Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Parent Resource Night and Early Literacy Law



There will also be an opportunity to talk about Iowa's Early Literacy Law that will go into effect in May of 2017 -- directly affecting current 2nd graders.




Sunday, December 13, 2015

Week of 12/14 info

Wednesday, December 16th- 1 p.m. dismiss- professional development
Next Week Special Schedule
Monday 12/14: Day 3- PE/Music
Tuesday 12/15: Day 4- Art/Guidance
Wednesday 12/16: Day 5- Music/Guidance
Thursday 12/17: Day 6- Technology
Friday 12/18: Day 1- PE/Guidance
HOLIDAY CONCERT VIDEO
Merck Video Productions videotaped the Keystone Christmas Program on Friday, Dec. 4th. Cost is $12 each or 2 for $18. If you are interested in a DVD, forms are available in the school office. You can request to have a form sent home with your child. All orders must be prepaid and DVDs will be delivered to the school and sent home with student.
WINTER WEATHER
Students should be dressing in winter apparel appropriate for outside recess from now on. Keystone students will be going outside for recess during the day as long as the "feels like" temperature is 10 degrees or above. If you need assistance in providing these items, please contact the office.
LOST AND FOUND
Our lost and found supply is growing!! Please make sure to remind your child to look for items they have lost in our lost and found at school.

Please help our school!!
We are collecting all Grocery/Gas/Prescription Receipts
From Hy-Vee (all year!)
Big G (September 1 – March 30)
Our school receives supplies and money to purchase supplies simply by turning in these receipts!
Thanks!
- See more at: http://www.benton.k12.ia.us/staff-menu/create-new-post/keystone-friday-notes-12-11-15#sthash.QhvaZlz1.dpuf

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

PK-3 Parent Resource Night for Literacy and Math

 The staff at Keystone Elementary are wanting to continue to help parents support their child at home with Literacy and Math practice.  We are having a Parent Resource Night for all PK-3 parents on Wednesday, Dec. 16th from 6:30-7:30.  Please join us so we can team up to help our students and your child accelerate their learning in the areas of Literacy and Math.


 

**Iowa Early Literacy Law information**

Early Literacy Implementation
(Iowa Code 27.68)
Who/Where:  All K-3 students/districts throughout the state of Iowa
What: Early Literacy Implementation- ELI (Iowa Code 27.68)
  • Requirements by August 2014 - Universal Screening in reading for grades K-3
  • Benton Community, like many other districts, is using the FAST assessment tool
  • Students must meet benchmarks for the different assessments included in FAST.  Words correct per minute is the score we receive by giving the CBMr assessment.  The CBMr is a general outcome measure.  
    • If students meet the benchmark for the testing period, they are proficient
    • If students don’t meet the benchmark once, they are at risk of having a substantial deficiency in reading
    • If students don’t meet the benchmark twice in a row, they will be identified as having a substantial deficiency in reading.
  • All students will receive 90 minutes of research-based reading instruction.  Benton Community uses the Benchmark Literacy curriculum resource.  
  • Check out this link for more detailed information.  https://www.educateiowa.gov/early-literacy-implementation
How Often:  
Proficient - FAST assessment must be given 3 times/year
At-Risk - Weekly progress monitoring with the FAST assessment
Substantially Deficient - Weekly progress monitoring with the FAST assessment

What If My Child Is… (as of May 1, 2017)
* Proficient - Then, your child will continue to be assessed 3 times/year and receive 90 minutes of core literacy instruction daily.

* At Risk - Then, your child will continue to be progress monitored weekly and has the possibility of being offered literacy support throughout the summer. Your child will also be in an intensive intervention where he or she will work on skills that have cause them to be identified at-risk of having a substantial deficiency in reading. (Current requirement)

* Substantially Deficient - Then, there will be in an intensive intervention (in addition to the 90 minutes of core literacy instruction) where he or she will work on skills that have caused them to be identified as having a substantial deficiency in reading.  (Current requirement)  Also, your child MUST participate in the intensive summer reading program offered by Benton Community if they are a third grader who is identified as having a substantial deficiency in the area of reading.  You, as a parent, will be notified regarding your child’s reading deficiencies.   If your child is not proficient by the end of 3rd grade, your child will be retained unless one of the following takes place:
  • Enrolls in and attends an intensive summer reading program (90% attendance is required)
  • Qualifies for a good cause exemption
    • ELL with less than 2 years instruction in an ESL program
    • Student has IEP that indicates that participation in the required assessments are not appropriate (less than 1% of students)
    • Student demonstrates mastery through a portfolio review that meets Department of Education required criteria
    • Student was previously retained and has received intensive remediation for at least 2 years
Why:  All students need to be able to read at high levels.  This is a statewide initiative to ensure that Iowa students are proficient readers.
Now What...  

