April 27, 2012

Dear Families,

Something exciting is happening here at Phalen Lake Hmong Studies Magnet.  There was an air of confidence that filled the school during the MCA testing sessions.  Your assistance and encouragement in getting our children ready each day clearly contributed to their success!  Also, our fifth and sixth grade classes have had perfect attendance during testing!   

Last Monday we set up the testing environment for the school with a student rally.  Parents, staff, and students worked together and created a high-energy program, sharing ideas on how to “do your best on the test!”  It was a great event. 

Students completed the reading tests last week.  This week we are finishing up with the math tests.  Next week our fifth grade students will take the state science test. A parent shared with me that she asked her fifth grade son how the test went.  He confidently told his mom, “I did my best.   My teacher taught me how to use all kinds of strategies and I used them on the test.  I worked hard.  It will be O.K., my teacher taught me what I need to know.” This is the level of confidence and effort we saw from all our students.  Our students clearly demonstrated an understanding of the importance of working hard, staying focused, and using what they know to solve challenging problems.  Your children are amazing!

Finally, spring is a very busy time at Phalen.  We have six weeks of learning left for this school year!  In addition to our daily curriculum, your children will have opportunities to participate in artist residencies, Starbase, various field trips, the Creativity Fair, Pre K-K Core Knowledge event, Carnival, and Talent Show.  We expect that our students will continue to be positive, productive learners, respectfully interacting with peers and adults, as they put forward their best effort daily. 

I look forward to visiting with you at all our upcoming events!  Please contact me any time at 651-293-8935.

Respectfully,

Catherine Rich,

Principal