Hello Stanley Families-

As we are entering into our final week of the 2012-2103 school year, I wanted to thank the PTA and all parents for another incredibly successful school year.  With your support we have been able to accomplish some remarkable things.  A few of our year's highlights include:

* An increase of 23 points on Stanley's overall API STAR scores (from 907 to 930) and significant growth in the scores of several of our significant sub groups including students with disabilities.

* Stanley's continuing and expanded support of intervention programs including extra periods of support for math and reading, homework club, and a highly qualified Health Educator.

* Our support of programs to challenge high achieving students, such as a rigorous math and hands-on science programs, Tek Trek scholarship program supporting girls in math and Science, Odyssey of The Mind, Geography and Spelling Bee, and Science Bowl Team.

* We have continued to be a leader in the implementation of Common Core, including staff training, curriculum development, and Stanley participating in the Smarter Balanced 2013 pilot test.

* Stanley becoming a 2013 Distinguished School and having the Lafayette School District's 2013 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Cooper Howard.

I am proud to be a part of such a vibrant and dynamic environment, where students are challenged and supported, and our parents and teachers work so closely to provide the expansive opportunity for so many students.  To see so many students be engaged with their learning and  who have grown so much is a true gift, and what Middle School is all about.

I look forward to seeing many of you on campus this week, and I wish you all a restful and very well deserved summer!

David Schrag

Principal, Stanley Middle School

3455 School Street

Lafayette, Ca. 94549

925-283-6282

Hello Stanley Families-

 

We are all charging through the tape as the final weeks tick by at Stanley. We have just finished week one of our Smarter Balanced pilot, where many 6th graders had the opportunity to try what will become our new STAR assessment after next year. A huge thank you to the teachers, tech. support staff and students who are helping to make this pilot successful and giving us valuable information about the changes in our accountability systems. This coming week 7th grade will get to try their own pilot.

 

We are also looking forward to our presentation from a Holocaust survivor to our 8th graders on Tuesday.  Bev Lathrope and the 8th grade English department will be using this once in a lifetime  chance to have students learn more about themes of tolerance, resilience and doing work to produce "This I believe" projects.  Thanks to the whole 8th grade team for an incredible unit!

 

Finally, I had the chance to tour the campus this week with Dr. Brill and two LAFSD Board members. What we saw was so encouraging-In class after class, rigorous and engaging instruction, project based learning, and all classes working hard- even on a Friday in mid- May!  I appreciate everyone being so focused and taking advantage of every moment.

 

I look forward to seeing you around campus soon!

David Schrag

Principal, Stanley Middle School

3455 School St., Lafayette, Ca. 94549

925-927-3530 

Hello Stanley Families-

 

We are working hard at school, wrapping up our Star testing and beginning make-up tests this week. A heads up for parents that beginning May 13th, Stanley will be participating in a scientific pilot of the new Smarter Balanced tests, the new end of year assessment that are set to go live in 2014-2015. This pilot will allow all 6th and 7th graders to try out these new tests, which are all administered by computer and will let kids and adults understand better how we can best prepare for the new generation of assessments. More details about the pilot test will be coming out this week to all parents.

 

Also, please don't forget that May 8th is day of the teacher. Students don't forget to honor their hard work by continuing to work and focus in class, and let them know this week how much they are appreciated. We are so lucky to have a faculty that is second to none! Thanks to all of Stanley's staff on this week and throughout the year for your dedication to our students' success.

 

Finally I couldn't help but announce for the first time in several years the staff was triumphant in our annual student-staff basketball game. I was not able to play, but I know from experience it is a good thing these games are so short- we could never keep up with the young fresh legs!

 

Thanks for your support,

 

David Schrag

 Principal, Stanley Middle School

 3455 School St.,Lafayette, Ca. 94549

 925-927-3530

Hello Stanley families-

A brief reminder that STAR testing will begin on Monday, April 29 and run through Tuesday, May 7.  Please do your utmost to avoid having students miss school and be on time during these next two weeks.  A good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast will help your child do his or her best.  

A big thanks to Victoria Shegoian and the Leadership class for the lovely lunch they provided for the office staff and administration on Administrative Professionals Day.  It is so nice to feel appreciated!

David Schrag

Principal, Stanley Middle School

Lafayette Elementary School District

3455 School Street, Lafayette California 94549

Phone 925-927-3531

Fax 925-284-5461

Hello Stanley Families-

 

Thanks to those who came out for our Stanley math night, where we heard from District math coach Andy Schipper on some of the ways Stanley is shifting towards the Common Core and engaging students with powerful instructional strategies.  Also, many thanks to the many parent volunteers and Staff members who helped the Stanley Hunger luncheon, where more than 600 students learned powerful lessons about poverty, global awareness and how we can all help those less fortunate.  And finally, congratulations to Ally Hodder,  a 7th grader who has been selected as a finalist for the SRA Reading Labs Student Writing Contest!

 

500 entries from all over the nation were received. Your student's writing passage was selected as one of 36 finalists in one of these 4 categories:

 Adventure

 Drama

 Expository

 Science Fiction

 

The contest is not over! Now it's time to get our community to VOTE for Ally to win. Teachers, students, parents, and friends are welcome to vote for their favorite student passages to win $5,000 in classroom resources. The deadline to vote is May 3rd.  Every voter has 12 votes, one per category in each of the three grade levels!

 

See all of the finalists and cast your vote at:

 

Things are warming up all over!  Thanks again for your continued support-

 

David Schrag

Dear Stanley Families,

There are many things to share with you this week, as we continue to heat up around here…

For many other Stanley events, including the GRO dance and Hunger Luncheon, please check our website at http://sms-lafsd-ca.schoolloop.com/

Things certainly are humming! Thanks again for your continued support…

Hello Stanley Families, 

David Schrag

Principal, Stanley Middle School

3455 School Street

Lafayette, Ca. 94549

925-283-6282