Counselor's Chronicle
Monthly Newsletter
STAAR TESTING IS HERE!
If this is the first year your child will be taking the STAAR test then you should know that STAAR tests are given to students at their own school, in regular classrooms that have been set up to make it easy to focus on the test. If students have certain special needs and require special accommodations, they may be tested in a different area of the school.
Our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will take the Math and Reading STAAR on Tuesday, May 10th and Wednesday, May 11th. Additionally, 8th graders who are taking Algebra 1 will take an Algebra 1 EOC in place of the Math STAAR on Tuesday, May 3rd. Our eighth graders will also take the Science and Social Studies STAAR on Thursday, May 5th and Friday, May 6th.
For additional information or resources, please visit https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/testing/student-assessment-overview/assessment-resources-for-students-and-parents .
Important Dates
May 2-6- Teacher Appreciation Week
May 3-Algebra 1 EOC
May-5-Science STAAR (8th)
May 6-Social Studies STAAR (8th)
May 10- Math STAAR (6,7,8)
May 11-Reading STAAR (6,7,8)
May 20-Last Day for Course Protection
May 25-8th Grade Awards Ceremony
May 27- 8th Grade Dance
May 31- 6th and 7th Grade Awards
June 1-8th Grade Field Day
June 2- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Mega Food Bank Distribution
Friday, May 20, 2022, 09:00 AM
Gustafson Stadium, Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX, USA
What are your counselors up to?
We hope that our students have learned coping skills that will help them as they continue to navigate middle school and life itself. If your child was not able to participate this year in group counseling, reach out to your child's counselor, and we will get them set up to participate next year.
Parent Pointers: Test Taking Strategies
Here are the top ten tips for testing success!
1. Have a Positive Attitude
Put yourself in the right mindset! It might be tough, but you can do it. A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.
2. Make a Plan
Your teachers have spent some time reviewing possible content for the test what the test so spend some time reviewing that information. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics.
3. The Night Before
There is no need to try and cram as the STAAR test is all about what you have learned throughout the year. Instead, go for a walk or do something fun as a family to try to stay relaxed. Your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!
4. The Morning of the Test
Don't skip breakfast the morning of the test! Our campus has free breakfast and free lunch so wake up a little bit earlier to allow time for the fuel you'll need to get you through the day and so your brain is turned on and tuned up.
5. Test Time
Before the test begins, make sure you have your Chromebook and charger! All other items like scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it) will be given to you. Testing now takes place online and students had an opportunity to practice using the different icons they'll be able to use during testing.
6. Manage Your Time
Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff.
7. I'm Stuck!
Remember that the STAAR is a 4 hour test so don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, mark it for review and move on. You can come back to it later. If you have no idea what the answer is then review your options and make the best guess you can.
8. Multiple-Choice Questions
The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer.
9. Don't Lose Focus
It is okay to take a few minutes for a mental break especially during the reading test. You will have several passages to read. Take a moment between passages to let your mind wander for a minute, but then refocus and get back to it!
10. I'm Done!
Not so fast! When you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. Check the clock and if time permits, go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes. You may have marked some questions for review so be sure to submit an answer for those questions.
Self-Care Corner
If you broke your leg or came down with the flu, would you try to brush it off and deny yourself treatment? Of course not! Most of us would go to the doctor or treat minor injuries as they happen. Emotional and mental health, as well as everyday physical health practices, are just as important. Self-care is a great way for parents to make sure their own needs are being met. You can't care for others if you don't take care of yourself!
Counselors
Leigh Davis-Head Counselor
A-F
210-398-2578
Heather Callihan
G-N
210-398-2576
Amber Haby
O-Z
210-398-2577
Grade Reporting Secretary
Sasha Garza
210-398-2582