This year is just flying by.  We have just completed our 24th week of the school year and are heading into the critically important final 12 weeks. While the pressure is always on for teachers to instruct and students to learn, these last three months drive home the importance of a strong, collaborative effort by students, their parents and McNary’s teachers.  Seniors must give a final push toward graduation, as juniors wrap up what is arguably the toughest academic year in high school.  Sophomores are finding their way and are preparing to be leaders at our school both in and out of the classroom, and freshmen have figured out that what they do (or don’t do) today has a profound impact on their options for tomorrow.

Even as our District faces continued reductions in staffing and other resources, schools continue to strive for well-rounded, authentic learning experiences that prepare students for life after high school.  Teachers and administrators are focused on increasing student learning and performance in the areas of math and literacy.  The entire country is gearing up for new Common Core State Standards and we are slowly transitioning from the OAKS state assessments in reading, writing and math to Smarter Balanced Assessments as our high stakes test measuring student proficiency in areas required for graduation. 

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is developing a system of next-generation assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts/literacy (ELA/literacy) and mathematics for grade11. The system—which includes both summative assessments for accountability purposes and interim assessments for instructional use—provide meaningful feedback and data that teachers and others can use to help students succeed.

For the remainder of this year, we are dedicated to making sure that our seniors have every opportunity available to earn credits and pass state assessments needed to graduate.  Additionally, we are putting in a lot of effort to make sure that underclassmen have ample opportunities to repair grades and even replace failed classes from last semester with passing, makeup grades this semester.  If your student is struggling with school, please contact the teacher directly, contact your student’s counselor or take advantage of the many opportunities for academic support available here at McNary.  The Student Connection Center can coordinate adult mentors and college age tutors for students.  Additionally, teachers regularly provide academic support before and after school.  Students are also provided time and support with their efforts to pass currently required state tests.  Please encourage your student to take advantage of these many opportunities for support.  During early April, administrators and counselors will be meeting with every student at risk of not graduating.  Please use our computerized InTouch program to monitor your student’s grades, attendance and class effort.  If you need information about this tool, please contact the counseling office at (503) 399-3147.

Graduation for all of our students should not just be a dream for us and our students.  With your help, and in partnership with your student’s teachers, it can become the normal expectation for the children in our community.

Please watch the mail, respond to letters and postcards from the school and listen to phone messages about the many ways we can support your student’s academic efforts.

Have a great spring.

John Honey
Principal