Parent Guides

A Parents’ Guide to Building a Connected Classroom Community

As parents/caregivers we can all be a part of helping to create a warm, inclusive, and supportive classroom community for our children at Toomer Elementary. Building relationships with other parents and your child’s teacher can create a network of support that enriches your child’s school experience, fosters friendships, and strengthens our school as a whole. Here are some ideas on how you can contribute to (and benefit from!) a welcoming, connected classroom community.

1. Introduce Yourself Early (and Often)

Making connections begins with a friendly introduction! Whether it’s at drop-off, pick-up, at a PTA meeting, school event, or PRIDE celebration, introducing yourself to other parents opens the door to positive relationships. Don’t be afraid to start with something simple: share your child’s name, mention a few things you love about the class or teacher (or school!), and ask about their family. Small connections grow into big support systems over time.

2. Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

At Toomer, families come from many backgrounds, cultures, family structures, and experiences, each bringing something special. Make an effort to get to know other families and show interest in their stories, traditions, and values. A respectful curiosity goes a long way in building understanding and friendships. This could look like…….

3. Support Classroom Events and Activities

Attending IB showcases, class field trips, or other school events is a great way to meet other parents and strengthen classroom connections. If your schedule allows, volunteer to help at an event, chaperone a field trip, or simply be present at school activities when/if you can. Use that as an opportunity to talk to other parents and get to know them and their kids.

Additionally, if you are able to volunteer or attend school events, consider sharing pictures or sharing memories/moments/observations with parents who aren’t able to be there so they can feel connected. This would be a great use for the Class Dojo chat!

4. Participate in Class Dojo Chats

Ask your child’s teacher if they are willing to set up a classroom chat in Class Dojo, if they haven’t already. If they need support in doing this, Ms. Clark can help. You can also ask your child’s teacher to enable “parent to parent” chats in Class Dojo as well so you can send a message to an individual parent. With Class Dojo chats set up, parents can reach out about homework questions, upcoming events, and casual meet-ups. They can help everyone to stay connected and informed throughout the school year. This is especially helpful for parents who can’t attend events during the school day.

5. Share a Little of Yourself/Your Family

Building a community means letting people get to know the real you! Share your unique interests, hobbies, or talents with the class. Whether it’s reading your family’s favorite picture book to the class, bringing a special snack for a holiday, or simply chatting about your family’s favorite weekend activities, these personal touches help foster trust and closeness within the group. 

6. Organize or Attend Low-Cost Meetups

Consider planning or attending a casual, low-cost (or free) gathering outside of school, like a park playdate. Hosting or joining a gathering gives parents and kids a chance to interact in a relaxed setting, which strengthens friendships and fosters connections. These gatherings can be as simple as meeting at a local park after school (Coan Park and Bessie Branham are great options) or on a weekend. 

7. Practice and Encourage Empathy

As you get to know other parents, keep in mind that everyone has unique challenges and experiences. Approach each interaction with empathy, understanding that each family is doing their best and there are many ways to be an involved parent and being present at school is just one of them. Let's encourage each other as we all offer support in different ways..

8. Show Appreciation for Each Other

A quick “thank you” or a note of appreciation goes a long way in strengthening connections. Recognize and appreciate the contributions of other parents, whether they’ve organized a playdate, helped with a school event, or offered a friendly chat. During those especially busy times of year (looking at you December and May), an encouraging group chat that says “we’ve got this” could really help make someone’s day. Gratitude builds a positive atmosphere where everyone feels motivated to contribute.

 

Email us at toomerbike@gmail.com

Sign up for Toomer Bike Bus

What: A bike bus is a group of riders who travel together on bikes (or other human or electric-powered modes of transportation that are alternatives to cars) on predetermined routes, at a specified time, to a shared final destination.

Why: To create safe, manageable routes of transportation for kids and families to build community and promote alternative modes of transportation to school.

When: Our rides this semester will be the mornings of the first and third Fridays of each month, beginning on August 2nd, starting at 7:10/7:15am (the early meet time is necessary to give families the opportunity to meet up, and for the route to have multiple stops along the way).

Who: Any Toomer families who want to ride to school! This includes kids and parents. Kids can ride their own bikes, or ride on a bike with an adult. All participants must wear a helmet while riding. We are also always looking for route captains to help us lead routes! Please contact the e-mail address below if you are interested in leading a route, even if its just some of the time.

Where: There are three routes, one from each of the neighborhoods served by Toomer (East Lake, Edgewood, and Kirkwood). These routes could change based on ridership and the location of riders. These are an initial, good-faith effort to choose routes based on terrain, safety, and their abilities to reach as large a segment of each neighborhood as possible, considering the other factors. Routes can be amended, added, etc. for the future as feedback is received.

