Orchard View Elementary Looping Orchard View Elementary
Orchard View Elementary School

March 2011

We will soon begin working on our class lists for the 2010-2011 school year.  Looping is the opportunity for students and a teacher to stay together for two consecutive years.

For the 2011-2012 school year, Mrs. Estep is scheduled to follow her current students to 2nd grade.  Mrs. Bickel, currently in 2nd grade, will begin a new loop with the students in her class next year as 1st graders and remain with them through 2nd grade.

Here are a few of the key benefits to looping:

  1. Extra Learning Time - Time is gained at the beginning of each second year because the teacher will have known what each student's ability is and where to start their learning process.
  2. Students Know the Expectations - Instead of learning a new system of procedures and room routines, the students can jump right into learning.
  3. Established Relationships - The students will have already established rapport with the teacher and the other students in the room.

Additionally, for the above reasons and more, Looping can also have a positive impact on third grade ISTEP scores.

If you have a student who will be in 1st grade for the 2011-2012 school year and you are interested in your child being considered for the Looping process, please fill out the Parent Input Form found in the April newsletter and return it to the school by May 5.  You may also print out this form at our website by clicking on the link "Parent Input Form Spring 2011."  You may choose not to be part of the looping process by marking the appropriate section on the form.  If you do wish to participate and after the first year find you do not wish your child to continue, parents will have the option to opt out of the loop for the second year.  There will be limited space in the looping classroom, as I must keep the sections balanced.  Therefore, I cannot guarantee all who wish to have their child in the Loop will be able to do so, but I will do my best to honor as many Looping requests as possible.  If you leave this part of the Parent Input Form unchecked your student may be placed in the Looping classroom if space remains available.

Please contact me at 825-5405 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Mr. Sloan, Principal