Dear Parents:
March is a busy month.
The month consists of registration for the 2016-17 school year and the
PARCC(Partnership for Assessment of Readiness of College and Careers). The assessments areas in PARCC are math and
language arts. CMAS (Colorado Measures of
Academic Success), which assesses science
and social studies, will be after spring break in April.
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. The full body of evidence is used 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 several of our
assessment scores. 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
student by remembering the dates of the PARCC Test, which will be
March 15th
through April 1st .
How
can you help your student in preparation of the PARCC 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.
We are thrilled to offer a Math
Interventions Course for students at
Shadow Ridge. With support from the
district math department we are interested in using the Math Navigator
modules. These modules build critical thinking and reasoning by focusing
on specific gaps in students' mathematical understanding; thus, allowing
students to use these concepts and skills in order to solve more complex
grade-level math problems and applications. The modules build
collaboration by giving the students ample opportunity to work together in
ways to learn mathematics in a community
rather than strictly as an individual. The Math Navigator materials will
be available for your review in the office from February 24-March
8. If you are interested,
please stop by the office to review the materials.
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!
Susie Wickham
Principal
