School News

I’d like to start by congratulating our 3rd-grade students for creating an amazing final product for their Journey Project.  On Thursday night the video debuted at the final PTA meeting.  The script writing, acting, set design, and research made for a wonderful culminating event.  I invite you to check it out.

While on the topic of Journey School I wanted to ask you a favor for this week.  Could you please take a survey by Friday to let us know you and your child’s knowledge about Randolph Journey School?  Here is the survey link.  I’ll send home a paper copy on Monday as well.  If you need a little more information you can use this link to read more.  Thank you!

A note from the cafeteria.  Students will no longer be able to borrow money to buy meals.  Usually, we allow students to purchase meals up to a negative $10.  As we are at the end the year we need lunch accounts to be paid off.  Your child will be given a sandwich if their account is below zero.  Please make sure your lunch accounts have the right amount of money to cover the final days of school.  Positive balances will carry over into next year.  This is true for 5th graders going to 6th grade as well.

Final box tops are due tomorrow, Monday, May 21st.  This year we brought in hundreds of dollars worth of box tops that allow us to purchase supplies for the school.  Thank you for taking the time to cut, count and send them it.  Thank you to Tracy Cronin and the group of volunteers that help coordinate this great fundraiser.

Looking at the calendar this week.  On Monday 5th grade will take the final schedule SOL Science test.  The rest of the week will be used for makeup and retake tests.  The Goochland Public Library visits on Wednesday to invite students to reward the students that signed up for the summer reading program.  Hopefully, most of you sent back that paperwork.  iPad collection is on Thursday.  Make sure the iPad and all of the iPad accessories come in on that day.  Friday is the 3rd grade field trip to Tredegar.

• STEM camp is still accepting registrations.  It will run from June 18-22 and registration is now open.  Here is a link to the form.
• There is no school on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th.
• Field Day is on the 30th (look soon for signing up to help), 5th grade graduation on the 31st at 8:30am, Kindergarten celebration at 1:30pm, 1/2 awards on June 1st at 8:30am and 3/4 awards at 1:30pm.

My wife was just telling me of a conversation she had with another family – saying May is the new December.  Sports are in full swing, yard work is taking off, summer plans are in the making and award ceremonies are taking over the calendar.  It is certainly a very busy time and I hope you’ve found a few peaceful moments to breathe as a family.  Of course – that’s hard too with all the pollen in the air!

Students did a great job with the Journey Compass Values of Focus and Dedication when completing SOL testing this past week.  Scores will be shared in paper form after each grade level completes testing.  Some families have been contacted about retakes and remediation.  The state gives some students a second go if they were close to the passing mark.  Speaking of the passing mark, many families have asked if the SOL tests determine advancement to the next grade.  They do not.  We appreciate students doing their best as it does give us a snapshot of how learning and teaching has gone throughout this year.  But we do not wish to cause more stress if a child falls short of the 400 point mark.

This week we will be testing students on math.  5th is on Tuesday, 3rd is on Wednesday, and 4th is on Thursday.  Other items on the calendar include a Shenandoah Trip for 5th grade, with half on Thursday and half on Friday.  Thursday night at 6:30pm is our PTA meeting.  Third Grade will take us on a Journey to the Ancient World and then we’ll all meet outside for some Kona Ice!  And on Friday our First graders will go to visit Goochland Tech and see what amazing things our high schoolers are learning.

Looking further out:

• STEM camp is still accepting registrations.  It will run from June 18-22 and registration is now open.  Here is a link to the form.
• 5th graders will have a final science SOL test on Monday, May 21st.  Retakes and makeups go throughout next week.
• iPad collection, including charging cords/blocks, Kajeet wifi devices, and cases is on May 24th.
• Third grade travels to Tredegar on Friday, May 25th
• There is no school on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th.
• Then we’ve got Field Day on the 30th (look soon for signing up to help), 5th grade graduation on the 31st at 8:30am , Kindergarten celebration at 1:30pm , 1/2 awards on June 1st at 8:30am and 3/4 awards at 1:30pm.

Like I said – May is the new December.  Crazy busyness.  Have a great week!