How: Participants will ride in groups with parents flanking the children in all directions  with a “captain” leading the way for each route. There will be predetermined stops along each route to allow families to join in at predetermined times for each stop.

*The early route starting times are to allow for the multiple stops and any snags along the way, with a large time buffer to allow students to school by the 7:45am start time.

Feedback: Please complete the Bike Bus sign up form if you are interested in participating in this ride, or a future ride, and/or if you have suggestions for routes, logistics, etc., or if you would like to be involved in the planning of, or leading, our Toomer Bike Bus!

Toomer Elementary School Curriculum Night: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers

Welcome to Curriculum Night! This annual event happens soon after each new school year resumes. It’s designed to give you a peek into your child's school life and help you support their learning journey throughout the year. Here's everything you need to know about Curriculum Night, why it's worth attending, and how it can make a difference for your child.

What is Curriculum Night?

Curriculum Night is an open house where parents and caregivers get to visit the school, meet teachers, and learn about what your child will be doing in class this year. Here's what happens:

• Teachers share what your child will be learning and how they'll be teaching it.
• You'll hear about classroom routines and what’s expected from students.
• You’ll get info on tests and how your child will be assessed.

Why Attend Curriculum Night?

Coming to Curriculum Night is important for many reasons:

• Meet the Teachers: It's a great chance to meet your child's teacher and ask any questions you might have.
• Learn About the Curriculum: Find out what your child will be learning and how you can help at home.
• Understand Expectations: Get the lowdown on homework, tests, and what your child needs for school.
• See the School: Check out your child's classroom and see where they spend their day.

Can’t make it due to prior life commitments? It happens. Grade-level curriculum presentations will be sent out after Curriculum Night. 

How Curriculum Night Helps Your Child

By attending Curriculum Night, you're setting your child up for success. Here's how:

• Home-School Connection: You’ll understand what’s happening at school, so you can support learning at home.
• Open Communication: Meeting teachers early on helps keep the lines of communication open all year.
• Get the Big Picture: Learn about the school’s approach to education and what makes it special.
• Join our Community: Meeting other parents/caregivers will make you and your child feel connected to our larger Toomer community, who will be there to support you when needed.

What to Expect: A Rough Agenda

Here's what the evening will look like:

• General Session: Everyone starts together at 6pm for a welcome and overview of the night. Specials (art, music, PE, mandarin, and media center) and gifted teachers will be introduced during the general session and available to answer individual questions from parents. 
• Grade-Level Breakouts: After the general session, you'll head to your child(ren)'s classroom(s) for a more detailed look at their specific grade level(s). Teachers will have a small portfolio of work and your child(ren)’s MAP scores to hand out, so we encourage parents of multiple Toomer Cougars to stop by each of their classrooms, even if the stops are brief.
• Child Care and Pizza: This is a parent-centric event – an opportunity to connect directly with instructional teams. There won’t be specific activities for kids at curriculum night, but kids are always welcome To make things easy, we’ve got child care and dinner covered. Pizza will be available in the cafeteria starting at 5:30pm, and child care will be provided by Global Tech in the gym beginning at 6pm.

 

We hope to see you at Toomer Elementary School's Curriculum Night! It's a great opportunity to connect with the school community and get involved in your scholar's education.

 

Questions Parents may want to ask at Curriculum Night:

• What are the top one or two things I can do to support my child’s learning at home?
• How will my child be assessed this year?
• How can I best support you as a teacher?
• Can you give me an example of what the IB framework looks like in your class? 
• What is your preferred way to receive communication from me, and how should I expect to get updates from you?

 

Parents' Guide to MAP Testing: What You Need to Know

Welcome to our Parents' Guide to MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing! As a parent, understanding this important assessment can help you support your child’s learning journey. Here’s what you need to know about MAP testing at Toomer and how it benefits your child.

What Is MAP Testing?

MAP Growth is a computer-based assessment that measures skills your child currently has and what they’re ready to learn next. Unlike traditional tests, MAP is adaptive, meaning the questions adjust in difficulty based on your child’s responses. This personalized approach helps provide a clear picture of their academic strengths and areas for growth. MAP testing is a very very common assessment in the U.S. and is used in all 50 states (and even internationally!).

Why Is MAP Testing Important?

1. Tailored Learning: MAP results help teachers customize instruction to meet each student’s needs.
2. Tracking Growth: The test measures academic growth over time, not just achievement at a single point. This helps monitor your child’s progress throughout the school year.
3. Setting Goals: MAP data helps teachers and parents set realistic and achievable learning goals.

How Does MAP Testing Work?

