Families of third, fourth, and fifth grade students,

I am very excited about the progress our students have made as a result of this year’s implementation of English Language Arts groups. It is satisfying to know each student is working at a level where he or she can best achieve and move forward.  A great amount of time and effort is put into making sure each student is assessed accurately and  placed into the group that best fits his or her academic needs.  We all know that as individuals we have different strengths and weaknesses; this program makes sure we don’t educate in a “one size fits all” approach.  I am proud of what we are accomplishing at Sacred Heart School!  Not to toot our own horn, but this is pretty special.  Thank you, Mrs. Benner, for being such a progressive, cutting edge leader.

In addition to our afternoon 12:30 to 1:30 ELA groups, 2014 brings another individualized group program to grades 3, 4, and 5.  On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings I work with groups from each grade to give intensive instruction in ELA.  I gather about 8 students from grade three at 9:00, grade five at 10:20, and grade 4 at 11:00.  During these intensive instruction group times, students work on shoring up their reading comprehension skills.  I also give individualized instruction in vocabulary and grammar.  After just a few days of meeting in these small, individualized groups, I can already predict great benefits.

In summary, we are off to a tremendous start.  I know there have been some glitches, i.e., “I didn’t know my child needed to have that book!”  Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to work through these inconveniences in order to assure success for all students.  We know it is not perfect, but please be assured we are working “overtime” to make sure every single child is given the absolute best education possible.

May God bless you all with peace, health, and a deepening of faith in 2014.

Mrs. Sharon Redmond