PARCC and Upcoming Events...

Good morning! Just a short list of what is happening in 4S and what is coming up. 3/16-3/20 PARCC tests: 4th grade will test in the morning after PE. The first three days are the ELA tests and the last two days are math. We have been doing everything we can in order to prepare for these challenging tests and ready ourselves for the format in which they are delivered. The mesage relayed to the children is to just try your best. Use the test-taking strategies that we've practiced and check work. It has also been relayed to try not to worry about it. Sometimes it's hard for our children to not understand a problem, a reading passage or a question. They are so used to working hard and doing well on assignments/tests etc..because of thier efforts. On PARCC, this simply isn't the case sometimes. There is a lot of material that is very difficult and challenging. Sometimes, the kids don't even know where to start. I'm trying to help them understand that all the fourth graders who are taking the test are having these same feelings, and it's ok. We have been exposing the children to the tests so they can have some experience with how they are set up (very different from ISAT) along with test-taking strategies and mini-lessons on math concepts not yet introduced. We are all looking forward to the completion of the test. Please keep in mind, that we have another week of testing in May as well. Here's hoping that this will be the only "Year of PARCC" and that we don't see their return next year. Please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions you have, I'd be happy to talk with you. THIS Friday, 3/13 Report Cards go home 3/20: St Baldrick's Assembly at 2:00 3/26: 80's Day at Madison! Spring Break!!!!