Principal's Corner

Curriculum Night Information

Please mark your calendars for Curriculum Night, taking place on September 4th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Kindergarten-Second grade classroom sessions will take place from 6:00-6:30. There will be a short Principal presentation in the gym from 6:30-7:00, followed by Third-Fifth grade classroom sessions from 7:00-7:30. 

Purchasing Milk

Families will be able to pre-pay via Skyward for milk to be available for your child daily. Please use the directions linked here to complete this process. 

NOTE: We will not collect cash/coins for milk purchases during lunches. This is a one-time fee at the beginning of the year, and families are encouraged to sign up through SchoolPay via Skyward during the month of August. If you miss this sign-up, you will need to send your child with their own drink.

Dismissal Note

A quick reminder as we head into the new school year: we kindly ask that you do not wait near the classroom windows at the front of the school during pick-up time. Our students are engaged in learning right up until the final bell rings, and when people peek inside the windows, it can be distracting for them.

Thank you for helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment for all students!

NWEA MAP Assessment - Fall

Use of MAP Results

District 181 uses the data from this assessment in a variety of ways. In the classroom, it provides teachers with a means for monitoring student growth in reading and mathematics over time. At the District and building levels, MAP data help us set goals and evaluate initiatives. Finally, in conjunction with other criteria, MAP scores have historically been used in placement decisions. MAP continues to be one of several indicators used to monitor student academic achievement and growth. 

Course Placement for 2026-2027

At this time, specific recommendations for math placement at grades 3-8 as well as middle school English language arts (ELA) and social studies placement for 2026-2027 have not yet been defined. Historically, MAP scores have been included as one of the requirements for students to move into advanced courses.  The expectation is that the fall data point will continue to be utilized for 2026-2027 placement decisions.  Placement criteria from previous years can be referenced for informational purposes on the District 181 website.

Preparing for MAP

A student who is well rested, well fed, and has a positive attitude about assessment is best prepared for testing. You can help your child do his or her best by considering these tips:

• Make sure that your child is in school and on time on test days.

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast before each day of testing.

• Be sure your child fully charges their device and brings it to school each day. 

• Remind your child that this assessment is only one measure. Emphasize that you have confidence in his or her ability to do the best job possible.

• Remind your child to listen to the directions and read each question carefully during testing. 

Communication of MAP Results

Your child’s scores will be available in Skyward after administration is complete and all reports are available. 

Elm NWEA MAP Assessment Schedule

Grade 1: August 27, August 29

Grade 2: August 25, August 27

Grade 3: August 28, September 2

Grade 4: August 26, August 29

Grade 5: August 25, August 26