Looking ahead to the week of May 14 (Week B)

Students enjoyed another wonderful visit from Historic Columbia's Traveling Trunk Show.  This visit focused on the Civil Rights movement. 

Hi, families! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Many thanks:  Thank you all for the sweet birthday emails, cards, and surcees!  They were so greatly appreciated and filled my bucket!  

"Year of West Laser-Fest:"  Check out the flyer below!

Report cards:  Please review your child's report card with him/her.  It's a good time to reflect and set academic and behavior goals for the final nine weeks!  Please sign and return the report card cover.  You may keep the report card and comments.  Several students have yet to return their covers! 

Carolina sunshine:  The weather is getting warmer... summer is almost here!  Many students are now wearing shorts and skirts to school.  Please be mindful that your child's shorts/skirts are an appropriate length for school!  

Looking ahead to next week:  Testing week is finally upon us!  Students will be taking two ELA tests and on math test next week.  It's important that your child arrive on time!  Please do not plan on pulling your child early from school, unless it's absolutely necessary.  Also, if your child is sick, please plan on having your student make up his/her test the following week with Mrs. O'Connor.  It's better to complete the test, when a child is feeling his/her best!  Following testing, students will complete magnetism activities to kick off our next science unit.  Due to the time crunch, we will be doing two hands-on simulations each day, for both magnetism and electricity.  If possible, please don't let your child miss a day!  We will take the unit test the day before grades are due, so there will be no time for make up tests!   

Testing week donations:  If you would like to donate a snack item, breakfast item, juice, or something super sweet, please check out the link below and let Mrs. Fakas know if you have any questions!  We still have a slot open for the breakfast item on Thursday!  Thank you to all of the families, who've donated! 
Testing Week Donations

SC Ready testing wishes:  Please take a moment to write some encouraging words to our class, in preparation for SC Ready.  We will view your comments the week of testing!  It's Your Time to Shine!

Test week schedule changes:  Please know that our schedule during test (May 15 - 17) will change.  Here are the changes:  Lunch will begin at 12:29.  Recess will begin at 1:05.  SAIL will begin at 1:45.  Thank you for your flexibility!

Bookman Blast:  Save the date!

A note from Mrs. O'Connor about testing:  Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the South Carolina College and Career READY Assessments (SC READY) for English Language Arts and Mathematics in May 2018.  Students in grades 4-5 will also take the South Carolina Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (SCPASS) for Science and Social Studies.

Specific test dates below:

May 15th - ELA/Writing - Grades 3, 4, 5

May 16th - ELA/Reading - Grades 3, 4, 5

May 17th - Mathematics - Grades 3, 4, 5

May 18th - Science - Grade 4 only

May 18th - Social Studies - Grade 5 only

You are so important to your child’s academic success and we know that you want to do everything you can do to ensure he/she does their personal best.  Please read these tips below to help your child with test preparation.

• Encourage your child to do his/her best.
• Make sure your child gets adequate sleep.  A tired child is less able to pay attention or handle the demands of testing.
• Give your child well-balanced meals. Rest, exercise, and eating well are important for test taking.
• Arrive to school on time each day of the test.

• Please do not schedule appointments during testing week.  Students that miss a test would have to complete the test on a scheduled make-up date.

Thank you again for all of your support!  Have a great weekend!