End of Year Assessments

April 1,  2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

     Our End of Year Testing begins tomorrow, April 2nd.  From April 2nd to April 26 students in grades K-5 will be taking the NWEA benchmark assessment in both reading and mathematics. We use the information from this assessment to track their growth over time and across multiple years. We use these assessments to determine what a student knows and to determine if there are any academic areas that need additional support. In Spring, we use these scores to determine who may be invited to attend summer school for students in grades 4 and 5.

     In addition to the NWEA, from April 24th to May 3rd  students in grades K-5 will also be administered the DIBELS assessments. This is an assessment of reading skills. This assessment, like the NWEA, is administered three times a year to measure growth over time and identify areas for support. In the Spring, this assessment is also used to determine if your child will be required to attend summer school for students in grades K-3.

     Finally, from May 7th to May 24th   students in grades 3-5 will be administered the state summative assessments, SBAC. Grades 3-5 will take the reading and math SBAC assessment. 5th grade is also required to take the NGSS for science.

 

Use the link below to access all our Spring assessments and dates.

District testing calendar
 

Ways Parents Can Support Their Child During the Benchmark Assessments

Good Nutrition: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Proper nutrition plays a significant role in your child's cognitive function and focus. Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy breakfast is particularly important on test days to ensure they have the energy and mental clarity needed to perform their best.

Adequate Rest: A well-rested student is better equipped to concentrate and perform effectively during assessments. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep for their age. Avoid late-night studying, as it can lead to fatigue and decreased performance.

Good Attendance: School opens at 8:00 am, and instruction begins at 8:15 am. Regular and punctual school attendance is vital for academic success. Ensure your child attends school regularly and is on time, especially during the benchmark assessment window. Missed school days can make it challenging for students to catch up on missed material.

De-Stressing Techniques: Help your child manage test-related stress by teaching them relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and positive visualization can be effective tools for reducing anxiety. Encourage them to talk openly about any concerns or worries they may have.

Growth Mindset: Foster a growth mindset in your child by emphasizing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Encourage them to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and learn, rather than fearing them as obstacles.

Remember that your support and encouragement are invaluable to your child's success. By creating a nurturing environment at home and instilling the importance of education, you play a crucial role in their academic journey.

Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching learning experience for your child, and we look forward to working together to help each student reach their full potential.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the benchmark assessment or any other aspect of your child's education, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your partnership and are here to support your child every step of the way.

Sincerely,

 

Jeffrey Forzani

Assistant Principal for Instruction

School Testing Coordinator