Monday, February 23

Today we began the ISTEP practice test. I love the way the students are taking the practice test seriously. It really is a last chance to make our best better. We will continue taking the practice test on Tuesday and a little on Wednesday. The rest of the week I will be meeting with individual students to review their work, praise their efforts, and give suggestions on how to improve. Next week we will begin the applied skills portion of the ISTEP, and we will OWN IT! Because the focus in class will be ISTEP practice and none of the materials are able to be sent home, homework for this week is to read. Students are normally to expected to read 30 minutes every night, but for the next two weeks they should increase to 45-60 minutes each evening. This will also help in meeting those Reading Counts goals. Remember all students should complete 5 chapter books at increasing Lexiles. They have through March 6th to meet their goal. One more reminder: The Bulldog Academy has started a "shout-outs" wall. Notes will be posted in our hallway to encourage success and positive thoughts. It can be about school, home, extra-curricular activities that your child shows hard work, perseverance, kindness, cooperation, etc. We want to flood our students with positive thoughts for success and we need your help. You can do it on any paper, just a short note in large enough writing for all to see. Put your child's name on it, write a short note, and sign it. If you'd like to email me your message, I'll make sure it is typed up and hung for all to see. Thanks for supporting your child!