During the week of April 16, the intermediate grades (3rd - 5th) and Middle School will take part in the standardized test called the Stanford Achievement Test. Over four mornings, students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in their grade level in a series of tests. Since research has determined that a time constraint does not allow full demonstration of a student’s abilities and understanding, the SAT tests are untimed. Students will not have the added pressure of completing their test within a time frame. If more time is needed than is anticipated, a student will be allowed to continue the test at a later date and time. All classes will begin the same tests on the same days, with the exception of Fifth Grade, which will participate in their Exchange City event one day. Fifth grade students will finish their tests on the last day of the week.
We believe students’ healthy outlook is of key importance. To be prepared well, the students should maintain normal sleep patterns and activity, and eat healthy foods before and during the week, so they are at their best on these school days. While the tests are a form of assessment, no retakes are allowed, and we hope to avoid making up tests the following week due to absenteeism during testing week. Please reschedule a routine doctor and dental appointment for your child during the mornings April 16 – 20, if one is planned.
The results of the SAT 10 become another snapshot of our students' learning progress and achievement. Results of this test come to the school in June. They do not influence or impact grades given for daily, homework, project, or for units of study during the balance of the fourth quarter. SAT 10 scores and information about the scores will be sent to parents in late June. You can request information and interpretation about the test scores from Nora Pink after receiving the Parent Report in June. Teachers will review the results and information from the scores in each sub-section in August when they return.
State Fair is approaching quickly for the Fourth Graders, Friday March 23. We look forward to hearing our fourth grade students’ presentations about their regions. I have been following the progress and their accomplishments in studying the regions, and the states and making their books, postcards, advertisements, speeches and more. The costumes will add to the festive look of the commons, too. The fourth graders seem to be excited! Following on the heels of the State Fair is the trip to Jefferson City next Wednesday and the Fourth Grade Music Showcase on Thursday night.
The International Festival was attended by Toddlers through Second Grade, teachers, division heads and parents on Wednesday. The program of dancing, singing, and storytelling was uplifting and entertaining for all. Each grade offered songs and a dance, wore costumes representative of their country, the continent, or indigenous people The festival’s reputation as a valued tradition lives on!
Second Grade boys in the Dragon Dance
At the end of the month, 1st – 5th Graders will be headed to Rockhurst University for the annual Literature Fest arranged by Reading Reptile and Rockhurst University. There they will listen to authors who will share how to write and get a book published as well as choose a theme and plot that meets the interests of students. We are very appreciative of Mr. N, who arranges the experience for all grade levels that attend through 6th grade.
The week of April 2 - 5, there will only be two days of school because Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday, the 4th and 5th. You might have received your appointment confirmation for your child’s conference by now from his/her teacher. Friday, April 6 is Good Friday, which is a holy day without students in school.
Rain Forest 2012 was the best it has ever been! Created by Third Grade students and teachers, tours and activities were held over two weeks. As another important unit of study for life science, Third Graders demonstrated an immense knowledge base about animals, ecosystem, and geography/topography. To be given a complete tour by a Third Grader was impressive. 