Halfway Done with Iowa Testing

It must be the case of the “Mondays.”  It seems like any winter weather happens on Mondays.  Maybe that will turn around since spring is supposed to start on Wednesday!  We can only hope!

Thank you to those that made it in for Literacy and Technology Open House on Thursday.  It was great to see the students showcasing some of the tools we use at school.  Thanks for the support!

We have completed the first week of testing for Iowa Testing.  We will complete the tests by Friday, March 22nd.  Please remind your child about taking his/her time and trying his/her best on these tests.  We have talked about those things in class, but please let your child know the importance of these tests coming from you.  Your child is also working on earning effort points for effort displayed on the Iowa Tests.  He or she receives the maximum effort points if he or she is taking his or her time, rereading the tests when it is completed, and trying his or her best.  As a review of the same tips I sent last week, I am (AGAIN!) suggesting a few things to help your child finish these tests with a  successful testing experience:

* Go to bed on time the night(s) before the tests

* Eat a good breakfast the morning of the tests

* Talk with your child about any concerns he/she may have

* Emphasize the importance of the tests and trying his/her best (this is an area we have talked about in    

   class, but please talk with your child about the importance of trying his/her best on the tests)

Beginning on Friday, your child is going to begin completing Book Clubs inside AND outside of school.  The reading assignments and their thoughts will be recorded and completed at home, while their recorded thoughts will be discussed at school with their Book Club group on Mondays and Fridays.  Last week I stated I was sending home Book Clubs information.  Unfortunately, with the weather interruptions along with Iowa Testing, we did not have many opportunities for Book Clubs to be discussed or practiced.  I will send information about Book Clubs ON FRIDAY, as your child will be bringing home his or her book ON FRIDAY.  Please look for the information ON FRIDAY.  Your child will be bringing home a plastic baggy that contains the following: Book Clubs information sheet, “Monitoring Comprehension” sheet, assignment recording sheet, book, and post-it notes.  The baggy will be used for transporting the Book Club materials to and from school.  Thank you!

Report cards will be sent home next week.  There will not be a science grade recorded on your child’s report card.  Due to the missed school days, delayed starts, and other interruptions, the emphasis for instruction time needed to be on literacy and math.  We are currently finishing up our science unit on “Force and Motion,” so a grade will be indicated on the 4th quarter for your child’s science grade rather than in the 3rd quarter.  Please contact me if you have any questions.  Thank you!

Have a great week!  If you have any questions, please contact me!

Mrs. McCarville