Mukilteo Elementary Falcon Spirit
SBA Testing Starts May 9th
During May, all students at Mukilteo Elementary in grades 3-5 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessments in English/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, and students in grade 5 will also take a science test (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science, or WCAS). We use these state assessments as some of the ways to know how students are doing at meeting grade level standards and expectations in these areas. This newsletter provides information about when our school plans to give the tests and general information about these tests.
1. WHEN WILL MY CHILD TAKE THE TESTS?
See calendar below
2. HOW LONG ARE THE TESTS?
The ELA test takes about 3-4 hours to complete all of its parts and is usually spread out over 3 days. The math test takes about 2-3 hours and is typically given over a 2-day period. The science test lasts about 2-3 hours and usually completed during the course of one school day. To avoid test fatigue, students take the tests over a series of short sessions, and breaks are given to keep the students fresh. For example, students may work for 45 minutes and then stop until the next scheduled session, picking up where they left off. These tests are not timed, so we make arrangements for students who need more time to complete the test to continue testing in another room or on another day.
3. HOW ARE THE TESTS GIVEN?
Most students will take all the tests on a computer. Scratch paper is available to be used during some parts of the tests. Calculators and other tools needed for students to respond to test items are included within the test itself or are provided by the school.
4. DO STUDENTS NEED HEADPHONES FOR THE TEST?
Yes. Some parts of the test require student to listen to a passage and chose from several options that are written within the test itself. Students also click on videos, recordings, and graphics within the exam. We will provide a set of headphones to all students. However, if your child has a set of headphones or earbuds, please consider sending them with your child to use during testing. The set should not be expensive because we will not be able to replace them if they are lost or damaged.
5. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THESE ASSESSMENTS?
Students should be well rested and eat a good breakfast before school starts on the day of a test. (Students are able to get free breakfast at school daily.) Be sure your child is at school on time each day as we start testing in the morning and prompt attendance helps students feel comfortable and not rushed.
Encourage your student to try their best and to keep working hard when a question is more difficult. Each test has items that range in difficulty, and the test may get harder for some students toward the end because it adapts, based on how well a student is performing. When the test gets harder, it’s a sign the student is doing well, as more challenging test questions are presented when students have answered many questions correctly. Some items may even include concepts that a student has never seen before, probably because the concepts are covered in a higher grade. If students understand this, they are more likely to try hard. But don’t put too much pressure on your child – higher anxiety interferes with our best thinking and performance.
6. HOW DOES THE SCHOOL PREPARE STUDENTS TO PERFORM WELL ON THE TESTS?
These assessments measure students’ progress on meeting the state standards in the subjects being tested. During the year, students learn the material related to these standards that are covered by the test and students sometimes take similar tests. They also practice ahead of time to understand how the testing system works, such as, signing in, how to use the tools in the test, and scrolling through answer options. All the tests are structured the same way they have been in the past, and most students above grade 3 have taken the ELA and math tests in a previous grade, so they will be familiar with how the tests work. Teachers also discuss simple test-taking strategies with their students, such as, making sure to read the instructions carefully for each question. We are confident our students are well-prepared for the upcoming SBA tests, and are going to perform well - putting forth their best effort each day. Our teachers and staff have worked to ensure each student is working toward grade level proficiency in the academic areas of reading, writing, math and science, and our students all continue to show growth in these areas.
7. HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE TESTING IN WASHINGTON?
You can learn more about each test by visiting the following websites:
Class Placements for Next Year
During May & June, our teaching staff will be cooperatively working to place students entering Grades 1-5 in classes for the 2023-2024 school year. We work to create the best community of learning for each classroom by looking at creating an equitable distribution of students of different abilities, talents, personalities and approaches to learning. Student placement is a complex task and the list below gives you a sampling of some of the things that are taken into consideration by staff through the placement process:
- Academic Achievement
- Behavior & Social Skills
- Learning Styles
- Class Size
- Relationships
Due to the variables and complexity of placements, we are asking parents to trust our process and allow our teachers to make placement decisions. Also, due to withdrawals and additional registrations that occur during the summer, classroom rosters are not completed until the end of summer. We will notify you of your child’s tentative assignment for the 2023-20234 school year in late August.
All student assignments are tentative until a determination is made after the 4th day of school in September. At that time, adjustments may be made based on final enrollment and staffing numbers.
While parent requests for particular teachers are not accepted, if you desire to provide input about your child’s learning needs and learning style, please fill out the electronic Parent Input Form at the link below by Friday, May, 12th at 8:00 p.m.
