March 1, 2019

Dear Markham Families,

 Welcome to the month of March!  I know spring is on the horizon but that is only if winter decides to let go.  Our students have managed the late starts and days off quite well.  Way to hold up the Markham High Five!

Markham Auction tomorrow, Saturday, March 2nd!

I always look forward to this very important event.  It is rewarding to see all the hard work and efforts of our PTA benefit our Markham students. 

Way to go Global Village!  I was so impressed and proud of our students who participated in the cultural presentations.  They did an outstanding job!  Congratulations to Annabelle S. and Addie M.  They won Markham spirit wear, because their completed passports were drawn. I am sending a big thank you to our PTA for organizing this fun and important event. 

 Our 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders are currently working on their Science Fair Projects using the Inquiry Process.  If your child is in need of assistance with their project, please do not hesitate to contact their classroom teacher.  Science Fair Projects will be on display during our Family Science Night.  Family Science Night is Thursday, March 21^st from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.  The 3-5 grade classrooms will be open in the afternoon of the 21^st from 1:15 to 2:30 for students and parents to see the science fair projects.  The projects will stay up in the classrooms through the evening for Family Science Night.

The Markham staff would like to send out a big heartfelt thank you to the PTA for a wonderful Valentine’s Day Salad Buffet.  There were lots of delicious options, and we enjoyed them all.

 Connect to Kindergarten was successful, and I would like to thank our kindergarten team, PTA,            Ms. Erickson and Nurse Tami for organizing such an informative event for our prospective families.  The next Connect to Kindergarten is Thursday, April 25^th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in our library and is parents only. 

Our Spring Break Math Blast Packet will be coming home on Friday, March 22^nd. It is voluntary and is a way to keep your child’s skills sharp. The packet consists of grades K-2 and 3-5 math problems.  Your child can complete as much as they are able to understand. Students who work on the packet need to return it by Wednesday, April 3^rd.  Students will be acknowledged at the April Awards Assembly and given a small token of appreciation for their efforts.  This will be a different packet than last year.

Our 3^rd through 5^th graders will be taking the state Smarter Balanced Assessment in math and English Language Arts starting in April through the end of May. 5^th graders will take the Science Assessment after ELA and math. Test make-ups will go from the end of May to the first week in June.  Please make sure your child arrives at school on time, well rested and has eaten breakfast at home or school. 

Staffing for 2019-2020

Earlier this week I received staffing information for the 2019-2020 school year.  I will have more to share with you shortly.

I love the seasons, including winter, but I am ready for some warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.  Come on spring!  I am wishing you all a fun and restful spring break this month.

Sincerely,

Shawn Garnett

Principal