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RISE Assessment

UT state standardized assessments (now called RISE and Aspire Plus) will be on the follwing days for our class.

Thursday, April 18 9:00-12:00 – Science

Monday, April 29 9:00-12:00 – ELA

Wednesday, May 1 12:00-3:00 – Math

Thursday, May 9 9:00-12:00 – Writing (5th grade only)

These assessments are important to us for several reasons.

The state assessment data are important to your family because the results are one way to communicate how much your child has learned in English language arts, writing, math, and science. At MMA, we know that these tests are but one indicator of a child’s progress in these content areas.

The state assessment data are important to us because determining what a student knows or does not know is a vital cornerstone in individualizing learning experiences, which is the basis of a Montessori education. The results help us to identify needs for new and additional materials, tailor professional development for teachers, and determine where to best invest school funding.

Taking tests is a practical life skill, required for college entrance as well many professions. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, contractors, nurses, and cosmetologists (to name just a few) all must take tests in order to enter their professions. Standardized testing in school provides a valuable opportunity to practice taking tests in a low-stakes environment, better preparing our students for future assessments – which is why we encourage all students to participate.

If you choose to opt your child out of testing, please complete the Parent Exclusion from State Assessments Form. This form must be handed from you to either Ms. Lana or Ms. René, who will take 5 minutes to review this form with you. We ask that these forms are submitted no later than April 12th. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Spring Has Sprung!

The birds are singing, the pollen and pollinators are are flying, and warmer weather is right around the corner.

I hope you all have taken the opportunity to spend lots of time outside when the weather allowed, and lots of time engaging with each other inside when the weather was a bit less conducive to being out.

School starts again Monday, April 8 and we have a lot on our plates.   In order for your child to do their best, they need lots of rest and a predictable schedule.  Please help your child get back on a school schedule this weekend so they can be their best selves.  The expectations for work and behavior in the class have not changed, and we will begin our day Monday reviewing the rules and practicing grace and courtesy.

With the passing of Spring Break, we enter RISE testing season.  Although, as a teacher, I understand end of year testing is but one piece of the puzzle that shows student growth and progress, it is a very important piece.  Rushing through or guessing because he/she wants to have “free time” does not benefit your child.  In fact, it makes it more difficult to evaluate what they know and don’t know.

Within the classroom Ms. Kari and I try to maintain a relaxed approach to these exams.  This does not mean we do not take the exam seriously, nor does it mean we expect your child to do less than their best.  Please make sure you have a serious conversation with your child about doing their best on these exams.   Support your child with healthy meals, plenty of rest and opportunities to talk about what they are doing in the classroom.  The more opportunities you take with your child to apply what he/she is learning, the better understanding they will have.

RISE TESTING DATES/TIMES

Thursday, April 18 9:00-12:00 – Science

Monday, April 29 9:00-12:00 – ELA

Wednesday, May 1 12:00-3:00 – Math

Thursday, May 9 9:00-12:00 – Writing (5th grade only)

 

Class Photos Next Week

Next Wednesday, February 20 we will be having class photos.  This photo will be in the yearbook and is not available for separate purchase.

Please make sure your child is in dress code for these photos.

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday.

Please help your child choose clothing that meets the dress code.  Ms. Kari and I understand that many children receive gifts of new clothing, but we strive to follow dress code standards as closely as possible, and children in our class are held to this expectation.   In addition, please be sure your child is packing a healthy lunch and snack.  We encourage fruits and vegetables instead of overly sugary snacks.  An apple or cheese stick will provide your child with more sustained energy than chips or fruit snacks.  Please remember that candy is strictly forbidden.

As we come back to school in 2019,  please make a note of these important dates.

STARBASE – 6th grade students only

It is your responsibility as parents to get your child to and from STARBASE on each of the dates listed above.

Monday January 7, 2019
Tuesday January 15, 2019
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Wednesday January 30, 2019
Wednesday February 6, 2019
STARBASE is on Hill Air Force Base; we have a few plans to get your students on base.
Our first plan is to meet at The Aerospace Museum and STARBASE will send a Hill Air Force Base bus to come pick us up and transport us to and from STARBASE.  The information for this plan is located here. Roy-Gate-Base-Bus   Please do not be lateDrop off time is 9:00.  The bus cannot wait for late arrivals and we could lose this privilege.  Pick up time is 2:45-3:00.  You must pick up your child from STARBASE before picking up other children from MMA.  
The second plan, if  Hill Air Force Base cannot come get us, is to have parents transport their child onto base.  In order for anyone to get onto base they need to provide some information.  All forms were due December 20.  If you did not fill out a form, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with another family who filled out the form.  
These are the instructions for getting to the South Gate.  South-Gate-Contingency-Plan-18

 

Week of January 14 – STEM Week 

  • 4th – STEM Challenge – This in class project will take place the week of January 7 and require a short write up at home.  We will do the bulk of the work, and write up in class, with the finishing touches to be completed at home.  The at home portion of the assignment will take approximately 30-60 minutes since we are doing the bulk of the work in class.  This will be due Monday, January 14.
  • 5th – Invention Convention – Shortly after Thanksgiving, your students were given a log book for this home project.  The details for this project are laid out in great detail within the log book.  This project is due, Monday, January 14.  If your student needs a new copy, you can download and print one by following this link:  Invention Convention Log Book
  • 6th – Mentor 4th grade students in their STEM challenge

 

We look forward to seeing your children back in class Thursday, January 3.

 

 

A Message From MAPA

This is a message from Angela, our MAPA president:
Hi Parents,

Thank you so much to everyone who has already signed up to help at Fall Festival! October is a pretty busy month as far as MAPA and volunteering go so we need help from so many. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up yet there is still time. We need several more volunteers to keep all of the activities open. This year MAPA will be implementing the “no volunteer, no activity” moto again. This means that any time we have a volunteer need and no one has signed up that activity will be closed for the time slot.

Not only do we have Fall Festival this month we also have Parent Teacher Conference dinners and Book Fair October 15-17th.

Please, please follow the link and sign up where you are able. Please note there are multiple signups for all events on the calendar. If one is full please click on the next signup sheet. If you have any questions you can email MAPA at mapa@mariamontessoriacademy.org.

https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/events

Cheers,
Angela Voraotsady