From the Counselor's Corner
March News from Mrs. Thornton
P.A.R.C.C. is HERE!
This past week in my Developmental Counseling classes with students, we focused on test anxiety. It was a great opportunity to give students open forum to share their feelings and realize they are not alone! There are a roller coaster of emotions that are triggered by many different events in life and standardized testing is certainly one of them. We spoke about P.A.R.C.C. and it's purpose with the focus being on how the State is wanting to see the growth of the students and teachers. They are wanting to see how prepared students are for career and college readiness. Please watch the following video that I shared with students and staff. I think it really puts perspective where it should be and hopefully relieves anxiety. This test does NOT define our students or our staff. It is important and it is a must in order to move towards are future dreams and accomplish our goals (Much like my certification test for teaching and also counseling); however, the results (no matter how high or low) are NOT a definition of how bright, innovative, creative, etc. that our students are. Our students and staff are AMAZING at Central!
REMINDER!
5th Grade- Week of March 9th
6th Grade- Week of March 16th
4th Grade- Starting March 25th
If students do not have their own, they may use the school headphones!
You've Got Skills!
The students will have many different tools such as a "flag" where they can mark something and come back. There will also be a "highlighter" to mark key points, a pop up calculator/ruler and much more. It can be overwhelming but that is why the teachers have given the students many opportunities to practice. A huge shout out to Mrs. Mattan in the library for going through the different features of P.A.R.C.C. and letting students "play" with the different tools and practice before the big event!
Let's "Hit One Out of the P.A.R.C.C."!
1. Get a good night sleep
2. Eat a good breakfast
3. Come to school and on time
4. Do their best!
Thank you so much for your help in encouraging them to do the same!
If it's your week to test, don't forget your:
1. Headphones (if you're wanting to bring them)
2. your snack and
3. your "Game Face" (a.k.a. positive attitude)!
Anxiety Tips
1. Take a Deep breath
2. Stretch during their 3 minute class break
3. Use positive self-talk like telling themselves "I WILL do this!"
4. Count to 10 in their head.
5. Think of something that makes them smile
and finally, remember-
THE TEST DOES NOT DEFINE ME! All I need to do is MY BEST!
Motivation Crew
Check out the picture below! Some students and staff put chalk to the sidewalk on Friday to help pump up our school attitude and cheer on our 5th Graders! It's not easy going first, but I have no doubt their Leadership will pave the way to greatness!
Central Intermediate School: 4th-6th Grade
Email: mthornton@mr238.org
Location: 401 East 2nd Avenue, Monmouth, IL, United States
Phone: (309)734-2213
Twitter: @mthornton1011