Principal’s Message
April 19, 2019
Testing:
We will be testing differently this year than we have in years past. Last year, we did school-wide testing for ELA, and we liked the process for it. This year we are going to move to school-wide testing for all content areas. We feel strongly that this will provide the best testing environment for all students.
By doing school-wide testing for all areas, we are able to push the testing all the way back to the week of May 6-10 and Monday, May 13. This means teachers have the next two weeks to continue teaching their content, which gives students extra instructional time without the worry of testing that might be happening from day to day. It also compresses the testing window from four weeks to a week and a half (Ms. Chester’s 8th graders will still do their Writing RISE next week on Monday and Tuesday in her classes). This should help alleviate some of the testing burnout that happens when things carry over the course of a month. We are also hopeful that having the testing all together in a shorter time will help students stay focused and committed to doing their best on the tests.
The week of May 6-10 is also the week we have chosen where ALL students can get free breakfast at school. So please help us remind your student that they can swing down to the cafeteria during that week to get some fuel and energy for testing.
We will have special class schedules for testing week. The schedule will allow for a 1.5 hour testing window each day. Each RISE test has two sections, and the state is estimating that each section should take an average of 50-60 minutes. By providing a 90 minute window, teachers will have time to do a quick mindfulness exercise from Inner Explorer, provide instructions, get students logged-on and still have 60-70 minutes to provide to students for actual testing. All students should bring a reading book with them every day that week so they can quietly read if they finish their testing prior to the end of the 90 minutes.
To facilitate all students testing at the same time, the classes will be rotating which test they are doing on the two day test blocks. For example, on Monday and Tuesday, May 6 and 7, the 8th grader will take ELA, the 7th graders will take math, and the 6th graders will take science. By Monday, May 13, all three classes will have taken all three tests. We then have until May 16 to finish any make-up tests that need to be completed.
Finally, pushing the testing window back two weeks does allow some additional time for parents to turn in opt-out forms if desired. The new deadline for opt-outs will be Wednesday, May 1. As always, we encourage all students to take the RISE tests, but parents do have final say in opting your students out if desired. As a reminder, students who opt-out should still attend school on testing days, and they will be provided an equivalent assignment to work on while the other students are testing. The equivalent assignment will not be graded just as the RISE test is not graded.
Sports Update:
The track team has been practicing diligently and working on learning the different races and field events. The last couple of days were even better as they were able to get outside and work. I’m sure it was getting old running in the halls and trying to do field events in the gym and cafeteria. Track meets will be coming up on Wednesdays at the end of April through the beginning of May.
Students have signed up for tee times for golf try-outs. Try-outs will be on April 25. We are looking forward to putting together competitive teams for both the boys and girls as they participate in the two district golf tournaments.
Class Fees:
Please check your student’s account to make sure there are no outstanding class fees owed. Class fees for fourth quarter electives have been added to accounts. We are asking that everyone get it and make sure you don’t have any outstanding balances on your student’s account. The end of the year will be here quickly, and when summer begins, I’m sure your mind will be on other things.
After School:
We are having some problems with students staying and hanging out in the building after school gets out. Please make sure your students head home when school releases. We have added a bell that rings at 3pm Monday-Thursday and 12:45pm on Fridays to remind students to leave. Once those times come and go, the only students who should be in the building are those under the direct supervision of an adult, meaning they are in Homework Club, another club meeting, are at practice/intramurals, or are at rehearsal.
Attendance Issues:
Many people are calling the main office to handle attendance issues. Please call the Counseling Center for attendance issues. Their phone number is 385-646-5145. Calling the main office will only mean it will take longer for you to take care of the attendance as they will have to put you on hold and then transfer you back to the Counseling Center.
Important Dates:
Apr. 24 Track Meet @ Cottonwood HS
Apr. 25 Band Festival
May 1 Track @ Granger HS
May 6-7, 13 RISE Testing
May 7 PTSA Meeting, 11:30am
May 8 Track @ Skyline HS
May 9 Orchestra/Band Concert, 7pm
May 10 Track Championships @ Kearns High, 12pm
Sincerely,
Josh LeRoy
Principal