Save the Date May 18th
Kindergarten Playdate 5 PM
Kindergarten Orientation 6 PM
Register for Kindergarten
Do you have a child who will be at least 5 years old by August 31, 2023? Will they attend kindergarten in the Mukilteo School District next fall? Registration for kindergarten classes in the 2023-24 school year is underway! Visit https://www.mukilteoschools.org/kindergarten to learn more.
Attendance
For attendance and absence related questions or comments, please email us the following information: child's name, dates absent, reason for absence by clicking here.
If you are planning an absence, a Prearranged Absence form must be filled out and returned. Download the Pre-Arranged Absence Form and email it to the Main office.
Help your Child Succeed in School: Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early
Did you know that if your child misses more than 18 days in a given school year that this is chronic absenteeism? Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Here are some tips to increase your child’s attendance:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
- Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Try scheduling medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
The most crucial learning hours of a school day are the morning hours because this is when students are most attentive. Students who are tardy miss the beginning of their morning classes, and they also cause a distraction when they arrive late to class. Please ensure that your student is on time for class every day. At Mukilteo Elementary, school starts promptly at 9:00am. Any student arriving after 9:00am will be marked tardy. Remember you can drop your child off as early as 8:45am for them to eat breakfast or go to walk n talk. Studies have shown that students who are frequently tardy have lower GPAs, lower scores on standardized assessments, and lower graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle school is also linked to failure in high school. We want all students to be successful at Mukilteo Elementary and it starts with making sure you are ready to learn at 9:00am
A Reminder about our Dress Code
Spring is here and it is time to remind students and parents of appropriate school attire. It is our goal to maintain an academic atmosphere at all times. Please dress your child in clothing that is safe and appropriate for school.
The following rules apply:
- Shorts, skorts, and skirts must reach the end of the fingertip when arms are extended down at their side. No spaghetti strap shirts or shirts that expose the tummy. Sleeveless shirts are ok.
- Tennis shoes for PE. Shoes need to be appropriate for playing safely on the playground, therefore no flip flops. If a student forgets or wears inappropriate clothing, that student will be asked to go to the office, change clothes (as available), or call home to notify the parents to request clothing if needed.
Volunteer Information
Are you considering chaperoning a field trip? If so, please be sure to confirm your volunteer status as soon as possible. Contact our Family Engagement Liaison, Tony Alvarez at alvarezac@mukilteo.wednet.edu or 425-366-3115. He can check our system and inform you of your volunteer status. If you have never filled out an application or haven’t filled one out in over two years, come to the front office to receive one or print one at home. Return the completed form to the front office along with a photo ID. Visit our district website to print an application at home.
Original Works Fundraiser - Extended Deadline for Late Orders - May 19th
*If you experience any issues in ordering, please reach out to the Original Works Customer Service Team:
518.584.9278 or cs@originalworks.com. Please note, they are based in NY and are available 6am-1:30pm Pacific Time.
With tons of affordable products to choose from (starting at just $6!), you are sure to find something wonderful! These items make perfect gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, grandparents, graduation, and holidays!
Earth Month DEI Books
May is AAPI month and at M.E. this month we are featuring picture books from a variety of Asian and Pacific Island cultures.
Selected books will be delivered to each classroom along with maps showing countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands and a set of picture book stickers. After sharing a book with the class, the picture book sticker can be placed on the map in the location that matches the setting, characters, or theme of the story.
There are 20 books in our circulating collection spotlighting stories from China, Japan, India, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Pakistan, Hawaii, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. And there are many, many more books and stories from Asia and the Pacific Islands in our M.E. Library collection that interested students from all grades can check-out on their own.
Recommendations from our Library:
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Imaginative Omar goes through the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends with the help of his wonderful Muslim family. Reading Level: 4th-5th Interest Level: 2nd-5th
Stargazing
How to Solve a Problem
Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible. Reading Level: 3rd-4th Interest K-5
Last Meeting
Date: May 15th, 2023
Time: 7 PM
Pet Show Musical
Date: May 30th, 2023
Time: 5:45 PM
Musical Cookies
Date: May 30th, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM
ME PTSA Carnival - June 1st, 2023
Pre-Sale Tickets for Carnival - Available Now
Click photos below to print flyer
Save the Date - Leadership Celebration & Picnic
Date: June 9th, 2023
Time: 11:45 AM
Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Simone Neal (425-356-1319), nealsr@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Lisa Pitsch (425-356-1277), pitschla@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.