Final report card of 1st grade!

Rachel did quite well. Areas of strength include reading with understanding, shows growth in vocabulary, read independently and uses word recognition skills. In oral and written communication, an area of strength is expresses ideas clearly. In math, an area of strength is understanding concepts presented.

The one area that needs improvement: Organizes self/materials for habits under "work habits."

In the PALS reading and spelling tests (it's a test given to 1st graders to assess where their skills like), Rachel's spring scores were 44 for spelling (benchmark is 20; maximum is 48), but the more interesting scores were on the first- to sixth-grade word lists. She scored a 20, the maximum, on the 5th-grade word list and a 14 on the sixth-grade word list.

That means our girl is reading at a 5th-grade level, and can handle 6th-grade words, too.

On "oral reading in context," she scored 99 percent for accuracy, a 3 for fluency and a 6 for comprehension -- the highest scores possible -- and reads at 138 words per minute. She is also scoring at the top for instructional oral reading -- short vowels, nasals, blends, digraphs, etc.

She's pretty smart.

The comments were nice, too:

--From Mrs. McAdam: "It has been a privilege to be Rachel's teacher this year. I have enjoyed working with her. She is a smart, sweet and kind girl. Rachel made a lot of progress both socially and academically this year. She met all end of year benchmarks for reading and math. I would say to have Rachel continue to read throughout the summer, but I know she will never be without a book in her hand! Her appetite for reading is immense. I know Rachel is ready for all the challenges second grade will bring, but I'll miss asking with her about books and other connections she's made. Thank you for sharing her with us!

--From Sra. Marks, her Spanish teacher: "It has been a pleasure getting to know Rachel this year. She seems to enjoy the Spanish songs and most oral and written activities we do in class. Rachel is always prepared and respective of my rules. She enjoys learning new vocabulary and speaking in complete sentences in Spanish.

--From Mrs. Bonahoom, her art teacher: "Rachel has had a great quarter in art class. She impressed me with her quick understanding of how to sew. Her sun collage turned out beautifully. Rachel continues to explore new materials and techniques eagerly and works well with others."