Principal's Message
Preparing Your Child for Testing
Types of tests
Testing is used in schools for two main purposes. One is to find out how well an individual student is learning in the classroom. For instance, teachers can test how well a child is responding to reading instruction by using assessments that measure specific skills necessary for fluent reading.
The other purpose is to find out how well the school is meeting local and national benchmarks for student achievement. For this purpose schools use standardized tests, usually administered in the spring.
How to help
As a parent, the most important way you can help your child do well on tests is to read with your child regularly, talk with her about her experiences, and provide a quiet work space at home.
When well-meaning parents focus too much on test results, they put undue pressure on young children. For kids who struggle with attention or memorization tasks, testing can be extremely stressful because it requires students to draw entirely on these skills.
To help prepare for routine classroom assessments:
• Provide a variety of books, children’s magazines, and enriching experiences to spark your child’s curiosity and build vocabulary
• Make sure your child gets time and space for homework
• Make sure your child gets enough rest and a well-balanced diet
• Consult with your child’s teacher to find out if there are specific skills you can practice at home
To help prepare for standardized tests:
• Be familiar with the testing schedule (it will be sent home with your child) so that you can be sure your child is well rested and on time to school on all testing days
• Respond to any concerns your child has with encouragement and support. Emphasize that there are lots of ways to express what you know, and that these tests are just one measure
If you have any questions about the upcoming state test, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher.
Candy Singh
Principal
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State Testing Starts Soon!
SME students in grades 2-5 will begin taking their state assessments beginning Monday, May 5th. This is a very important time for our school and your child, so we need your help to ensure they do their best! Please be sure your child gets a good night's sleep each night and eats a healthy breakfast each morning. Our students have worked very hard this year, and now it is their time to show how much they've learned! Thank you for your support!
Jog-a-Thon
SME will be hosting our second annual Jog-a-Thon Friday, April 25th on the blacktop. We encourage all parents to come and cheer on our students!
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News from around the school:
Library:
Thank you to everyone for making our Family Reading Night such a huge success! [ more ]
PTO Events:
We invite all our parents to join our PTO. Please be looking for information about PTO in your child's Wednesday Envelope. [ more ]
Student Council:
SME's Second Annual Clean Up Day was a huge success! [ more ]
Volunteers:
Your child's teacher welcomes any support you may give in the classroom. [ more ]
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