10/19/2012

Dear Thorp Parents,

Today all students in grades 4-8 received their ISAT scores from last year. I am happy to inform everyone that Thorp is one of a few schools in Illinois that have been able to meet the No Child Left Behind benchmarks. This means that over 92.5% of our students were able to reach the “Meets or Exceeds” category in both Reading and Math. As we transition to the new Common Core State Standards, ISAT’s will begin to be phased out and new measurements of student progress will be implemented.

At Thorp we know that your child’s growth is reflected in more than just a test score.  Thorp teachers are communicating with each other, implementing small group instruction and innovative learning practices to ensure that we are meeting your child’s instructional needs. As we start utilizing tools such as the Instructional Learning Path, Compass Learning and Achieve 3000 your ability to help monitor your child’s academic growth will be greatly enhanced. You will receive your child’s Reading Learning Path as well as the Compass Learning username and password on Monday. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at edtoledo@cps.edu

7^th and 8^th Grade Parents, we will have our high school fair on Friday, October 26^th. We will have representatives from more than 15 high schools including: Lane Tech, Northside College Prep, Walter Payton,Whitney Young, Brooks College Prep, Lindbloom Academy, Noble Street Charter, Chicago Academy, Lincoln Park, Taft, St. Patrick’s High School, Gordon Prep, Prosser and Trinity High School; others. It is my desire to have you learn about as many different high schools as possible so that you can make the right choice for your child. The Fair will start at 9:15. Parents are encouraged to attend. For more information visit: https://n8r.afd.myftpupload.com/news-from-the-counseling-office-high-school-fair/

In November we will also start our After School All-Stars programs as well as 7^th and 8^th grade Saturday School.  These programs will be both academic as well as extra-curricular.  Many of our students will be asked to attend based on their academic need. Extra-curricular opportunities will be based on space and availability. Look for the on-line sign-up sheet next week.

Important Dates and Events:

10/22 MAP Based Individualized Learning Paths (Reading) will be sent home.

10/26^: 7^th and 8^th Grade High School Fair 9:15-11:30AM

Progress Reports should have been returned to all teachers by 10/19/12.

Parents, we need you to fill out our web-based contact form if you have not already done so. This will eliminate some of our printing costs, and will ensure that you receive everything that is sent home by the school. https://n8r.afd.myftpupload.com/parental-contact-forms-and-parent-portal/

Thank you,

Efren Toledo

Principal