Letter from Elementary Principal
March 24, 2017
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
As we move from winter to spring, I wanted to make sure I took the time to pass along the schedule for the mandated 3-8 Math and English Language Arts (ELA) assessments that our students will take next week (ELA) and in May (Math). I have listed the dates on the bottom of this letter. We are pleased that there is an extended period of time (including the spring break) between exams this year.
A Chance for Students to “Show What They Know”
While some might characterize exams as “punitive,” the truth is that we spend a great deal of time every year assessing whether or not students have mastered particular skills or pieces of content knowledge. We use projects, quizzes, unit tests, lab reports, and essential questions on a regular basis to inform our
instruction, and in doing so we give students a chance to “show what they know.” It is reassuring to note that on the 3-8 assessments, students do not pass or fail, and the scores are not used to determine retention or promotion. Instead, the assessments indicate proficiency, and they provide guidance for students, parents, and teachers about academic supports that might be beneficial. In addition, the assessments also help to build the stamina and “grit” that students will need on future assessments.
Supporting the Work of Our Staff
Our school is blessed with an incredible group of teachers and support staff. They care deeply for their kids as well as their craft, and they use the entire instructional cycle - standards, curriculum, instruction, assessments, analysis of results, and professional learning - to make sure that our students receive a
world-class education. Each year they use the results from the assessments to make sure that our academic programs meet the needs of all our students, and it can be very challenging to accurately see how we are doing when the data we are using is incomplete.
We want you to know how much we appreciate the constant support you give to education in our community. We invite you to call or email if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kristina Saucke
Elementary Principal
(585) 374-7951 or ksaucke@naplescsd.org
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NYS 3-8 Math and ELA Schedule
March 28th-30th (Tuesday-Thursday) Grades 3-8 ELA Exams
May 2nd-4th (Tuesday-Thursday) Grades 3-8 Math Exams
June 5th (Monday) Grades 4 and 8 Science Written Exams
At home, you can support your child during the testing periods by doing the following:
- Ensure that you child gets a good nights rest each evening before the exams.
- Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast each morning of the exams.
- Ensure that your child arrives to school on time.
- Encourage your child to do their best on the exams.
- Model a calm and positive approach to test taking. Remind your child that they are prepared and ready!
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