Here's a peek at events planned at Bluffton elementary in November and December - taken from the elementary student newsletter:

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES: Parent/teacher conferences are Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 21-22. School will not be in session Nov. 22-25.

INTERVENTION MEETING: An open house for students enrolled in Intervention (Title I Reading) services on Monday, Nov. 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Mrs. Steinmetz’ classroom.  Materials will be on display to show parents what their students are doing during intervention sessions.  Mrs. Steinmetz, Miss McCafferty and Mrs. Maag will be available to take any questions.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT:  The Bluffton Elementary Christmas concert is Monday, Dec. 12, at 1:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.  Dismissal will be at the elementary school. Additional information will be sent home with each student. If school is cancelled, the concert will be rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 19.

THIRD GRADE READING GUARANTEE:  Bluffton Elementary School annually evaluates the reading skills of each K-3 student by Sept. 30 and identifies students who are reading below their grade level.  

A diagnostic assessment tool (STAR Reading-approved by the Ohio Department of Education) is used to measure proficiency that is appropriate for each grade level. 

Written notification will be given to parents or guardians of students who are reading below their grade level. Intensive reading instruction is provided to students immediately after they are identified as having a reading deficiency. 

A reading improvement and monitoring plan is developed and shared with parents within 60 days of receiving the student’s diagnostic results.  

By law, students that do not score proficient on the state third grade reading achievement test will be retained in third grade the following year.  Intense remediation services will be provided by the district. The retained student will be placed with a high performing teacher. Also, the district will offer students a chance to receive applicable services from one or more providers other than the district.

FREE SERVICE…LUNCH BALANCE NOTIFICATION:  Did you know you can get an email and/or text alert when your child’s lunch balance reaches a certain amount?  This is a free service, but you must register on “Meals Plus” located on the school website. Click “Meals Plus” on the website, login, click “Manage Profile.” Next, enter your balance amount on the “Low Balance Notifications” section.               

December calendar

Monday, Dec. 5  - PTO meeting, 6:30 p.m. – Library                
Friday, Dec. 9 -  Midterms go home with students
Monday, Dec. 12 - Elementary Christmas Concert, 1:30 p.m. - BHS gym
   (Snow day Dec. 19)
Wednesday, Dec. 14 - Third Grade Field Trip – Allen County Museum & Kewpee
Monday, Dec. 20 - Last Day of School 2016
Tuesday, Dec. 21 - Christmas break - School begins Jan. 3