  • Reading with your child at home has become more important than ever!  A minimum of 20 minutes/night is recommended.
  • Ask your child’s teacher about his or her progress.
  • Follow up with your child’s teacher with any questions you have regarding this law and how it could affect your family.


Friday, December 4, 2015

Keystone Upcoming Dates and Important Info.

Keystone Friday Notes- 12/4/15

K-3 Keystone Christmas Program TONIGHT at 7 p.m. in Keystone gym.
Please have your child here at 6:45.

Next Week Special Schedule
Monday 12/7:     Day 4 - Art/Guidance
Tuesday 12/8:   Day 5 - Music/Guidance
Wednesday 12/9: Day 6 - Technology
Thursday 12/10: Day 1 - PE/Guidance
Friday 12/11: Day 2 - Art/Guidance

HOLIDAY CONCERT VIDEO
Merck Video Productions will be taping the Keystone Christmas Program on Friday, Dec. 4th. Cost is $12 each or 2 for $18.  If you are interested in a DVD, forms will be available at the program or in the school office.  All orders must be prepaid and DVDs will be delivered to the school and sent home with student.
HOT SHOTS/FUTURE STARS
This Saturday, Dec. 5th is the last week of boys youth  basketball.  Future Stars will start at the normal time of 9 a.m. and Hot Shots at 10:30 a.m.
BCPTO MEETING
PTO meeting is Monday, December 7th at 6 PM at Atkins Elementary.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
WINTER WEATHER
Students should be dressing in winter apparel appropriate for outside recess from now on.  Keystone students will be going outside for recess during the day as long as the “feels like” temperature is 10 degrees or above.  If you need assistance in providing these items, please contact the office.
PTO CHRISTMAS STORE
The PTO Christmas Store at Keystone Elementary will be held on Friday, December 11th.  A note went home before Thanksgiving break with information explaining the shopping event and a form to return to school if participating.  If you have any questions please contact the school office at 319-442-3221. The students really enjoy having the opportunity to shop for gifts.  THANK YOU to our PTO members for all the work and planning they do to make this possible.
LOST AND FOUND
Our lost and found supply is growing!! Please make sure to remind your child to look for items they have lost in our lost and found at school.   

Monday, November 23, 2015

Tuesday 11.23 Potential Dismissal adjustment if a fog delay tomorrow.

Parents, Please call the Benton Voice Link @ 830-2164 or 515-830-2164 if you don't get the alerts on your phone.  There is a chance of heavy fog in the morning.

Benton Parents and Students, This is a reminder that school is scheduled to be dismissed at 1:00 for the Thanksgiving break. In the event school needs to be delayed tomorrow morning due to fog the school dismissal time would be adjusted from 1:00 as scheduled to 2:15.  Parent/Teacher Conferences would continue from 3:00 to 7:30.  School will not be in session on Wednesday Nov. 25th - Sunday Nov. 29th for Thanksgiving Break. Classes will resume on Monday, November 30th. Thank you.

Upcoming Dates and Info.

Keystone Friday Notes -11/20/15

Tuesday, November 24th- 1:00 PM Dismiss
Wednesday, November 25th thru Friday, November 27th- NO SCHOOL

Next Week Special Schedule
Monday 11/23: Day 3- Music/PE
Tuesday 11/24:   Day 4- Art/Guidance

LUNCH MENU
Tuesday, November 24th- Cook’s Choice-
Fish & Cheese/Bun
Sweet Potato Fries
Steamed Broccoli
Mandarin Oranges
Chocolate Chip Cookie

HOT SHOTS/FUTURE STARS
The next time to meet is December 5th.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Scholastic Book Fair will be at Keystone Elementary beginning Friday, November 20th through Tuesday, November 24th.  Students will the opportunity to view and make purchases at select times throughout the school day.  The Book Fair opened online on November 15th and will be open during conferences. To view the book fair online use the following link: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/keystoneelemsch

P/T CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher conferences are from 3:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 23rd and from 3-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24th. NOTE-These times have been changed from what was previously written in the district calendar. Parents, please call Candi in the office to schedule your conference time. 319-442-3221

BOX TOPS
Thank you to all for sending in Box Tops!! We are excited to announce that Keystone Elementary collected over 8000 Box Tops in less than 2 weeks, earning a movie and popcorn! Congratulations!