• Subjects Covered: Your child will be tested in reading and math.
• Frequency: MAP Growth tests are usually given three times a year (fall, winter, and spring).
• Time Commitment: Each test typically takes about 45-60 minutes, though MAP is untimed to ensure every child can work at their own pace.

What Do MAP Scores Mean?

MAP testing provides a score called a RIT (Rasch Unit) score, which shows your child’s academic level in a specific subject. These scores help:

• Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Compare your child’s performance to grade-level norms.
• Track growth year over year.

Your child’s teacher will use these scores to tailor their learning experience and may share them with you during parent-teacher conferences.

As a quick note, while the growth score is important because it can show progress, for students who initially score high, their room for growth may be less and they may show low growth (or no growth. That’s ok! This means that they are progressing on grade-level at near the same pace as they have previously,

How Can I Support My Child?

1. Before the Test:
   • Reassure and Encourage: Let your child know MAP testing is just one way to understand their learning and that it’s okay if some questions feel hard.
   • Ensure Rest and Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can make a big difference in focus and energy.
2. During the Test:
   • Minimize Stress: Remind your child to try their best but not to worry about getting every question right. The test is designed to find their current level of knowledge.
3. After the Test:
   • Celebrate Effort: Focus on your child’s hard work rather than the score.
   • Review Results: Discuss the results with your child’s teacher to understand what they mean and how you can support learning at home. Results will be sent home and Toomer teachers will review these results with parents during family engagement nights or parent-teacher conferences. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is MAP testing a high-stakes test?
A: No, MAP Growth is not high-stakes. The results are used to guide instruction, not determine grades or promotions. 

Q: What if my child scores below grade level?
A: That’s okay! MAP testing helps identify where your child needs extra support, and teachers will use this information to adjust their instruction.

Q: How is MAP different from state standardized tests like GMAS?
A: Unlike GMAS, MAP is adaptive and given multiple times a year, focusing on growth rather than just meeting grade-level benchmarks.It’s also untimed and students can take as much time as they need vs milestones testing, which is always timed.

Q: What if my child misses a MAP testing day?

A: If a student misses a MAP testing day, they will get pulled out of class on a different day to complete it. There is a district wide testing window schools have to test all kids within (typically over a week) so schools have plenty of time to make sure all kids take the test.

 

By understanding MAP testing and partnering with your child’s teacher, you can play an active role in supporting their academic growth. Thank you for being part of your child’s learning journey!

If you have any additional questions about MAP testing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or Principal Brown.

 

10 Fun Facts about Toomer PRIDE Celebrations: A Parents' Guide

Hey Toomer Cougar parents! Ready to dive into the fun and fabulous world of Toomer PRIDE celebrations? Here are 10 things you might not know about these amazing monthly events:

1. Monthly Pep Rally Vibes: Toomer PRIDE is a monthly “pep rally” that is all about showing off that Cougar pride. They’re held in the early afternoon. Go, team!

2. Hosted by the Best: Our incredible administrators, teachers, and staff host these celebrations. They make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone has a blast.

3. Squad Goals: Students sit with their class and grade level, which turns up the team spirit. It's a great way for kids to bond with their classmates.

4. Kickoff Fun: Each celebration kicks off with some fun announcements and music. It's like a mini-party before the acknowledgments happen. Note: It can get LOUD.

5. Recognition & Achievement: Teachers take the stage to shout out students in each class who model the month’s IB Learner Profile trait (Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, and Reflective). It's all about celebrating the cool things our kids are doing as they work to be globally-minded learners and doers!

6. Cheer Squad Moments: Our Toomer Cheer Squad is there to lead the cheers and bring up the energy. They're the real MVPs of school spirit!

7. Freddy Cougar Alert: Guess who makes a special appearance? Yep, Freddy Cougar, our (cute and not scary) mascot! He's always ready to bring the fun and excitement.

8. Grade-Level Groupings: Did you know the celebrations are split into K-2 and 3-5 groups? This way, the activities are just right for each age group.

9. Parents Welcome: Parents, you're definitely invited! Wear your Toomer merch (or not, it’s up to you). You can sign in when you arrive and even sign your child(ren) out for early dismissal. Because of the timing, it’s understandable if you can’t make it. There’s absolutely no pressure. 

10. Chant It Out: Want to join the fun from the bleachers? Learn these 2 Cougar chants: 

"Toomer Cougars, who are we? P.R.I.D.E! P.R.I.D.E! Breeeaakkk down…we-ee are, we-ee are Toomer. Cougars! We-ee are, we-ee are Toomer. Cougars! ROAR!” 

"East Side, Cougar Pride!" (repeat about 100 times)

So there you have it! Toomer PRIDE celebrations are all about fun, recognition, and community. Whether you're cheering from the stands or wearing Toomer merch/chanting from home, it's all about being part of the Cougar family!