Another Website...

I have created another website that I think will be more flexible with Google Docs.  Visit it here:

Mrs. Brown's Fantastic Fifth Grade

End of Level Testing Hints...

I know that sometimes students feel like this....but it doesn't have to be like that.  Parents can help students prepare for testing...

On Test Day

Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast

Many teachers report that students who don't do well on tests haven't gotten enough sleep, and haven't eaten breakfast on the morning of the test. Doing both of these things will ensure that your child is working at full capacity (Narang, 2008).

Make sure your child is prepared

Some schools may supply the tools your child needs for the test, such as pencils, an eraser, paper, and a calculator. Others may require the students to bring those materials themselves. Check with your child's teacher to see if you need to provide your child with any of these materials. Also, check to see whether you child will be able to make up the test if she is sick on test day (Narang, 2008).

Remain positive

Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If she gets nervous about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, help her practice some relaxation techniques that she can try once she's taking the test (Narang, 2008).

After the Test

What about the results?

Assessments vary from test to test, but the test scores should include information that helps you interpret the results. Talk with your child's teacher if you have any questions about the test results. You may also suggest that the school offer a testing information session to parents (Narang, 2008).

Review tests with your child

Help your child review any parts of the test that she did not understand (Narang, 2008).

On a Daily Basis

In addition to these strategies, there are a number of ways that you can maximize your child's learning capabilities throughout the school year, which can lead to confident test-taking. Some of these strategies include:

• Assisting your child with homework and ensuring that your child is completing all homework assignments
• Helping her to develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a positive attitude towards education from an early age
• Ensuring that your child has good attendance at school
• Staying in communication with your child's teacher
• Encouraging your child to read as much as possible, and to increase her vocabulary - even reading magazines, newspapers, and comic books regularly will help improve her reading skills
• Looking for educational games and programs that engage your child
• Helping your child learn how to follow directions carefully (Dietel, 2008; IRA (2002); Narang, 2008).

Finally, remember that standardized tests and grading systems are not perfect; each format has its own limitations. As you help your child do her best on the tests she takes and in all of her schoolwork, also remind her that testing is just one part of her education. With your support and involvement, she will be well on her way to her own bright future.

Great Website Find

I found this great website for SPED law today.  Take a look around, looks like a great resource...

http://schoolpsychologistfiles.com/

Much Needed Break

Spring Break is a much needed time to rest and relax.

  It is time to get rejuvenated for the rest of the school year.  I hope everyone is safe and happy for Spring Break!  See you Monday April 6, 2015!

UMLA Conference

A group of teachers from CMS were able to attend a Middle Level conference in Salt Lake City.  We came away with some great ideas.  Let's just say, "It was A-Maz-ing."  Working with middle school students can be EDUTAINMENT!!

Last Day of Quarter 3

Well, today is the last day of Quarter 3.  That was quick! 

It is a great time to re-evaluate your goals and focus on finishing out the year strong.  I will miss my 8th grade students tremendously!  These kids have become like my own children.  I know they are in good hands at Cedar High School. 

If you want to participate in fall sports at the high school, 4th Quarter grades are very important.  You must achieve at least a 2.0 GPA and have no more than 2 F's on the report card.  If you have questions about this, please get with a teacher or counselor and we can explain more about it. 

Happy Holidays

I hope the holidays were restful.  Please remember that the 2nd Quarter ends this Friday.  All work needs to be turned in as soon as possible. 

The 2nd Semester will begin next Monday.  This will involve new schedules for all students.  Please contact us as soon as possible for any necessary  changes.