Note from Principal Buff
April 11, 2013
Spring is here, although it sure does
not feel like it to me. Hopefully the warmer weather will be coming soon.
Along with the warmer weather, the beginning of spring also means Testing
Time. Our students will be taking a number of examinations over the course
of the next few months. Therefore this letter will mostly be referencing
examination dates and testing tips. Your child may not be taking all of
these examinations. I have written the grade levels that will take the
exams.
Testing Dates:
April 16, 17, 18 – NYS ELA Examination
for grades 3-8. These exams will be given in the morning so it is very
important that students are on time to school.
April 24, 25, 26 – NYS Mathematics
Examination for grades 3-8. These exams are also in the morning so again it
is very important that students are on time to school.
April 29th – May 10th
– NWEA ELA testing for all grade levels. Each class has an assigned day and
time to take the examination. The examination is approximately 45 minutes
and is done on the computer. Please see the separate letter regarding this
exam.
May 13th – May 24th
– NWEA Math testing for all grade levels. Each class has an assigned day and
time to take the examination. The examination is approximately 45 minutes
and is done on the computer. Please see the separate letter regarding this
exam.
May 6th – May 17th
– NYSESLAT testing. This examination is for our English Language Learners.
Students will be taking their examination with their ESL teacher Mr. O’Neil.
June 3rd – NYS Science Exam
for students in grades 4 and 8. These exams will be given in the morning so
it is very important that students are on time to school.
June 4th – June 13th
– SLO testing. These examinations are for certain grade levels in certain
subjects and students will be taking these examinations during their regular
scheduled class time. These examinations are similar to what a final exam
used to be. For example the 7th grade Health class will take a
SLO exam in Health.
June 11th -June 20th
– NYS Regents examinations for our Honors 8th grade students.
Testing Taking Tips
-
Pace yourself, don’t rush. Read the entire question and pay attention to
details.
-
Keep a positive attitude throughout the entire test and try to stay relaxed.
If you start to feel nervous take a few deep breaths to relax.
-
When you first receive your test, do a quick survey of the entire test so
you know how to efficiently budget your time.
-
Always read the whole question carefully. Don’t make assumptions about what
the question might be.
-
If you are unsure of your answer uses process of elimination and cross out
answers you know are not correct. If you still are struggling move on to the
next question and come back to later. Other parts of the test may have some
information that will help you answer the question you are stuck on.
-
Don’t worry if others finish before you. Focus on the test in front of you.
-
If you have time left when you are finished, look over your test. Make sure
you have answered all the questions.
Other Steps for Preparing for Exams
-
Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
-
Eat breakfast the day of the exam.
-
Come prepared and focused to take the exam.
-
Make sure you take advantage of restroom time before the exam so you do not
have to go the bathroom while taking the exam.
-
Spend 20 to 30 minutes reviewing test taking strategies your teachers have
taught you before taking the exam.
-
Remember to relax. You and your teachers have worked very hard to prepare
for these examinations. You are ready, don’t get yourself stressed so you
can’t focus.
Parents, if you have any questions or
concerns about the above examinations, please feel free to contact your
child’s teacher to answer any of your questions. I am, also, available to
answer your questions. As always, I thank you for partnering with us as we
continue to strive to create a positive and engaging learning environment
for our students that supports their growth and development.
Sincerely,
Lesley Buff