From the desk of Cherie Swader
April 21, 2008

Dear DES Family and Friends,

April 21st - 25th the CRCT (Criterion Referenced Competency Test) will be given to all students at Dade Elementary School in grades three through five - students in grades one and two will be taking the test April 21st - 23rd. This is mandated by the state of Georgia to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. Our state and local curriculum is aligned with the testing items and with the benchmarked standards that are taught at DES in kindergarten through fifth grade. The teachers and the students have worked really hard throughout the year to master the information that will be assessed on these tests. We ask that you help us make the testing process successful and effective by getting the children into bed early, making sure that they have a good breakfast, establishing a good positive morning routine and getting them to school on time (8:00) - if a child is tardy or absent, he or she will have to take a makeup test, which can sometimes be stressful for a young child. We appreciate you support and assistance as parents, faculty, staff and administrators work collaboratively to foster a positive student achievement at DES.

Mid-term progress reports will go home with the students on Monday, April 28th - instead of April 21st.

PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER OR REGINA MCBRYAR (cafeteria manager) TO MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD DOES NOT OWE BREAKFAST OR LUNCH CHARGES. DUE TO FEDERAL NUTRITION PROGRAM GUIDELINES IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE GET THESE CLEARED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. WE APPRECIATE YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER.

Thanks for all you do and have a great week. Remember our children model our behavior and expectations - let's give them positive reinforcement.

Cherie Swader
Principal
Dade Elementary School
"Hand In Hand - We Learn Together"