April 8, 2009
Dear Mead Families:
Each year students in the Lake Washington School District have the opportunity to participate in the state Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). The WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) testing window for Margaret Mead Elementary School begins this Monday, April 13th. These assessments will be administered to the students in grades three-six between April 13-May 1.
The specific testing schedule for each grade follows
· Grade 3-Reading (April 14 and 16)and Math (April 21 and 23)
· Grade 4-Reading (April 13 and 20) , Math (April 16 and 23),Writing (April 14 and 21)
· Grade 5-Reading (April 13-14), Math (April 16-17) and Science (April 20-21)
· Grade 6-Reading (April 13-14) and Math (April 16-17)
By testing students in early spring we will be able to use the information to assist us in measuring the progress your child has made during the year and will help with some instructional decisions that will be made for the upcoming school year. Though the tests are important in helping teachers work more effectively with your child, they only provide part of the total picture of your child’s progress. Teachers assess student performance in a variety of ways on a regular basis, and their insights to your child continue to be your best source of information on “how your child is doing”. Your encouragement and support help your child to perform better in all aspects of learning and assessment.
It is important for students to be present and it is important for parents to set a good balance of encouraging their children to do their best without putting undue pressure or anxiety on them. As long as students “show what they know,” teachers can then plan instruction to best help students learn.
Here are some additional ways that you can help:
· Testing will begin first thing each morning, so it will be extremely important that students arrive at school on time. so that testing is not disrupted by a student’s late arrival
· Make sure that students start the day with a healthy breakfast.
· Please assure that students get adequate sleep on the nights prior to testing.
· Send a healthy and quiet snack with your child each day.
· Comfortable clothing can make testing a more pleasant experience.
· Put that schedule up on your refrigerator and provide an extra kiss and a word of encouragement as they leave for school those mornings.
When you are in the building during the testing window, please shut off your cell phone. This is a restriction for all LWSD test sites.
The WASL provides comprehensive information as to your child’s progress, strengths and areas of need. Therefore, it is imperative that students attend school during the testing week. Please schedule appointments and extra vacations days before or after test week. Our testing will begin first thing each morning, so it will be extremely important that all students are ready to enter the classroom right at the beginning of the day.
We appreciate all you do to help your child achieve high standards. Thank you for making learning a priority in your home.
Sincerely,
Shawna Rothaus, Principal
Margaret Mead Elementary School