We Made It!

Hello Parents! 

Congratulations!  Your child officially made it through his/her first day of the Iowa Assessments!  Today we completed the Vocabulary and Written Expression tests.  Tomorrow and Wednesday will be Reading Parts 1 and 2 and Mathematics Parts 1 and 2 (aka "The Big Ones").  We will finish up the week with Computation, Science, Social Studies, Capitalization, and Spelling. Thanks to those parents who signed up for and/or sent in snacks for the kids this week!  Here are a few good habits to share with your child, whether it's during testing week or any other normal school day:

1.  Get plenty of rest.
2.  Eat healthy, including a well-balanced breakfast (I had one student today tell me she loves Iowa Assessments because she got scrambled eggs for breakfast!).
3.  Stay hydrated.  Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the system.
4.  Arrive at school on time.  Preparing for school the night before can help get the day started well.
5.  Maintain a positive attitude.  Focus on what went well.  If students believe they'll do well, they're more likely to succeed.

These children continue to amaze me with their eagerness, enthusiasm, and positivity every day, even during test-taking time.  :)

A few quick (but important) notes: 

*Students should have brought home a reading log in their Leopard Book on Friday.  We would like students to read at least 50 minutes a week or 100 minutes for the rest of the month of October.  We will gradually increase the minutes throughout the year.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call or email.

*Please sign and return the Everyday Mathematics Unit 2 Progress Check if you have not already done so.  I use this as important data to help drive future instruction.

*Your child will bring home a conference confirmation form tomorrow.  Please sign and return this as well.

*There is no spelling this week due to the Iowa Assessments.

*Students will have their Electric Circuits science test next Monday, October 12.  Study sheets, science composition notebooks, and science folders will come home on Friday to help them prepare.

Have a great evening! 

Mrs. Johnsen
johnsen.jill@iccsd.k12.ia.us