Dear parents,

Yesterday, your student brought home information about researching information for something called a Model United Nations. Students have been assigned a particular country and researched some basic information about that nation last month. They are now required to do some more detailed research now, but unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons, the internet at school is being strongly filtered in order to ensure that inappropriate, or unsafe websites cannot be accessed. This means that students cannot access the information that they require.

Therefore, we are asking that your student does the research at home. The research requires them to study only how their country deals with the issue. For example, if your student has been assigned Australia and biodiversity preservation, then they will only research biodiversity preservation in Australia. They will need to complete at least one page of information on the topic. Here is the list of countries, students and issues:

USA

• Jordan – ending racism
• Kaylee – climate change
• Amelia – clean water for all
• Mia – biodiversity preservation
• Nakenia – protecting and developing energy resources

Peru

• Conner – clean water for all
• Lincoln – biodiversity preservation
• Nate – protecting and developing energy resources
• Atreyu – ending racism

Switzerland

• Gracie – biodiversity preservation
• Grace – ending racism
• Aidan – protecting and developing energy resources
• Jose – clean water for all

Qatar

• Skyler – clean water for all
• Kairi – climate change
• Zannah – biodiversity preservation
• Allie – ending racism
• Randi – protecting and developing energy resources

Australia

• Annie – clean water for all
• Kennedy – climate change
• Grayson – ending racism
• Maria – protecting and developing energy resources
• Beatrix – biodiversity preservation

Zimbabwe

• Jonah – ending racism or, protecting and developing energy resources
• Alex – climate change
• Nathan – clean water for all
• Dreydan – biodiversity preservation

The due date for 6th graders, due to their Redwood’s trip, is Friday May 3rd. The due date for 4th and 5th graders is Monday May 6th.

On Wednesday May 15th, students will go into their respective issue groups with other students from Upper el and participate in a discussion/debate about their issue. For example, if your student has researched “clean water for all” in the USA, then they will join all the other students that have researched “clean water for all,” and discuss/debate that issue.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Thank you – John

Dear parents,

Tomorrow afternoon, from 12-3 is the English Language Arts test. Again, students may bring gum for the test, non-candy snacks and clear, non-soda drinks.

Thank you!

John

Dear parents,

Monday April 22nd is an early out with school finishing at 1 pm.

Thank you!

John

Dear parents,

Tomorrow afternoon from 12-3 is the RISE science test. Students may bring gum, a drink and a snack to the test. Please no candy, noisy snacks, or soda.

If your child is sick, or unwell on the day, please do not send them in for the test. They will be allowed to make up the test at a later date.

Thank you!
John

Dear parents,

Below is information regarding RISE testing (this replaced SAGE) later this month and at the beginning of May. From the administration:

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

The testing dates for our class are:

• Thursday April 18th from 12-3 Science
• Tuesday April 23rd from 12-3 English Language Arts
• Friday May 3rd from 9 – 12 Math
• Friday May 10th from 9 – 12 Writing for 5TH GRADE ONLY

Your child can bring their own non-wireless headphones, a non-noisy snack, a water bottle, and previously I have allowed students to chew gum, but only during the test. We request that you try to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep, and if they are testing in the morning a good breakfast. If they are testing in the afternoon, then provided with a nutritious lunch.

As usual, any questions then please email me.

With thanks – John