April 9, 2008

Welcome back. I hope that everyone had at least one opportunity to do something interesting over the Spring Break. I spent my Spring Break in Death Valley with my husband. It was good to rest. I'm feeling so much better - nearly back to normal.

As you know, the WASL begins next week. This can be a stressful time for students and their families. Here are a few tips that we have collected over the years to help prepare and support students.

Remind student that:
-  WASL scores do not affect report card scores.
- WASL scores do not determine whether or not you pass fourth grade. The work that you do all year is what helps determine that.

- Students do not have to pass the WASL until 10th grade. They have many chances to show what they have learned before they have to pass the test to graduate.

- The WASL does not tell us what kind of a person you are.
- The WASL does not tell us how hard you are working or what you have accomplished
 - The WASL is only one test that shows only one kind of learning. There are many other ways that you will be able to show what you know during your school career.

As parents you can help your student by:
- Making sure that they get plenty of rest.
- Making sure your student eats breakfast.
- Providing time to just relax in the evening. Testing is hard work!
- Keeping the family schedule as normal as possible.
- Encouraging your student. Remind them that they have been working hard all year. They can do this.
- Celebrating when the testing is over. It's a real accomplishment.

Testing will begin on Wednesday, April 16. There will be one testing session each day through April 24. Students will be taking all of their tests with their homeroom teacher. Students have the whole day to complete a test, though most will finish within the first two hours. Students who arrive late, after the testing session begins at 9:30 will not be allowed to take  test that day. They will have to make up that session during the make-up days, April 28 - May 2. Students who are sick will also be able to make up any sessions missed during that time. Try to schedule dentist appointments etc. late in the day if you have to schedule them during this time. Students may not leave during the testing session and then return to finish the test.

During the testing sessions, students may have water bottles on their desks. They may also chew gum if you allow them to. We will be providing a snack each day during a short break in the test. We will be providing pencils and erasers for students to use.

There will be limited homework during the testing window. Reading logs will be turned in each week as usual.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of us.

For the 200/201 Team,
Gail Blaine