Informational Update: This Week at Woodward- 9/11/26

This month, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across our nation and around the world. From groundbreaking scientists and artists to everyday heroes in our own neighborhood, Hispanic and Latino heritage is woven into the fabric of who we are as a country. We encourage you to explore music, food, literature, and stories from these vibrant cultures alongside your children at home. This observance offers an opportunity to learn about trailblazers who have shaped our world, and we hope these conversations continue around your dinner table!

Dear Families, 

I am writing to share information about one of the ways your child in grades K-5 will be assessed in reading this year. Our teachers have many ways to check your child’s reading development and growth, including an early literacy universal screening assessment. Early literacy universal screening assessments are brief tests that provide information about your child’s early reading skills. Screening makes it possible to see if a student is at risk of developing reading difficulties, including the risk of dyslexia. Screening does not diagnose dyslexia or other disabilities, but it does help us understand which students may need additional support to be successful readers. We are required to assess students in grades K-3 at least twice per year, consistent with Massachusetts regulation 603 CMR 28.03(1)(f). 

Our district uses screening assessments called Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, 8th Edition (DIBELS) and Acadience RAN. These are two of several screening assessments approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Your child will be assessed three times during the school year. It typically takes five to ten minutes to complete both assessments. The tentative schedule for this school year is shown below.

Fall: Weeks of September 8th and September 14th, 2026

Winter: Week of January 11th, 2027

Spring: Week of May 24th, 2027

Following the screening assessment, a team at our school will review all students’ results. If your child scores “significantly below benchmark,” we will contact you within 30 school days of testing to discuss how we can support your child. 

Please reach out if you would like additional information.

Screening is another step that helps students at our school become proficient readers, and we are grateful for your continued support and partnership. 

Dear parents,

School pictures are ready!

Your child’s school pictures are now available! To view them online, please log in to your account at mylifetouch.com. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one using your email address. You’ll need your student’s ID number or their portrait id and access code to locate their photos.

Thank you! —The Lifetouch Team

If your student has a medical condition such as diabetes, allergies, asthma, seizures, or other medical concerns requiring the administration of medications while at school, please arrange a time to meet with me. 

Mrs. Kiley

School Nurse