Spring Testing Begins!

M-STEP and NWEA Have Arrived!

Greetings, Parents!

It’s that time of year again! The testing season has arrived. Students will begin taking the annual spring assessments next week. We have talked to the students about these, and want to make them as comfortable as possible. We have scheduled the tests as best as possible to avoid test fatigue. In order to help with this, we ask for your help. In talking with the staff, these are areas that we think may help our students:

• Rest -- Students need as much as possible (don’t we all). Consistent bedtimes that offer plenty of sleep help prepare students for testing.
• Breakfast -- A good breakfast is a great way to start the day. Cherry Street does provide free breakfast for the kids, so we can help with this one. If your child happens to arrive after breakfast is done being served, have him/her stop into the office; we will make sure food is provided.
• Encouragement - These tests are important to us as they show us a snapshot of our students’ achievement. This information will be passed on to the parents, so you are aware of your child’s progress as well. The school also uses this information to guide our class instruction, and school improvement plans. For the students, we stress that we want them to do the best that they are capable of doing. If parents can help encourage the kids to put their best effort forward, we’d greatly appreciate it.
• Headphones -- The M-STEP requires headphones on certain parts. We have them at the school, but your child is welcome to bring their own.
• Reading Books -- Some students finish before others. In this case, a book or something to read is often a nice way to relax after a tough testing session.
• Dark and MILK Chocolate for the Staff -- This was mentioned, but I think they were pulling my leg with this one. Hmmm…

As for the testing schedule, you will see who is scheduled to test come up on the building calendar. This schedule will be somewhat tentative, as we often encounter events that may disrupt our testing schedule. While 5th Grade is taking the M-STEP, the 4th grade will be taking the NWEA test. They will switch tests in about four weeks. We will put up an updated schedule when this happens. Here is what is coming up in the next few weeks:

• 5th Grade -- M-STEP Testing from 4/10/17 - 5/5/17
• Test begins promptly at 8:00. Please make every effort to get your child to school by the 7:50 tardy bell.
• 4th Grade -- NWEA Testing from 4/10/17 - 4/28/17 (We may not need all of this time.)

Thank you for your time in reading this massive post. I know this time of the year can be stressful for the kids, but we are working hard to make it as enjoyable as possible. Cherry Street has a few incentives lined up to encourage the kids to put their best effort forward, and we ask that parents help with encouraging the kids throughout the testing. Thank you for your help, and all that you do to make your kids succeed in life.

Sincerely,

Ryan Moore

Principal, Cherry Street Intermediate