BIG RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5210 Cassandra Smith Rd.
Hixson, TN 37343
(423) 843-4793
Letter from our Principal, Neelie Parker
We are off to a great start for the2011-2012 school year! We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our returning students but we especially welcome our new families to Big Ridge. Our school vision is to equip all students for graduation, work and life. The staff and I would like to thank everyone for a great opening!
So what is new this year? Here are just a few things that you might want to be aware of this year.
New Core Standards:
The state has instituted new core curriculum standards for the 2011-2012 school year. I have had several people ask me about changes that may be taking place. Many changes are because the state has mandated new standards and they are different in many ways. The state plan is to implement the new National Core standards this year in grades K-2and then they will phase in 3, 4 and 5 by the year 2014. Due to Race to the Top, our state decided to join 44 others states in implementing these National Common Core Standards. This will mean that some of the things that we taught in the past might be a little different. I encourage you to feel free to call the school or ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions about these changes.
You may also visithttp://www.tn.gov/firsttothetop/programs-standards.html for more information.
TCAP Counts for students this year:
Along with the implementation of New Core Standards, the state has decided that during the second semester of school that 15% of the TCAP scores will count as a part of the second semester grades for students in grades 3-5. We will have more information for you as it becomes available from the district and state.
Teacher Evaluations:
Along with the changes mentioned above, the state is also now requiring that TCAP and School Gains Scores otherwise known as TVAAS, be a part of the new teacher evaluation system. Last year the district implemented a new evaluation system for our teachers that requires six visits to a classroom per year. This year the new component is that the TCAP and TVAAS scores will be a part of the evaluation system this year.
These are just a few of the important pieces that I wanted to be sure that you knew about. Race to the Top has created a lot of change in two short years. Big Ridge is moving, growing and excelling. Our TCAP scores increased last year and we are moving forward. Thank you in advance for all your help this year. With the wonderful team of educators at Big Ridge we will keep the long standing tradition of excellence in the Hixson Community!
Neelie Parker
Big Ridge Elementary
5210 Cassandra Smith Road
Hixson, TN 37343
Phone- 423-843-4793
Fax- 423-843-4794
Letter from our 2011-2012 PTA President,
Laura Rocha
Welcome to what is sure to be another outstanding year at Big Ridge Elementary School! Last year, our PTA was able to accomplish some great things, such as funding the Art Program and starting an inspirational wall mural along the halls in the front entrance of our school. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to stop by and take a look at this welcoming addition to our space.
This year, we will continue supporting our goals of:
· Funding the Art Program
· Enhancing our Big Ridge Leveled Reading Library
· Continuing Technology Enhancements
We will also continue to focus on getting funds to support our improvements through monetary donations by Big Ridge supporters. We will do this through the continuation of our “Bulldog Benefactor” program, in which families will have an opportunity to provide a family donation and reach out to businesses for their support. With enough participation, our goals can be met primarily through the Bulldog Benefactor Program and a few smaller-scale PTA fundraisers.
Additionally, we know that volunteerism is what supports the day-to-day needs of our students. I encourage all parents and family members to volunteer at some point during the school year. Everyone has talents, and I challenge you to find out where you can share your talents at our school. There is always something to do and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you enjoy it!
I know that the partnership between the Big Ridge Staff, Big Ridge PTA, and Big Ridge Families will make this school year an amazing one for all of our Big Ridge Bulldogs!
Sincerely,
Laura Rocha
Big Ridge Elementary PTA President (therealrochas@yahoo.com)
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