HBC PARENT CONNECTION
Friday, March 31, 2023
H-BC Elementary Families:
Another great week at H-BC Elementary School! Students are really getting into the swing of things with two full five day weeks under their belts! Good stuff! Congratulations to the H-BC Class of 2036 and their successful KINDERGARTEN Roundup that occurred today. It is so great to see their excitement to go to school!
It’s important to remember that when we return to school the week of April 10th that we will begin our MCA testing for Grades 3-5. Thank you to the H-BC Elementary PTO for sponsoring breakfast and snacks for students. The students will be working so hard on doing well on the MCA Tests. We all want them to have food in their tummies and be able to focus on the tests! We encourage all to do their best! Ready or not, here comes April!
Thank you to all who came out for the Bond Referendum Public Informational meetings. The tours and Q & A helped answer many questions. Make sure to be an informed voter.
The H-BC Board of Education has land under contract for purchase. The proposed new Elementary School location is in Beaver Creek on the golf course driving range and the old hole number 9. Here are photos of the possibilities!
BOND REFERENDUM VOTE: Please read this brochure regarding the upcoming Bond Referendum Vote scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Bond Referendum Brochure
Information can be found on the District's Website www.hbcpatriots.com
Please reach out to me with questions. email: t.holthaus@isd671.net or phone 507-962-3240
x1102
APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: Read the H-BC April newsletter here
Remember:
NO SCHOOL Friday, April 7.
School Makeup DAY- School is now in Session on: Monday, April 10!
4TH QUARTER IS UNDERWAY: Monday, March 27th marked the first day of our 4th Quarter. Student report cards were emailed this week. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
KINDERGARTEN & LITTLE PATRIOT ACADEMY REGISTRATION: Thank you to all who came to our registration events. If you missed registration, please call the office.
DENTAL SERVICES: See the link here for Dental Services in Rock & Nobles Counties
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION: Our ECFE Program is a great way for parents to spend quality time with their child. Children ages 0-5 are welcome to H-BC Elementary School each month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates: April 4 and April 18. Please contact m.ellingson@isd671.net with any questions.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE: PEAC - Patriot Enrichment After School Care is available for “regulars” and “drop-ins”. Call the office or email Mrs. Voss for more information: t.voss@isd671.net
AM BUS CHANGES: For morning bus changes please call the HBC bus line--make sure to identify your student and the bus number they are riding: 507-962-3240
23-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR: Please use this Board approved 3/27/23 Calendar. There was one change to the dates in November for the Elementary P/T Conferences. Longer days and 168 instead of 174 student days. Here is the link to the 23-24 School calendar. https://5il.co/1rfim
Mark Your Calendar:
Friday, April 7, 2023 - No School
Monday, April 10, 2023 - School IS IN SESSION
Week of April 10 MCA Reading Testing Grades 3-5
Tuesday, April 11, 2023- Bond Referendum Vote- 7 am to 8 pm
Week of April 17 MCA Math Testing Grades 3-5
Week of April 24 MCA Science Testing Grade 5
Friday, April 28 Early Dismissal- Staff Development
Wednesday, May 10 Early Dismissal- Staff Development
Friday, May 19 - Puppy Relays - Details to come
Please reach out to me if you have any needs. Phone- 507-673-2541 or t.holthaus@isd671.net
MCA Statewide Assessments Dear Families,
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires that statewide assessments are annually administered in reading, mathematics, and science. They are designed to provide the state, districts, and schools with a snapshot of student learning of the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards.
When will HBC Students take the MCA Tests? What Grades will take the MCA Tests?
MCA Reading - (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 10th) - Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th
MCA Math - (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th) - Tuesday, April 18th and Wednesday, April 19th
MCA Science - (5th, 8th and 10th) - Tuesday, April 25th or Wednesday, April 26th
What are the MCA Tests? The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are reading, mathematics, and science standards-based assessments that measure student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards. These assessments are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet the MTAS eligibility requirements may take the MTAS instead.
Why do we give these assessments? MCA results provide valuable information for the school, district and MDE about how well students have learned concepts and skills from the academic standards. Educators and schools can use the results to plan instruction and evaluate their curriculum. Families can also use the results as one way to measure how students are doing on the content that is part of their daily instruction. School- and district-level test results are used in federal and state accountability measurements.
How are the MCA administered? The MCAs must be taken in person, even if your student is enrolled in an online program. For students temporarily learning online, they will take statewide assessments when they return to school. Your school can provide more specific information about the health and safety measures they are taking to ensure students and staff stay safe and healthy during test administration. Most students take the MCA online, but some eligible students take the assessment in a paper test book instead. For the MTAS, teachers work with each student individually using paper test materials.
How can I get more information? Contact your school for more information on how these test results are used to support your student’s learning. The MCA and MTAS Parent Fact Sheets are available on the MDE website (under Students and Families > Programs and Initiatives > Statewide Testing) in several languages.
If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Kellenberger, District Assessment Coordinator - a.kellenberger@isd671.net
Spring Assessments Coming Soon (Repeat)- Spring Testing is an important time to check progress for our students. As we get closer to April, we will enter the Spring Assessment season. Please click this LINK to see our HBC Assessment Calendar. This will give you an idea when each assessment is scheduled for ACTs, MCAs and NWEAs.
