Principal Post

Dear Parents,

Beginning last year, the Diocese of Davenport began transitioning all Diocesan schools’ K-8 grading and report cards to an evidence-based reporting system. Last year we used the term standards-based when we introduced the new system but have slightly shifted in philosophy. We have had some bumps in the road with the technology running in the background and the roll out of professional development needing to be back filled. I appreciate your patience as we navigate both the technology and the change in philosophy. We are working closely with Lynne Devaney, our Diocesan Superintendent, to construct a progress report that better communicates a child’s learning to their parents.

What is evidence-based reporting?

Evidence-based reporting takes large subjects and organizes them into small learning objectives, domains, so teachers can better measure student learning. By organizing subjects into smaller objectives, teachers are able to see more specific areas where a student is flourishing or may need help. This practice prioritizes measuring identified standards rather than relying on a holistic representation of a traditional grading system. This practice gets the name “evidence-based” because grading relies on the evidence of learning and the data it produces to better help students succeed in all identified standards. This approach is focused solely on learning and ensuring student understanding of material rather than a student’s habits. 

In short, evidence-based grading standardizes how students are scored by eliminating from a grade any material that is not directly related to the learning standard. 

What will look different on your child’s 1^st quarter report?

Grades K-5

·     There will only be marks by each domain under a course, and not a course grade. Below is a simple example. Not all domains may have a mark in them if they haven’t been taught and assessed yet this school year.

1^st Grade Math

• Mathematical Practices and Reasoning       E
• Operations and Algebraic Thinking               M
•  Place Value                                                                   E
• Measurement and Data                                        M
• Geometry                                                                      Dev

The grade scale will be changing to the following:

• E – Exceeds                         90-100%
• M – Meets                           80-89%
• Dev- Developing                   70-79%
• Beg – Beginning                    69-60%
• NA – Not Yet Assessed           0-59%

Grades 6-8

·     There will only be marks by each domain under a course, and not a course grade. Below is a simple example. Not all domains may have a mark in them if they haven’t been taught and assessed yet this school year.

7th Grade Math

• Mathematical Practices and Reasoning       A
• Ratios and Proportional Thinking                    B
• Number Relationships                                            A
• Algebraic Expressions and Equations            C
• Geometry                                                                        C
• Statistics and Probability                                       B

 The grade scale will be changing to the following:

•  A        90-100%
•  B        80-89%
• C         70-79%
•  D         69-60%
•  F         0-59%

Panther Perk’s Out of Uniform – October 11

Spirit Wear Days

The Building Leadership Team, composed of administration and teachers, has chosen the following days that students may wear their St. Paul the Apostle Spirit Wear with uniform bottoms. All these days are 2-hour early dismissals.

• Oct. 25th
• Jan 15th
• March 28th
• April 25th
• May 30th

Upcoming Events

• Trunk or Treat, October 25
• Halloween Out of Uniform, October 31
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest, October 31
• All Saints Day Mass, November 1
• Parent Teacher Conferences, November 5-7 (No School November 6 &7)
• November 5 – 3:15 – 8:00 PM
• November 6 – 3:15 – 5:00 PM
• November 7 – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Ladies Night Bingo, November 14

From the Parish Office 

Life Groups at St. Paul’s starting soon!

All adults in the parish are invited to join a small group experience this fall, Life Groups. Versions of these groups have been around in some capacity over the last several years and have proved to be very fruitful. We are excited to include them as part of St. Paul's small group offerings and invite everyone in the parish to sign up! 

 Life Groups are an easy-entry chance for a set group of adults, who may be from similar or differing backgrounds, to meet once a month for about two years to intentionally support one another in community, grow in Christian fellowship, and explore faith in a safe environment through open conversations, reading Scripture, sharing life experiences, and praying for one another.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the parish office or reach out to Janela McCarty or Brett Adams.

Adult Confirmation Opportunity

Are you an adult who has never been confirmed? Each year we offer the chance for our parishioners to discern this possibility during the celebration of Pentecost. If this is you and you'd like more info, please contact the parish office, OCIA meetings will be kicking off soon! We'd love to walk you through the process.

Not New but Still Important

In-School Therapist

Great news! We have an in-school therapist, Elizabeth Graham Ploense LMHC, Licensed Mental Healthcare Provider, who will be starting with us next week Monday. Mrs. Ploense is with Coventry Family Solutions. A letter of introduction will be sent out to all families in the next week, and we will have a referral process if you would like to use her services. She will be in the school on Monday afternoons.

ESA Families – Help

To keep the ESA legislation strong and from being challenged in the state legislature, Catholic schools are being asked to provide testimonials from families who received an ESA and are willing to share their story.

·     Why you chose to participate in this school choice initiative.

·     What your children have gained from being enrolled at St. Paul’s.

·     Any other information you would like to share.

Please let me know and I will pass your information on to our superintendent, Lynne Devaney, for next steps. Thank you!

Who to Call or Contact

It is always best to solve a problem at the level closest to its occurrence. Parents often don’t know who to best direct their concern or question to. Below I have listed some of the people and their contact information. 

Recess or Before/Aftercare Concern: Mrs. Pullinger, Jescie.Pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us

Technology: Mrs. Bates, Katee.Bates@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us

Academic or Classroom Behavior Concern: The teacher who teaches that class (homeroom, art, music, band, PE)

Financial Concern: SCCS Finance Office, 563-326,5313, Start with Rose Strickland, Rose.Strickland@sccsiowa.org

Bus Behavior, Discipline Concerns: Mrs. HB, Octavia.hboyd@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us

All other concerns or unresolved concerns: Dr. Delaney, Julie.Delaney@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us

Help Needed: Substitute Teachers and Aids

Love children? Want to work just a few days a week? We have a position for you! We need teachers and classroom aids who are willing to substitute when we have a staff member out.

Qualifications:

·     Classroom Aid – Background check and child abuse (CMG) training and other AEA trainings. We will provide the information and links.

·     Teacher – Substitute Authorization, which can be obtained through a class at the AEA, substitute teaching license or a valid teaching license. Background check and child abuse training (CMG) and other AEA training.

Contact the school office is you would like more information about either one of these positions.

Locals Love Us!

Cast your vote for St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School as your Quad City favorite at - https://localsloveus.com/vote/72425/

Julie C. Delaney, PhD

Principal

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School

1007 E.Rusholme

Davenport, IA  52803
563-322-2923

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 

 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."