Sunday, February 28

I want to start this update with an apology.  I apologize for the lack of communication this last week. Not to make excuses, but the reality is I had an obligation every day after school and did not fall into bed until about midnight each evening.  Between MATH Bowl, Destination Imagination, the hunt for a principal, the ISTEP video, my son swimming at State and my daughter preparing for dance competitions....last week was a blur!

Throughout the week the students did an amazing job of staying focused. They not only rocked the Unit 7 Fractions test, but during the ISTEP practice test, their focus showed they are definitely going to ROCK the ISTEP!

Next week is ISTEP Week! Please make sure your child is at school and on time each day- it will provide a less stressful environment for them! Also, we'd like to ask that all devices (ipads, ipods, phones) be kept at home next week. Here are a few other ways to ensure success for your child:

1. Get plenty of rest each night.
2. Get up a little earlier - being late is stressful!
3. Eat a good breakfast - high on protein, low on sugar.
4. We will be testing Tuesday - Friday. Please be sure NOT to schedule appts. during the testing window.
5. Encourage your child with "Do Your BEST! You've got this! Rock the ISTEP!"

If you would like to send a special note for your child to be opened at school and posted on our Shout-Out wall, it would be so appreciated. Notes are such a treat. We have worked hard and are ready to perform. We are ready to ROCK this test! Feel free to address some to the whole class. We are a team and family that supports each other! Notes can either be sent to school in an envelope or can be emailed directly to me and I will print them off for your child place on our shout out wall. 

We will also be providing a special snack each day of testing.  If you are able to send any of the following items in tomorrow, it would be greatly appreciated!

• 3 bags of Star Mints - The red and white hard candies.  We call these magic mints, and research shows they really do add some magic by stimulating the senses. 
• 3 cases of water - water is the best brain food!
• Lucky Charms: 2 boxes
• Chex Mix: 2-3 big bags or 20 individual packages
• Rice Krispies Treats (20)
• Mini cookies (chocolate chip, oreo...) 25 individual packages
• Pretzel sticks: 2 bags or 20 individual packages

To end this email, I would like to share this years ISTEP video.  If you haven't seen it yet, you should watch it with your child!  They really know how to ROCK the ISTEP!