Dear Parents:
March
is a busy month; we have registration for the 2015-16 school year and the PARCC(Partnership for Assessment of
Readiness of College and Careers) Assessments.
We
should all keep in mind the importance of PARCC. The district focuses on a full body of
evidence (MAPS Assessment, District 12 Common Assessments, In Building Common
Assessments, and PARCC) when making important Curriculum and Instruction
decisions. Teachers also use assessment
data to plan and drive their instruction for each class. However, PARCC is the most widely used
assessment when a decision needs to be made regarding your student’s potential
and possible best successful avenue in guiding schedules (used to guide
necessary classes, such as remedial classes or advanced classes).
Last year, Shadow Ridge showed gains in our scores and
we expect that next year will look even better.
In order to reach an improved status we need you to be cognizant of the
dates and the importance of this state mandated test. Please
help us support your students by remembering the dates of the TCAP Test, which
will be March 9th-18th.
How
can you help your student in preparation of the TCAP Assessments?
-Be
sure that your child is in attendance every day and prepared to do the best
he/she can on the test. Please do not schedule trips, medical
appointments, or other personal events
during this assessment period.
-Make
sure that your child eats breakfast every morning.
-Encourage your child to take their time and try to
answer every question. Often
students do not attempt the question if
they do not know the answer.
It is important to remember that if
students attempt the question, they
can earn partial credit. Receiving partial credit can make a
significant
difference in their categorical
score (advanced, proficient, partially
proficient, unsatisfactory).
-Instill
in your child the importance of writing complete sentences when answering a
question.
-Show interest in how the test went that specific
day. This will display your belief
regarding the importance of the
assessment.
It
is also important to know Adams 12 Five Star Schools has received some funds
from a federal grant focused on drug-free schools. Dark
Knight K-9 Detection Services will be providing contraband inspections utilizing
non-aggressive and certified detection canines.
The main priority of this program is prevention. SRMS will be participating in this program,
along with other secondary schools in District 12, with random searches taking
place up to once a month.
Thank
you for your partnership in supporting your child, Shadow Ridge Middle School,
and District 12 School District!
Sincerely,
Susie Wickham
Principal
