

Please note that the date on which student photos will be taken has changed to 09/21.  The photo materials you will receive indicate 09/22  as picture day.  That is no longer correct.  Next Monday, 09/21 is the day.

Please see the attached PDF for further information.

Eckstein Middle School Picture Info

Thanks.

Hello families,

The following letter was sent to your homes last week.  Thanks and I hope you can make it.

RE: 8^th Grade Night 09/22/2009 @ 6:30pm Eckstein Auditorium

Dear Families,

Hello and welcome back!  I hope your summers have gone well and that you are excited for your final year with us at Eckstein.

As your student enters adolescence, s/he is confronted with a world of possibilities.  While the majority of those possibilities are constructive, promoting growth and learning, others are more harmful.  With their march toward adulthood, more and more doors will open to what are traditionally thought of as adult experiences and, unfortunately, some of those experiences include the use of drugs and alcohol.

With that, I would like to invite both you and your student to attend an 8^th Grade Parent/Guardian/Student night at Eckstein which will take place on 09/22/2009 at 6:30pm in the auditorium.  Inga Manskopf, Community Coordinator for the NE Seattle Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, Jeffrey Thaxton, Eckstein’s Prevention/Intervention Specialist and I will present information and data about use and abuse among Northeast Seattle middle and high school students.  Our keynote speaker is Kevin Haggerty, Assistant Director of the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington.  He will provide families with resources and information about how to help you and your student negotiate these years.  Finally, community groups and organizations that specialize in providing families support as they raise a healthy teen will be available to speak to you as well. 

The agenda for the evening is as follows:

6:30 – 7:00 – Resource Fair (Opportunity to speak with representatives of community groups)

7:00 – 7:30 – Data Presentation by Chris Cronas & Inga Manskopf

7:30 – 8:00 – Kevin Haggerty

8:00 – 8:15 – Q&A Session

8:15 – 8:30 – Jeffrey Thaxton, Eckstein Counselors

8:30 – 9:00 – Resource Fair (Continued)

Child care will be provided for this event free of charge.  Thank you and I encourage you to join us.

Regards,

Chris Cronas

8^th Grade House Administrator

Assistant Principal

Eckstein Middle School

Girls soccer tryouts will be this coming Monday and Tuesday, the 14th and 15th of September from 2:45-4:15. You must have your completed physical form turned in before participating! Get ready to have fun! Contact Coach Kenyon with questions: sakenyon@seattleschools.org

The Eckstein Athletics page has been updated. Please check here for forms to download and when practices start. http://ecksteineagles.org/sports