Fred Assam Elementary ~ Distinguished School

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for all students, staff, and parents of Fred Assam Elementary School as we have just been named one of South Dakota's Distinguished Schools! The South Dakota Recognition Program honors the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for Distinguished School Awards are strong, well-rounded community schools that offer a quality education for all students. "Kudos" to all six attendance centers in the Brandon Valley School District ~ all are 2011 Distinguished Schools!

Distinguished Schools have met adequate yearly progress (AYP) for two consecutive years in both reading and math and show progress in narrowing the achievement gap. AYP is based on scores from the South Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) taken by elementary third, fourth, and fifth grade students, middle school students, and high school juniors. The AYP status is a measure of whether a school is in compliance with the federal government's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The Dakota STEP test is based on content standards developed by teachers and administrators to test what students need to know.

WEL "GUM" BACK TO SCHOOL!

It was great to see so many students, moms, and dads at Open House! We are excited and ready for an awesome year! 2011 - 2012!

When we left in May, our enrollment at Fred Assam Elementary was 300. Currently, we have 361 students enrolled at our attendance center. Along with many new students, we also have many new staff!

As we begin the 2011 - 2012 school year together, it is important that we continue to focus our efforts and energies on those things that contribute to the well-being, achievement, and success of our children. Collaboration and communication between parents and school is critical for children to excel. Please know that the staff and I welcome you as a partner in your child's education.

I look forward to working with you and your child(ren) as we work toward one common goal: the creation of learning environments that results in success!

Susan Foster ~ proud principal ~ Fred Assam Elementary School