March and April will be very busy months.  We are preparing for statewide testing.   Fourth graders will participate in Phase 1 of LEAP testing the week before Spring Break (March 26 - 30).  Phase 2 Testing will begin on Thursday, April 12^th and end on Tuesday, April 17^th.   The third and fifth grades will take the iLEAP test during Phase 2 testing.  We will be out for Easter on Friday, April 6^th and Monday, April 9^th.

            We tell the students that if you have been successful in school so far, there is no reason to fear the test.  There are some things parents can do to assist their students in performing their best on the tests.  Please be present and on time each day.  Unless a student has a medical or family emergency, please do not schedule doctor or dentist appointments during testing.  When a student needs to have a test administered by someone other than his or her teacher due to absence or arriving late, the student is uncomfortable because he or she is not familiar with the test administrator.  Students who arrive tardy will not be able to enter the testing setting because it is disruptive to the students who have already begun testing.  Students perform their best in their regular classroom environment.  Get up a little early, if necessary, so your child doesn’t feel flustered or rushed when arriving at school. Another way you can assist your child is by making sure he or she gets plenty of sleep each night.  Breakfast is another factor in student performance.  If at all possible, please allow your child to eat breakfast at school during testing week. Students arriving between 7:15 am and 7:30 am may eat breakfast at school at a cost of $1.10.  Research proves that the brain performs at its best when food is eaten shortly prior to testing.  Students who eat breakfast at school will begin testing approximately thirty minutes after eating, supplying vital nutrients to your child’s brain.  Our teachers will remind the students before the test to take their time and never leave an answer blank.  Also, if the student is unsure about an answer, it is always best to go with his or her first choice.  Please help us reinforce this at home.                                                 

If you are moving into our school district, please come by to visit us!  We would love to show you our school!  Just stop by the office.  We will give you a tour of the school, and we will make every effort to help your student(s) transition into our school successfully.

            I hope each of you enjoys the wonder of new birth this spring!  The flowers sprouting and blooming, the new leaves emerging on the branches, and the warm weather!  To me, it’s the best time of the year!  Have a great month!

                                                                                                                                                  Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                                  Jan Hollis

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