WINTER WEATHER
With winter weather approaching, late starts and early dismissals are inevitable.  A notice went home last week asking parents to provide instructions for their child in the case of weather related early dismissal. Please make sure to return those instructions to the school, otherwise we will assume your child will follow his/her normal routine.  Also, students should be dressing in winter apparel appropriate for outside recess from now on.  Keystone students will be going outside for recess during the day as long as the “feels like” temperature is 10 degrees or above.  

HOLIDAY PROGRAM
The Keystone Elementary Holiday Program will be held Friday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Keystone gym.  This year’s program is titled “Christmas on Candy Cane Lane.”  A note was sent home with appropriate dress instructions for each grade.  If you have any questions please call the office.

Friday, November 6, 2015

P-T Conferences, 3rd grade Iowa Assessments,

P/T CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher conferences are from 3:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 23rd and from 3-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24th. NOTE-These times have been changed from what was previously written in the district calendar. Parents, please call Candi in the office to schedule your conference time. 319-442-3221

IOWA ASSESSMENTS
Third grade students at Keystone Elementary will begin Iowa Assessment testing the week of November 9th. Students will test during scheduled periods throughout each day that week. If possible, please try to have your student in attendance all day, every day to avoid having to reschedule testing time for students who are absent. Thank you.

Upcoming Dates / Info

HOT SHOT BASKETBALL
Hot Shot boys basketball (grades 3/4) starts at noon on Saturday and runs until 1:15 pm.

CAT PAC WRESTLING
Beginners : PreK-2nd practices 6-7 p.m. on Monday nights starting Nov. 9th - Dec. 21st
Advanced: 3-6th grade practices 6-7:30 p.m.Tuesdays/Thursdays starting Nov. 5th -Jan. 28th. All practices are held in the High School Wrestling Room. For more information/questions contact: Coach T.J. Murphy- tmurphy@benton.k12.ia.us​

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
All Keystone Elementary students will be participating in the annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, November 11th at 9:30 a.m. at the BC MS/HS. The public is invited to attend. Keystone students should wear BLUE for the program.

Next Week Special Schedule
Monday 11/9:           Day 5- Music/Guidance
Tuesday 11/10:        Day 6- Technology
Wednesday 11/11:  Day 1- PE/Guidance
Thursday 11/12:      Day 2- Art/Guidance
Friday 11/13:           Day 3- PE/Music
































Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Benton FFA Veteran's Breakfast

The Benton Community FFA Chapter will be hosting a Veterans Benefit Breakfast on Sunday, November 8th at the Van Horne Community Center from 7 AM to Noon.  The breakfast will consist of pancakes, eggs, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee.  The cost of this breakfast is a free will donation.  All proceeds will go to the Benton County Veterans Assistance Program.  The Benton County Assistance Program provides assistance to veterans and their families in filing applications for service, connected disability, compensation, non service connected pension, claims for aid and attendance/household status, serving spouse pension and other federal and state benefits. They also provide short term assistance to veterans and dependents who need help with rent and utility payments, food and provisions, prescription medications, and transportation assistance.  Please come join the Benton Community FFA and enjoy a great breakfast while raising money for the men and women who have fought for our freedom!

Friday, October 30, 2015

November Newsletter / Dates on deck

   November Newsletter      

DATES ON DECK
Wednesday, November 4th- 1:00 dismissal for Professional Development.
Wednesday, November 18th- 1:00 dismissal for End of 1st Elementary Trimester
Monday, November 23rd- P/T Conferences K-6  3:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, November 24th- 1:00 dismissal for 7-12 PD and K-6 P/T Conferences 3:00-7:30 pm
Wednesday, November 25th- NO SCHOOL Staff Comp Day
Thursday and Friday November 26th & 27th- NO SCHOOL-Thanksgiving Holiday

BCPTO MEETING
The BCPTO meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM at Keystone Elementary. 

