Being "intentional"

There is a lot of conversation in education recently about the importance of being intentional...with instruction, with student data, with researched-based teaching strategies. As educators, we do want to make a lasting impact on the lives of students by using time wisely and by providing instruction that targets what students need most. Every teacher I know is concerned about the learning process and academic growth for their students! At ECS, teachers are committed to providing instruction that connects learning to real life experiences and to encouraging students to take ownership of their learning progress.

It is just as important, though, to be intentional about training and challenging students (and ourselves) to develop character qualities that allow us to impact the world for good. Recently at a school basketball game, ECS invited kindergarten families to attend as featured guests. During a conversation, one of the kindergarten "dads" was talking about his daughter and said that because of her outgoing personality and determined spirit, he knew he had to purposefully "lead" as a parent, so her character would be shaped to use those qualities in a positive way.

With Christmas just weeks away, what would it be like if we challenged our children to develop the character quality of being generous to others? As adults, we have to be intentional to do that by example! Currently at ECS, our faculty and staff are working in teams, each team with $100 "seed money" to grow and use to bless others. The students are involved and are more excited about giving right now than about parties or programs or even snow! These projects will allow us to bless people and groups here in Evansville, around the country, and even around the world. Most exciting is the additional benefit of training students to see and be involved in the needs of others. These students know that they don't have to wait until they are adults to change the world...they are doing it today, by learning to be generous!

ECS Achieves "Exemplary Rating" Once Again!

Congratulations ECS faculty, staff, parents, and students for achieving "exemplary progress" under Indiana Department of Education's PL221 accountability measure. ISTEP scores are the key measure in determining a school's placement, and the more progress a school makes in a year, the higher its category placement.

Evansville Christian School strives to provide rigorous academic opportunities for all students, uses data from classroom assessments and formal assessments such as Acuity to plan instruction, and differentiates instruction for learners to allow students to achieve their best in a positive learning environment.

We are thankful for a committed faculty and staff, supportive parents, and hard-working students!

ECS Will Sponsor a Food Drive

I recently saw a picture of the shelves of the food pantry at the Evansville Christian Life Center. At the time of that picture, a few days ago, the shelves were empty! My heart ached for those who depend on this assistance.

ECS will sponsor a food drive from Tuesday, September 7 through Tuesday, September 14. We are asking students to bring in canned or boxed food items to their homeroom. September 15 is service day in the Intermediate/Middle School, and the team serving at the Life Center will collect and take the contributions.

We serve an amazing God who blesses us with all we need, and this is a chance to be His Hands to our community!

Great Start to the 2010-2011 School Year!

What a great start we have had to the new school year! Welcome back to all returning students and families, and a huge WELCOME to students and families who are new to ECS this year. A new school year is an opportunity for a fresh start - establishing great study habits, meeting new friends, and growing stronger in our faith! As elementary principal, it is a joy to see the fresh faces of kindergarten students excited about school, and just as rewarding to see last year's 4th graders moving into Intermediate School this year and loving their new schedules.

I think I have the best job there is! I get to work with talented professionals (our ECS faculty) who love God and integrate biblical principles into rigorous academics, enjoy time with our amazing ECS students at four campuses, and partner with our wonderfully supportive parents to educate children.

Our PTF has two fun events coming up: September 14 is ECS' Hacienda "give back" Fiesta night at the Greenriver Road Hacienda. A portion of sales from carryout, dining in, or gift cards that day with a coupon (to be sent home with students) will be donated to ECS. You won't want to miss the annual Fall Family Fun Night on October 1 at the East Campus. I hear there will be a dunking booth at that event, and I have it on good authority that I will be in it! In fact, there are a lot of 1st graders already telling me that they plan to "dunk" me at FFFN!

Let's make this the best year ever at ECS!

Wrapping up the school year!

ECS has enjoyed another great school year! Thank you faculty, staff, parents, and students for contributing to a positive environment where learning is a joy. Please enjoy "Mrs. Masterson's Summer Message" and the good advice from these awesome ECS elementary students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65DJ9Qrwx8o

Parents of 3rd-8th graders: Remember to use the letter mailed to you earlier this month to connect to the Parent Network for viewing your student's ISTEP+ scores beginning June 3. Contact the school office if you need assistance.

Teachers will be working throughout the summer on tiered lessons, a vertical math plan for K-8, a literacy plan for K-3, and technology inclusions, as well as attending the Differentiated Instruction conference in Chicago. Pray for them as they work and plan together.

Enjoy fun and restful summer! See you in August for another amazing school year!-

Indiana Parent Network Information

ECS students have completed Terra Nova and ISTEP+ testing for Spring 2010. We are so proud of our students for their diligent work and great effort during testing week!

During the week of May 10, the school office will be mailing a personalized Indiana Parent Network letter to parents of students in 3rd through 8th grades, which will allow parents access to their students' ISTEP+ data for Spring 2010. Each letter has a unique Invitation Code parents can use to create a personal account to track their children's results year after year. Parents also have access to personalized resources and engaging activities. Student results will be available for ISTEP+ in June 2010, and parents can access the website at www.inParentNetwork.com . The website provides technical support and a FAQ sheet about the Parent Network. ECS will not be mailing ISTEP results when they are returned, since this network allows parents to see their child's report. Parents who do not have access to their child's report, however, may come to the East Campus school office in June to request a copy.

1st and 2nd grades students took the Terra Nova achievement test, and their test scores will be mailed to parents at the end of May.

Terra Nova and ISTEP+ Testing April 27-30

The great spring weather means we are counting down the final weeks of the 2009-2010 school year! Here is a friendly reminder that the Terra Nova testing for 1st and 2nd grades, and ISTEP+ testing for 3rd-8th grades are coming up soon. Mark your calendars for April 27-30, and help your child be "test ready" by watching this little video message from me, as I prepare materials for testing week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8G-vatvsgE

ISTEP Testing

During the week of March 1-5, 3rd through 8th grade students will take the Applied Skills portion of the ISTEP test. This is the first ISTEP window for this spring. All 3rd-8th grade students will be testing each morning, and some grade levels will also be testing after lunch periods. It is especially important for students to arrive to school on time. Also, please reschedule any appointments that would cause students to miss school during this week. As always, we appreciate your prayers for our ECS students.

Thank you third grade

I have to admit that I have been busy and have neglected my ECS blog. Today I had 47 comments from ECS third grade students, who told me how their school year was going so far. Thank you third graders for reminding me what a wonderful school we have at ECS! As you talked about your amazing teachers, all the activities you participate in, what you are learning in class, how thankful you are for your school, and how much you enjoy your friends I was impressed again by the academic and extra-curricular opportunities students have at Evansville Christian School. Your comments made my day!

Recently I was reading about the importance of building a culture of leadership within our students. The "7 Habits" in kids' language look like this:

Habit 1, Be Proactive: I am a responsible person; I take initiative; I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions, and I do the right thing without being asked, even if no one is looking.

Habit 2, Begin with the end in mind: I plan ahead, set goals, and do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my schools' mission and vision.

Habit 3, Put first things first: I spend my time on things that are most important, which means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and achieve my goals. I am disciplined and well-organized.

Habit 4, Think win-win: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others' emotional bank accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for alternatives. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 5, Seek first to understand, then to be understood: I listen to other people's ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints, I listen to others without interrupting, I am confident in voicing my ideas, and I look people in the eyes when talking.

Habit 6, Synergize: I value other people's strengths and learn from them. I work well in groups, even with people who are different from me. I seek out other people's ideas to solve problems, because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us can alone. I am humble.

Habit 7, Sharpen the saw: I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with my family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.

I see many of these leadership qualities being developed within ECS students at every grade level as a result of incorporating a biblical worldview, teaching good study habits, and implementing effective classroom procedures.

ECS third through eighth grade students will be participating in the third Acuity testing window the weeks of February 15-26 (school is in session on February 15, Presidents' Day as a snow makeup day). The ISTEP Writing Assessment will be during the first week of March.