MATTAWA — Saddle Mountain Elementary is focused on writing for the month of March, and the students are having a lot of fun with it, according to Principal Sean Langdon.

The most fun has occurred with an exercise called Write to the Principal as the month is winding down. In addition to learning, students compete for prizes and recognition.

In February, Langdon and the teachers determined that students would benefit from targeted writing instruction. Leading up to the month of March, teachers began building a cohesive K-5 writing plan.

Langdon, and Dean of Students Joe Meyer, are providing fun incentives for students that demonstrate excellence in their writing. Now that SME is halfway through the month, staff is seeing wonderful writing and plans to share it with the community.

Langdon bases the writing focus on five key points: Writing improves communication skills, helps educators assess student learning, increases retention and processing of learning, supports students self understanding, and encourages creativity and exploration.

Another compelling reason to improve writing skills, Langdon said, is that state assessments require students to write opinion, informative, and narratives.

The writing focus has two parts.

For the month of March, students write to the principal and drop their writing in Langdon’s mailbox. At the end of each week, he reads each one and grades the student’s writing on grade level and standards-based rubrics.

The principal meets with the top students at each grade level to share their score and calls parents to share the good news. In addition, each student wins a ticket for him or her and a friend to Slide Waters or Splash Zone.

In February, grade-level teams of teachers determined a focus between narrative, informative and opinion writing. For the month of March, teachers and students hone their writing skills aligned to common core state standards, and the state’s Smarter Balance Assessment.

At the end of the month, each grade level will determine a first, second- and third-place winner. All 18 students will win a trip to Rollerena in Richland, which has donated to the SME to support students in their writing.

There will be more recognition. The first-place winners will read their composition at the April SME Leadership assembly. The community, especially parents, are invited to the leadership assembly Friday, April 1, from 12:30 to 1:30 in the SME gym.

The first-place winners have yet another incentive to work for: one lucky student author will be entered to win a family pass to Triple Play, a $250 value.

“Thank you to our SME families, and teachers for encouraging our young authors in their writing,” Langdon said. “And special thanks to our donors, Rollerena, Triple Play, Slide Waters and Splash Zone.”