Beginning next week, our students will commence state testing with MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). If you are interested in reviewing a sample ELA, math, or STE practice test for your child’s grade level, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has posted practice tests and tutorials here. The practice tests provide a glimpse into the MCAS assessment and are informative in providing insight into what, and how, your child will be assessed. All students, in grades 3-5, will take their MCAS test on a district-provided Chromebook. Students have been practicing typing, and learning/refreshing their knowledge of CBT tools with their teachers and with Mrs. Backiel. Students have also practiced taking tests online in order to familiarize themselves with the MCAS platform and presentation. Test administrators have practiced with students as well.

Testing of this scope for young students can be very stressful if an overemphasis is placed on the testing. MCAS results are only part of a larger picture that we compile each year, and over the course of many years, in assessing a student. Please join us in reinforcing the message to students that while MCAS testing is important, we want them to be balanced and hard-working students. Education is a process, not a one-time test.

Please read, below, for helpful pieces of advice for families prior to testing and for more information about your child's testing schedule

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding MCAS, please contact us through the main office or via email.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Shelley Dulsky

Principal

sdulsky@nrsd.net

Lenore Zavalick

Assistant Principal

lzavalick@nrsd.net

BE YOUR BEST SELF. PAVE YOUR PATH. IMPACT THE WORLD.

The following are helpful pieces of advice for parents prior to testing (from the National Association of Principals):

Get them fed. The more nutritious food your children eat, the better they will do in school. Properly fueled and with stable blood sugar levels, their concentration is enhanced. Always give them a healthy breakfast while cutting back on high-sugar cereals, pastries, and undiluted juices (which can have the same sugar content as sodas.)

Get them moving. Tests cause stress, but, sports, exercise, and dancing can relieve it. Physical activity that gets students completely away from academics for a few hours each day can actually help them perform better on tests. Get them breathing. Teach your kids a simple breathing exercise that you’ll do with them once or twice a day and in times of stress (as in right before a test): Take a deep breath, hold to the count of three, then exhale slowly through the nose to the count of 10.

Get them to bed on time. Elementary and middle school children need up to 10 hours of sleep each night to do their best in school. They also need to curtail the excitement from video games, television, movies, and texting for at least 30 minutes before sleep.

Important! Please, also, ensure that your child leaves their wearable technology (eg., Smartwatch/FitBit) at home. They will not be allowed in the classroom during MCAS.