Principal's Letter

Dear All Saints Families, 

This week begins preparation for the IOWA testing in grades two through eight. Classes will be completing practice tests and review test taking skills. The IOWA is very different than the MAP's because all students receive the same questions, it is timed, and students may go back to review questions and answers within a given subject area. The IOWA is a mandatory standardized test through the Diocese and Southeastern Province. It is one more piece of information to view student and class growth as well as the school's educational rigor in compared to other private schools in the nation. However, like the MAP's I tell parents it is one data point in the numerous other formative and summative assessments that are completed. Actual testing will begin next Monday, March 5th. Testing should finish within 5-7 school days and then make-ups must be scheduled. It is critical we have our students rested and ready to go in the next few weeks. Starting next week, there will be no homework or tests in grades two through eight for that week only. Please do not take any holidays during this time as it is critical your child take this test in a scheduled and appropriately paced manner. If your child is sick, there will be make-up days as explained. Eating, sleeping, and staying to schedules have proven to aid in success of these tests. As teachers will allow snacks during given breaks of testing, please ensure your student has a healthy, high protein snack.

This week we will hold a MAP's information seminar on Wednesday, February 28th in the Media Center beginning at 6:00 PM. Mrs. Jenny Uible, Curriculum Specialist, will be leading most of the meeting. We will be videotaping the meeting. However, those in attendance will be able to ask more detailed questions. If you wish to bring your child's reports for further assistance, please do so you may refer to your numbers.

We continue to actively work on the safety of your children. I am happy to report that the memorandum Governor Rick Scott issued on ways to improve Florida school safety mentions so many things the Diocese has already initiated. Each school has had a full safety and security inspection. A large account was set up for schools to receive funding to correct safety issues at each school. The only issue All Saints had was securing the front office. We received a grant from the Diocese to improve our front office and we went through several designs that were modified by the City of Jupiter and the Palm Beach Fire Marshal. Finally, we are ready to begin those changes. Thank you for the numerous kind words from many parents in support of our safety measures we hold dear at All Saints Catholic School.

Thank you for the numerous suggestions regarding ways schools have helped show support of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. Many of the projects have come from middle or high schools. We have students from Pre-K 4 through 8th grades which puts us in a difficult situation. Because of the young age of many of our students, we have not brought any details of this horrific act into our school. I know many of our parents have respected this. We have concentrated on helping our children feel safe. When we pray at school, we pray for the students of the school, not the "victims" or "dead" students. Our wording has been very careful. Of course, we have allowed middle school students to express their concerns as they have heard much more. Middle school students have made cards and banners for the school which will be mailed this week. We will be having a donut sale this Friday for all the families, teachers, and students of the high school to help them. Our purpose will be vague, but supportive. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for the entire MSD community.

Spring season sports begins this week with tryouts for girls' softball, boys' baseball, girls' lacrosse, and boys' lacrosse. We are really struggling to find coaches within our staff and families for our sports. One of the many concerns expressed by our coaches is the very negative feedback they receive from parents during the given season. Please realize our coaches are volunteers and they give so graciously of their time and love of children. We may not agree with all that a coach does, but we must respect the position. We must model to our children that there are different ways of coaching and seeing situations and a conversation may happen, but one that must be respectful and meaningful. An adult steps up to coach a sport for the love of that sport and children. They truly try to raise the ability of every athlete on the team. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Jill Broz

Helping Hands:

THANK YOU TO OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS!