Kindergarten Registration Information 2015-2016

Trailblazers,
Here is a post from earlier regarding Kindergarten registration.  It's time to get your little ones officially registered for school for the 2015-2016 year!  Please call the school with any questions. :) Mrs. Graf



It's hard to believe but we are planning for the next school year already. Wcpss will be kicking off registration for all rising Kindergarteners on January 15, 2015. If you have a child to register for school please join us on January 15th and 16th anytime between 9:30-3:00 p.m.  Ms. Smith, our Data Manager will be the point of contact for registration. More details to come soon.  I can't wait to meet our new Trailblazers! Mrs. Graf

More Information for Parents regarding KidBiz 3000 Reading Program

Trailblazers,
Here is a link to the parent page about the Achieve 3000/Kidbiz reading program all students in Grades 2-5 have accounts for here at Banks.  Students can access this program at home!  Click here to find out more:  Achieve 300 parent portal

Questions?  Ms. Moore is our Teacher Contact for this reading program.  Her contact information is dmoore4@wcpss.net.

Happy Reading, Mrs. Graf

Reading Program for Banks Road Elementary-Parent Information

Trailblazers,

Our students in Grades 2-5 have access to this reading program.  If used consistently your child has the opporunity to deepen their comprehension skills and practice reading strategies they are learning in class.  If you have questions, please contact Ms. Moore at dmoore4@wcpss.net.  She is our Achieve 3000/KidBiz Teacher Contact.  :) Mrs. Graf 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Now your child can improve his or her reading skills at home with the same great technology program we're using in school: KidBiz3000.

Throughout the week, KidBiz3000 sends lessons. Every student in the class gets the same basic lesson, but the content is customized to match each child's own reading level. The lesson comes with a variety of fun activities to improve your child's comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills. As your child's reading level improves, KidBiz will increase the level of difficulty so he/she remains challenged and interested. Doing his or her best on the activities will ensure the best match between your child's ability and the content delivered. It is also important that your child's answers to the questions reflect work completed independently and without extra assistance.

Students use this program in class, but you can also share in the fun at home - or anywhere a computer is connected to the Internet. Here's how:

1. Log on tohttp://login.achieve3000.com
2. Encourage your child to follow these five easy steps:

Step 1:Respond to the Before Reading Poll.
Step 2:Read the Article.
Step 3: Do the Activity Questions.
Step 4:Respond to the After Reading Poll.
Step 5:Answer the Thought Question.

3. Explore other KidBiz features, including other articles, the Stock Market game, puzzles, and more.

We hope you enjoy exploring KidBiz with your child.

Student Council Update

Student Council would like to thank all who participated in the food drive.  It was a great success! We would also like to wish you a happy and safe holiday break.  We will see you in January!

-President Jacob Sinnott

Change in BIG Spelling Bee Date

Trailblazers,
There has been in a change of date for the BRES School Wide Spelling Bee, better known as the "Big Bee."  Our Big Bee will be held on January 21st at 1:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room.  This change was made due to the winner submission deadline for the regional spelling bee.  Ms. Foxworth is the spelling bee contact.  If you have questions about spelling words, the classroom bees or our big bee, please feel to contact her at sfoxworth@wcpss.net.  Thank you.

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf

Calling on our Trailblazer Dads Group...

Trailblazers, 

I have noticed our front area off of Banks looking pretty shabby. The fall foliage is piling up by the turnabout and there is some trash that must have blown in. This is certainly not the first impression we want to give about our campus! Please join me on December 1st at 5:00 before our Movie Night to clean up this area.  I would appreciate it! If you have another time that would work for you please let me know. 919-890-7330. Thank you. 

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf 

PTA-Thinking Outside the Box

Our PTA is working hard to support BRES. This dedicated group is brainstorming and thinking outside the box when it comes to fundraising. Their newest support comes in the form of a VIP carpool tag that will save you time by allowing a shortened wait time from January to June. There will be two passes raffled off on December 1st at the annual movie night in the MPR. The proceeds from this raffle will directly support the teacher stipend fund. Our PTA reimburses teachers who spend their own money for classroom items $50 per semester. We all know that teachers often spend their own funds for little things that make their classrooms a home away from home. Our teachers are so appreciative of the support the PTA has provided them thus far.  

Monday, December 1st is Movie Night at Banks. This event has become a tradition at BRES. Students may wear their school appropriate pj's and settle in on a blanket in the multipurpose room for a holiday movie. Our PTA has organized parent vendors who will be on hand to support your holiday shopping. Families are welcome to bring dinner to enjoy during the movie or there will be a food truck on hand if you want to skip cooking and order from Stuffed!

Additionally the PTA is holding its first Parents Night Out. They will show a movie and provide activities for your child to participate in while you...go out! PNO will be on December 5th. Please see the PTA website for details. 

The Staff and I are thankful for a PTA who is working hard and thinking outside the box to support and strengthen our school. 

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf 

Kindergarten Registration for 2015-2016

Trailblazers,
Here is a post from earlier regarding Kindergarten registration.  It's time to get your little ones officially registered for school for the 2015-2016 year!  Please call the school with any questions.



It's hard to believe but we are planning for the next school year already. Wcpss will be kicking off registration for all rising Kindergarteners on January 15, 2015. If you have a child to register for school please join us on January 15th and 16th anytime between 9:30-3:00 p.m.  Ms. Smith, our Data Manager will be the point of contact for registration. More details to come soon.  I can't wait to meet our new Trailblazers! Mrs. Graf

Student Council Update

Student Council is beginning a food drive to support Interfaith and our school community.  It will begin on Monday, November 24th and end on December 15th.  Please consider sending in a nonperishable food item such as food cans, dry food bags, etc.  Please contact Student Council at ksinnott@wcpss.net with any questions.

From our PTA

Here is information about upcoming projects from our PTA...

For those interested in submitting art for Reflections…deadline to submit is November 10th to the front office. 

Preview attachment 2014-Reflections_General-Flier_v3.pdf2014-Reflections_General-Flier_v3.pdf1.2 MB

Preview attachment Arts-in-Education-Flyer-ENG.pdfArts-in-Education-Flyer-ENG.pdf895 KB

1/12/14  Moonlight Reading Night and Assaggio's dinner.  Dinner is $3 per person and it includes 2 slices of pizza, salad, and a breadstick.  What a deal!  The book fair is not a PTA event, but we help to provide a low cost dinner for families on this night.  All money raised goes to the media center to replace old/worn books.  We are still looking for help serving dinner.  Please follow the link below if available.

http://www3.signupgenius.com/mobile/index.cfm?action=signups.signup&sugToken=42D1B5A69FA986111F0514002AC795C8F4DAED01A3308B8457B0C8CA0706049AC2C30B8E

The present drive has started.  Please consider sponsoring a child in our school and bring joy to them during the holidays.  Please download the form and return to the front office if interested. An angel ornament will be given to those who sponsor.  Thank you for your kindness.

Preview attachment Present_Drive_2014_2.docPresent_Drive_2014_2.doc186 KB

Save the date for December 1…Holiday Movie Night.  We will be showing Home Alone rated PG.  This will be an event NOT to miss.  A parent will need to stay with their child.  Free bag of popcorn and a drink will be provided.  

Dec. 19th we will be collecting desserts for the holiday staff luncheon.  Please look for a sign-up coming soon.  

Don't forget spirit wear is ON SALE!!!  Details in the newsletter. 

PTA Present Drive Sponsor Form Link

Trailblazers,
Here is the link to the PTA present drive sponsor form.  Please contact the PTA via their website or call the school with any questions.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

PTA Present Drive Sponsor Form

It's time for our PTA Holiday Gift Drive!

It's time for our annual BRES Present Drive!

Would you like to bring joy and happiness into the lives
 of some BRES students and their families?
If so, please print and fill out a sponsor form on the PTA website and return it to your child's teacher by Friday, November 14th.

Forms may be found on the school/PTA website or
 in the front office of the school.

The PTA is coordinating this holiday program
 and will contact you with details.

Thank you so much for your kindness!!

Project Speak Up at BRES!

Trailblazers,

Banks Road Elementary is partnering with Project Tomorrow SpeakUp, an online survey for teachers, parents, students and community supporters to provide input around learning, and specifically the use of technology in our school. We want to hear from you so we can provide our students with the best instruction possible. Please take a few moments to complete the survey by visiting our homepage and clicking on the Project Tomorrow SpeakUp survey
button or click here:       Project Speak Up Survey Link  Students taking the survey will need a password, which is wake2014.

Please call the school with any questions about this at 919-890-7333.

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

Writing Contest Information from WCPSS Blog

Student writing/arts contest for NC schools’ 175th

WCPSS students are invited to participate in the 175th anniversary of the opening of the first public school in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA) is hosting an essay, poster and video contest to help celebrate the 175th anniversary of the opening of the first public school in the state.

Cash prizes will be awarded, with 1st place receiving $500, 2nd place $250 and 3rd place $100. The first place winner will be honored at the 175 anniversary celebration January 20, 2015 in Reidsville.

There is a poster contest for elementary students, an essay contest for middle school students and a video contest for high school students.

Visit http://www.everychildschancenc.net/contests.html for details about each contest and how to enter.

BRES is a polling place on November 4th

Trailblazers,

Just a reminder that BRES is a polling station for Wake County.  Polling will occur in the Multipurpose Room.  Community members will enter BRES through the MPR doors and are not permitted access to the building through the MPR.  All visitors that day should follow security procedures and enter through the main front doors of our school and check in at the Front Office for guidance and access to the building.

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

Information regarding Magnet Programs Fair

Trailblazers,
The school assignment process is few short weeks away.  Here is information regarding the upcoming Magnet and Early College Fair on Saturday, November 1st.  Please read below.  
Thank you, Mrs. Graf 


"The Office of Magnet Programs is hosting its annual Magnet and Early College Fair on Saturday, November 1 at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High Schools 9am - 12pm. 5th and 8th grade families are encouraged to attend to explore their magnet middle and high school options.  All early colleges including the new Vernon Malone College and Career Academy will also be in attendance. There will be staff and parents who can answer questions along with school tour schedules. For more information call the Office of Magnet Programs"

Cold and Flu Information

Trailblazers,
It's the cold and flu season.  We are having students with headaches, sore throats and coughs!  We will make it through it, we always do.  Here is some information that is posted on the WCPSS blog that you may find helpful this cold and flu season.  -My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

http://www.wcpss.net/blog/2014/10/prevention-tips-for-cold-and-flu-season/

Cold and Flu Information

Reminder about Early Release this Friday

Trailblazers,

Just a reminder that this Friday, October 17th is an Early Release Day.  BRES will begin dismissal at 1:15 p.m. for both bus and carpool students.  Staff will participate in a training on differentiation in the Media Center so it is important that all carpool students be picked up on time.

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

Chnage in Lunch Menu for Thursday and Friday

Trailblazers,
There will be a change in the lunch menu at BRES.  Please take note.  -Mrs. Graf

Thursday's menu: Spaghetti and Pizza 
Friday's menu:  Chicken Sandwich and Pork BBQ Sandwich

Volunteer Program-- Programs Closes to Mondays at the end of the Month

Trailblazers,

We have great volunteers at Banks and want to continue to have our parents and community stakeholders in our building and classrooms supporting students.  In order to volunteer in our school, each person must go through the volunteer registration and reactivation process.  Please see the information below regarding this process.  Please call the school with any questions regarding reactivating your volunteer status or completing the initial volunteering process.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf 

Reactivation for Continuing Volunteers 

• All continuing volunteers approved for the 2013-2014 school year MUST reactivate as a volunteer no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2014. Volunteers may go to any WCPSS site and register through the intranet. Access to the volunteer system is: WCPSS Intranet – Business Applications – Volunteer Registration. 

• After October 31, 2014, individuals previously approved may not volunteer without a new criminal record check. To avoid unnecessary costs to the school system,  continuing volunteers are encouraged to reactivate early in the school year – and no later than October 31, 2013. 

• The volunteer system will be open daily for reactivation/registration from July 1, 2014, through October 31, 2014 for 24 hours a day. 

• From November 3, 2014, through May 18, 2014, the volunteer system will be open on Mondays only, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, during this time period, the volunteer system will be closed on the following Mondays: November 10, 2014, December 22, 2014, December 29, 2014, and January 19, 2015.

The book fair is coming...

Trailblazers,

I love the book fair.  It is something that I definitely remember from elementary school...seeing the books on display, creating my "wish list" and then that wonderful moment when I selected a new book to purchase...did I mention that I love to read???

Our BRES Book Fair is coming.  Here is information from our wonderful Media Center Coordinator, Ms. McCool.   Questions?? Please call the Office at 919-890-7333.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

Our Scholastic Book Fair is quickly approaching! Please check out my blog-post at http://banksroadmedia.weebly.com/mrs-mccools-blog to learn more about this fall's Scholastic Book Fair. More information regarding the book fair will be coming home with track 3 students during the week of October 13th and with tracks 1, 2, & 4 students during the week of October 20th. 

Welcome to BRES!

Trailblazers,
We are happy to announce a new addition to our staff, Ms. Juliana Stalker.  Ms. Stalker is now a part of our special education department here at BRES.  Below is a welcome letter from Ms. Stalker.

~ Mrs. Graf

Dear Trailblazer Family,

It is my absolute pleasure and honor to introduce myself as your new Track 1 Special Education Teacher!  My name is Mrs. Julianna Stalker, and I cannot wait to join in on all the excitement and energy here at Banks Road Elementary.  I look forward to working with you and the entire BRES team to make this 2014-2015 school year a successful and memorable one for our students. 

Here is a little about myself:  I grew up in the beautiful hills and farm country of central Pennsylvania.  I attended Bloomsburg University of PA, studying Elementary and Special Education.  Since graduation I have worked at both the elementary and secondary levels teaching Special Education. My husband was recently offered a job in Raleigh, and so this summer we made the long move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. We both like North Carolina immensely!  In our free time we enjoy walks around the beautiful lakes in the area, books, the game Boggle, and guitar, as well as making and then eating really good food!

I look forward to partnering with you all, and I am confident that together we can provide the support and encouragement each student needs to succeed.  If you have any questions for me personally, please feel free to contact me.  I can be reached via email at jstalker@wcpss.net or by calling the school at (919) 890-7333.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Julianna Stalker

School Messenger: September 29, 2014

September 29, 2014

It’s Make It Happen Monday Trailblazers and this is Mrs. Graf with a weekly update.

First things first, a big thank you goes out to our teachers and staff who helped up our

first Parents Are Connected event last Thursday evening together. Our full staff was

here on hand passing our Banks Book of the Year, leading teaching stations, guiding

parents to locations, and “making it happen” for our students and families. We had a

total of 177 stakeholders in attendance. Thank you to our parents who traveled out to

school to spend your evening with us. I hope that you were able to ask your questions

regarding literacy and get useful information to support learning at home.

The next BIG thank you goes to our PTA. They did it once again—another successful

Fall Festival! There was so much fun on Friday evening; everyone had smiles on their

faces. The dunk tank was a hit and a big thanks goes out the teachers who dared to

be dunked. A thank you also goes out to the two Dads that braved the dunk tank in

support of their child’s classroom and grade level. The Silent Auction was successful

and there was some fierce bidding wars going on for some items. This night would

not be possible without the work of many parent, teacher and student volunteers.

Thank you Trailblazers for once again pulling together to support our school!

Updates and Important Events This Week:

• Case Benchmarks have been mailed off and results should be back within the

next 10 days.

• Welcome Back Track 1! Enjoy your track out Track 4!

• 9/30: Read to Achieve Parent Session 6:30 in the Media Center

• 10/1 Track 1 Case Benchmark Grades 3-5 Math

• 10/2 Track 1 Case Benchmark Science Grade 5 Only

• 10/2 4:15 Girls on the Run practice

• 10/3 3rd  Grade Tracks 1 & 3 Field Trip to Marbles Museum


That’s it Trailblazers! All of this information will be posted on the school website and will

go out on the Principal’s Desk Blog. Please call the school with any questions.

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf

Updates on Case Benchmarks for Grades 3-5

Trailblazers,

It's on the school website calendar for BRES, but I wanted to send out on the blog the dates for Case assessments for Track 1 since they were delayed.

Track 1 will take the Case on the following dates:

Wednesday October 1:  Math
Thuesday October 2:  Science

Tracks 2-4 Grades 3-5 are in process of taking the assessments this week.

Please call the school if you have any questions.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

Literacy Night is TOMORROW!

Trailblazers,

We have been planning and planning....and we are ready for our first Parents Are Connected event! Tomorrow, Thursday, September 25th, we will be sharing information, strategies and supports to grow your young reader.  There will be something for everyone from readers who need extra support to efficient readers who need challenged to grow to the next level!  This is sure to be our best PAC event ever!  Learning activities begin at 6:00 p.m.  See below about a dinner option for you!

Topics will include:

• The Race Strategy-how to successfully craft a quality written response.
• F-APP-ulous Fluency:  One of the greatest predictors of reading success.  We have the apps and can help you load them on your device!
• mClass Assessments & Reports:  How does this help my child and teacher?
• "Buzz" Words:  What do all the acronyms and teacher words really mean for my child and how parents can help.
• Banks Book of the Year Revel:  The books are here and each family will receive a book with strategies to support your child with reading comprehension.
• If you have Spanish-speakers, there will be an LEP Academy focused on how to support reading at home.

There will be food truck here at Banks Road Elementary beginning at 5:00 p.m. for those of you interested in dinner.  The food is great, and prices start at $2 for 5 tacos!!! What a deal and you don't have to worry about cooking!!!  Check out the website for additional information:   

 http://www.captainponchos.com/#!menu/cjg9

I hope that I see you at BRES tomorrow night!  I am so excited about this opportunity to partner with you and magnify the possibilities for academic success!  

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf 

Did you know.....?

Trailblazers,

Wake County Public School System wants every school to participate this October 2014 in Bullying Prevention activities to help educate and protect all of our students from being harassed and/or bullied.  School Counselors along with faculty and staff will promote key themes that bullying will not be tolerated and if it does occur they want to know about it.  All schools have been provided Bullying Prevention information, materials, and activities that will guide them to help in this effort to prevent bullying.  

In order to support your child effectively, I am including a link to parent resources.  Please take a moment to review these resources should you ever need them: http://www.net/parents/bullying.html  Additionally, I want you to know that BRES does not tolerate bullying and investigates every reported incidence.  Mr. Day, our school counselor is also a resource for you.  His email address is wday@wcpss.net.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school with questions or concerns.  

Thank you for all that you do to make BRES a great place to learn, Mrs. Graf 

Sharing information regarding the new WCPSS Parent Academy Catalog

Trailblazers,

Please see below for information from WCPSS.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

The Wake County Public Schools System is excited to announce their first Parent Academy Catalog (see attachment). The catalog contains a series of free skill-building classes, workshops, and educational events aimed at helping families learn to engage with the school system and contribute positively to their child’s academic and social success.
 
The Parent Academy is a Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) initiative designed to strengthen the relationship between parents/guardians and schools and to help parents navigate the school system. Research shows that students achieve more when parents are involved in their child’s education.
 
This is a partnership with a diverse team of WCPSS educators and local community agencies, organizations, businesses, schools, and faith-based institutions.
 

To learn more about workshop options and registration information, visit www.wcpss.net/parent-academy
 

School Messenger September 1, 2014

Here is the link to the latest school messenger:  September 1, 2015 School Messenger

School Messenger: August 26, 2014

August 26, 2014

Happy Tuesday Trailblazers! This is Mrs. Graf with your weekly school messenger.

On Friday, your child will come home with their Quarter 1 interims for students on track 4.  You should have also received your beginning of the year mClass Parent Home Connection letter and a letter from me explaining the assessment process.  Please take a moment to review the mClass report and interim.  We want to be sure you are informed of your child’s progress.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding mClass.

This week:

8/26 Read to Achieve Track 2 Camp

8/27 Ident-i-kid Make Up Pictures (select students only)

8/29 Read to Achieve Track 2 Test Day

9/1 No School Holiday

9/2 Boomer’s Practice at 8:00 in the Music Room

9/6 PTA Beautification Day at 8:30 a.m.  Come on out and help us spruce up our campus.  There will be a compass coin given to the class with the most participation.

What’s going on at BRES?

Trailblazers, we are magnifying the possibilities in classrooms and with our stakeholders.  Please be on lookout for enhancements to our campus on the 3-5 playground, in our Café, in our Media Center and in our computer lab.  Our PTA and our Kraft YMCA partnerships are supporting us in strengthening our student and staff access to technology, beautifying our campus and grounds and putting relevant and meaningful curriculum materials into classrooms.

Speaking of the good work of our PTA, our PTA Coin Drive begins on September 2^nd.  All coins brought in are put towards the grade level fund and helps pay for field trips, grade level orders.  The PTA is looking for volunteers to help out with the coin drive.  Please visit the PTA website for more information.

Lastly, the Fall Festival is just a few weeks away. Mark your calendars for September 26^th.  There will once again be fun activities for the young and the young at heart.  Classes are already accepting donations for their class baskets for the raffle.  All proceeds will go towards the grade level field trip fund.

That’s it Trailblazers!  All of this information will be posted on the school website and will go out on the Principal’s Desk Blog.  Please call the school with any questions.

Always Trailblazer Proud,

Mrs. Graf 

School Messenger August 12, 2014

Click here for the latest School Messenger from Mrs. Graf:

August 12, 2014

Interims Information and Link to Parent Letter regarding mClass

Trailblazers,

Quarter 1 Interims go home today with students on Tracks 1, 2 and 3 in Grades 1-5.  The interims are "new" and are generated from the same program used to create report cards in the last school year.   Kindergarten students will only receive the mClass Parent Letter not an Interim.  Please follow the link to learn more about the interim and mClass assessments.  Questions? Please email me at cgraf1@wcpss.net or call the school at 919-890-7333.

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

Kindergarten Student Parent Letter

Parent Letter for Students in Grades 1-5

Did you know....

Trailblazers,

Did you know we have a brand new PTA?  It's true! Our PTA is working in high gear to engage parents and support the learning and teaching environment at Banks Road Elementary.

Here are the PTA Officers for the 2014-2015 school year:

President:  Jackie Wenzel
VP Programs:  Sofiya Gouveia
VP Communications:  Angela Gregory
VP Ways and Means: Rebecca Campbell
Treasurer:  Claire DiBlasi
Secretary:  Allison Wood

Stay Connected:
jackiewenzel1220@gmaila.com (President)
PTA Main Account:  banksrdpta@gmail.com
Do you have Facebook? Join the PTA Facebook page.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for September 5, 2014.  Next General PTA Meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2014.

Interested in learning more? Joining the PTA?  Contact Ms. Wenzel! 

Ident-i-kid Is Tomorrow for Track 4

This is to remind you that Ident-a-kid will be on campus tomorrow for Track 4 students.  If you have not yet returned the application form to your child's teacher, its' not too late to participate in the program.  Simply complete the form and return it with your child.  If you need a form, we have extra copies in the Front Office.

Questions? Please call the school at 919-890-7333.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

School Messenger August 6, 2014

School Messenger

August 6, 2014

Trailblazers,

This is Mrs.  Graf with important information for our school community: 

This is a special school messenger specifically regarding carpool.  Trailblazers, I need your help to support an efficient and safe carpool process.  Yesterday’s carpool was no less than a hot mess! Track 4 is back and we have an increased number of Trailblazers utilizing carpool.  Additionally, we have two new pre K classes along with our two Track 4 Kindergarten classes. While we are tightening up our indoor carpool processes and routines, it would support us if you could do the following:

ü  If you are a Pre K parent or a Kindergarten parent we are asking that you position your car seats on the loading side of your car.  This will allow us to load your child in a timely manner into your vehicle.  I will be asking all parents who want to get out of their vehicles to pull into the designated parking spots for buckling.   This will allow the flow of carpool to continue.

ü  Work with you child to learn their carpool number.  Make it game or give a special treat if they can memorize and recognize their number being called.

ü  Additionally, all carpool parents, it is critical for the efficiency of carpool that you remain in your designated carpool lane.  If you switch lanes, it causes a misalignment of students in line at the wrong cones.  This slows down carpool. 

ü  And lastly, carpool should be a time when we have your undivided attention.  I understand the need to multitasking-we all have things to do, but I ask that once the line starts moving that cell phones and electronics not be used.  We have had a fender bender and several close calls of accidents.  I am requesting your support and would like you to honor this request. 

Questions about carpool? Please call the school or email me at cgraf1@wcpss.net. 

That’s it Trailblazers.  We are off to a wonderful start and I know that we can work together to make our carpool process efficient and safe!   

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf

Update regarding Spring EOG Scores

Trailblazers,

As of last Friday, all reports for state tests administered in Spring 2014 (EOG, EOC, NCEXTEND1, NCEXTEND2, etc.) have been mailed to parent/ guardian home addresses for traditional-calendar students, modified-calendar students, and year-round calendar (Track 1) students. Student score reports from year-round track 2, 3, and 4 are currently being mailed. 

Track 1 parents/ guardians who still have not received score reports for their students to contact either the school where the student tested, or the school where the student is currently enrolled (even if in a different district or state) and fill out the attached form.  Instructions for both parents and schools are on the form attached to this email. The form is also available for download here. 

Please let me know if you need assistance in getting your child's scores from the Spring EOG testing session.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf 

21st Century Learning Program Information

Trailblazer Parents,

We will once again partner with the Kraft YMCA to bring the 21st Century Learning Program to BRES.  The program is open to all students K-5.  Students will have the opportunity to work on homework, receive direct instruction in reading and math, and practice skills for the assigned grade level.  Additionally, students will participate in the Y curriculum.

The program is held at BRES after-school from 4:00 until 6:00.  There is the opportunity for transportation depending on location/node.  Enrollment is open, but space is limited.  This is a FREE program.

Interested in learning more? Two parent information sessions are scheduled for next week, Thursday July 31st at 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  Both sessions will be held in the Media Center.

As always please let me know if you have any questions.

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

School Messenger July 23, 2014

School Messenger July 23, 2014 Trailblazers,
This is Mrs. Graf with important information for our school community:
This week our students fell seamlessly into routines and did an outstanding job of demonstrating their Banks Best each day. I want to give a “hats off” to our 3rd graders on Tracks 1, 2, and 3 who took the BOG on Wednesday. Scores will be reported back to schools on Monday tentatively. Parent letters will go out on Monday afternoon. Information about Read to Achieve will be coming home shortly with our 3rd grade students.

Tomorrow is Picture Day for students on Tracks 1 & 3.  Bring your smiles and wear your Sunday best.  All students will be photographed for the school year book.  All Fall pictures are prepaid.  Parents can choose to send back the picture envelope with payment or pay online at www.strawbridge.net.  You will need to enter our school code 1609.  

Welcome back Track 4! Your first day of school for students on track 4 in first grade through fifth grade will be on Monday, July 28th. Kindergarteners on track 4 will only attend school on their assigned staggered entry date. The Kindergarten Meet the Teacher is scheduled for Friday, August 1st from 4-5:30 p.m. At the Kindergarten Meet the Teacher you will be able to meet your classroom teacher, join our PTA and purchase spirit wear items. Additionally, you can sign up for a carpool tag and learn more about our YMCA before care and after care programs.

Looking ahead to next week:

July 29: Join us at 5:15 p.m. for our Back to School Blast sponsored by our PTA. Family fun and games will include hula hoops, jump ropes and water squirters! Pelican’s Sno Balls and Raleigh K-9 will be on site as well to provide a cool treat and keep us entertained. You do not have to be a PTA member to join in the fun! Our General PTA Meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the 2014-2015 events planned to support BRES and vote on the budget. I hope to see everyone join in the fun at our Back to School Blast!

Looking into August...please mark your calendars for the following:
August 4: First Full Day of Kindergarten for K students on Track 4
August 4-8: Read to Achieve Camp for select students
August 7: Ident-i-Kid Program on site for students on Track 4
August 13: Beginning of Grade Assessment for 3rd Grade Track 4 students
August 14: Open House T1/T3 from 5:45-6:30; T2/T4 7:00-7:45; 6:00-6:30 3rd Grade Parent Meeting (AIG) August 14: Fall Pictures for students on tracks 2 & 4
August 18- 22: Read to Achieve Camp for select 3rd grade students August 25-29: Read to Achieve Camp for select 3rd grade students

Trailblazer Parents and Families, We are reaching out to you in multiple formats. It is one of our goals to be informative and to engage you, our school stakeholders in our school. We are using the Principal’s Desk blog, which you can access from our main school website page, Twitter for bus arrival/departure and information, as well as the Banks Road ES Twitter account where I share photos of the learning and teaching process, links to articles and reminders about upcoming events. Additionally, we are looking for other ways to communicate with you. If you have ideas about how you want to see this, please email me at cgraf1@wcpss.net.

That’s it Trailblazers. We are off to a wonderful start and I know that will continue to learn and grow as we travel down the path to success. Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf