1. FESD Common Core Information Night January 31, 2013 Attendees: About 200 parents and staff

2. Excellent parent attendance!

3. Mrs. Karen Watkins, Curriculum Director, provided lots of valuable information related to Common Core and PARCC standards. With the help of Mrs. Nora Ulloa, information was also provided in Spanish.

4. The night focused on what changes and benefits the common core standards bring to students, parents, and teachers.

5. FESD can be proud of the parent and staff turnout.

6. Mr. Mike Mannelly informed parents on how the new common core standards will affect special education and what measures are being implemented to aid the students.

7. Ms. Anne Marie Palmer discussed how English Language Learners will see changes and how ELD teachers are preparing for those changes.

8. Mr. Gary Willow, Special Education Resource Teacher at SMMS, pointed out the new standards will incorporate student’s strengths in the learning curriculum.

9. Mr. Willow captured the audience with his beach ball. He illustrated number recognition as the ball bounced around the room!

10. Childcare was provided by SMMS National Jr. Honor Society allowing parents to concentrate on the program.

11. Western Valley Middle School cheer squad sold goodies and Scooptacular Ice Cream donated 100 ice cream cups to parents and students.

12. Gift cards were also donated and given to 4 lucky parents in attendance.

13. A big “Thank You” to all in attendance and those who helped coordinate another successful FESD event!

14. FESD is ready to give 100%!