BENTON THEATRE
"You’re the One that I Want! Come join us for the Benton Theatre HS production of Grease on November 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30pm in the high school auditorium. Danny, Sandy and all the gang are rockin’ and boppin’ on stage as they explore the cliques, chicks and guitar licks that were every day fare in the 50s. Our show is loaded with music, dance and a lot of heartfelt high school angst, but as a school version it’s appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Order online at showtix4U.com. “

IOWA ASSESSMENTS
Third grade students at Keystone Elementary will begin Iowa Assessment testing the week of November 9th.  Students will test during scheduled periods throughout each that week.  If possible, please try to have your student in attendance all day, every day to avoid having to reschedule testing time for students who are absent.  Thank you.

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
All Keystone Elementary students will be participating in the annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, November 11th at 9:30 a.m. at the BC MS/HS.   The public is invited to attend. Keystone students should wear BLUE for the program.

P/T CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher conferences are from 3:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 23rd and from 3-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24th. NOTE-These times have been changed from what was previously written in the district calendar. Parents, please call Candi in the office to schedule your conference time. 319-442-3221

BOOK FAIR
The Scholastic Book Fair will be at Keystone Elementary from Thursday, November 19th through Tuesday, November 24th.  Students will have the opportunity to view and make purchases at select times throughout the school day.  The Book Fair will open online on November 15th. The Book Fair will also be open during conferences. The Book Fair can be previewed online using this link: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/preview.do?method=preview

THANKSGIVING VACATION
There will be no school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 26-28.
Classes will resume on Monday, November 30.

 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Keystone students in grades K-3 will be having their annual Christmas program on Friday, December 4th at 7 p.m. More information will be coming home at a later date.

SHOW CHOIR APPAREL

The BC Show Choir has a HUGE variety of Bobcat apparel for all! Men’s/Women’s/Boy’s/Girl’s/Toddler – something for everyone for the holidays! Check it out at:  http://www.facebook.com/SportYourTeaminBling  Orders are due November 6th

Show Choir Apparel order form / Book Fair link


Show Choir Apparel order link
https://www.facebook.com/SportYourTeaminBling






Book Fair Link
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/keystoneelemsch

Friday, October 23, 2015

Keystone Newsletter / Dates on Deck

Wednesday, October 28th- 1:00 PM DISMISS

Special Schedule
Monday 10/26:  Day 1- PE/Guidance
Tuesday 10/27:  Day 2- Art/Guidance
Wednesday 10/28:  Day 3- PE/Music
Thursday 10/29:  Day 4- Art/Guidance
Friday 10/30: Day 5- Music/Guidance

PINK
On Thursday, 10/29 Keystone students will be wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness!

Nurse’s Notes
For information regarding head lice please check out the following link from the Iowa Dept. of Health

Benton Theatre
"You’re the One that I Want! Come join us for the Benton Theatre HS production of Grease on November 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30pm in the high school auditorium. Danny, Sandy and all the gang are rockin’ and boppin’ on stage as they explore the cliques, chicks and guitar licks that were every day fare in the 50s. Our show is loaded with music, dance and a lot of heartfelt high school angst, but as a school version it’s appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Order online at showtix4U.com.

Winter Apparel
With the temperatures dropping, students should be wearing weather appropriate apparel.  If you are in need of assistance in supplying these items, contact Candi in the office.

FALL FESTIVAL
Keystone Elementary will celebrate their Fall Festival on Friday, October 30th. Students should NOT wear costumes to school.  They may bring costumes, but will not be dressing up until later in the day. Please, do not send weapons or costume accessories with your child. K-3 students will be doing their annual costume parade at the Keystone Nursing Center at 1:45 p.m. and having their classroom parties.

Socktober
First graders are still collecting socks the entire last week of October!

RED RIBBON WEEK
October 26-30
Monday:  “I pledge to be Drug Free”- Students will WEAR RED and will sign a classroom pledge.
Tuesday:  “Sock it to Drugs”- Wear CRAZY SOCKS!
Wednesday:  “Team up to Whip Drugs” -Students are asked to war team shirts and a special treat will be handed out compliments of our BCPTO.
Thursday:  “I CAN make good choices Drug Free” Students are asked to bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry. 
Friday:  “Tune Out Drugs”- we will be playing music in the lunchroom!