Greetings all! I hope everyone’s break was restful and restorative. Please be aware that this will be a long post due to the end of the year being upon us, but it is full of important information pertaining to the next two months, so please read it carefully.
From 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.”
Our testing dates are as follows:
- Science: Wednesday, April 17
- English: Monday, April 29
- Math: Tuesday, April 30
- Writing (5th grade only): Wednesday, May 8
We will be spending the next week reviewing material in class, but you can help your child prepare at home too. This website has some great ideas as to help your child prepare for these tests: http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/parent-tips-how-help-your-child-prepare-standardized-tests
Remember that your child is still learning to take tests like these, and often feelings of anxiety and assumed inadequacy can come from testing. If your child is suffering from any testing anxiety, please let me know so that we can support your child through this together.
April and May’s Calendar at a Glance:
April 15: Redwoods Meeting, 5:30 – 6:30 PM. All 6th graders and their parents need to attend this meeting as we will be going over final preparations and telling students which cabins they are in.
April 22: Early Release. We were going to have a field trip this day, but plans have changed. I will get in touch as soon as the replacement field trip has been scheduled.
May 5-10: 6th graders on Redwoods Field Trip. I will be attending this field trip with the 6th graders, school for 4th and 5th will be as usual.
May 13-17th: School Spirit Week
May 17: Crystal Hot Springs field trip/ 9th grade graduation
May 20: Early Childhood bridging
May 21: Early Release, Lower Elementary Bridging, Parent Teacher Conferences
May 22: Early Release, Upper Elementary Bridging, Parent Teacher Conferences
May 23: Early Release, Parent Teacher Conferences
May 24: Early Release, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
As always; questions, comments, concerns? please email me at lhughes@mariamontessoriacademy.org