The WAVA Wave
March 1, 2016
A Message from our Principal...
Tammy Alonzo
Middle School Principal
The Counselor Connect
As the state testing window approaches each school year, many WAVA learning coaches ask me for resources on the topic of test anxiety. Here are some ideas to help your child in all types of testing situations:
- Make sure your child in rested and well-fed. Tired and hungry kids are easily overwhelmed by tasks they could normally handle with ease.
- Talk with your child about how tests only measure certain types of knowledge. They are not an indication of everything they have learned or know. Tell them: Just do your best and let go of the rest!
- Prepare for tests in the weeks and months beforehand, but cramming for a test at the last minute is not recommended. This method greatly increases stress and negatively impacts test outcome.
- Talk with your child’s teacher about accommodations you can offer on course assessments, such as breaking the test into smaller sections over a few days, when needed.
- When testing at home (MAP, Scantron, etc.), consider allowing your child to keep a small comfort item near them during testing, if it’s not a distraction.
- For testing at home, consider allowing the child to test in a comfortable, sunny spot. A small change in setting can make a huge difference to one’s mental state.
- For cases of severe test anxiety, start small and celebrate success. The most important step to overcoming the anxiety is having positive testing experiences, so the child begins to associate tests with success, rather than feelings of fear or inadequacy.
- Consider talking with your child’s medical provider if anxiety is a frequent concern. Stress and anxiety are normal for all humans, but if it’s impacting the child’s ability to enjoy daily activities, it would be good to rule out medical causes and consider mental health counseling and other interventions.
Please take a look at KidsHealth.org for great articles on this topic, aimed especially at children! This website contains much helpful information for parents and children on a wide range of topics.
http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/test-anxiety.html?ref=search#
Additional helpful information on this topic:
http://education.more4kids.info/87/helping-kids-overcome-test-anxiety/
Thanks for reading! Feel free to contact me directly for additional resources or support.
Mr. Bieker
It's that time of year again! State testing is right around the corner.
8th graders will also be taking the Measurements of Student Progress, MSP, for Science. This assessment will take place over 1 day.
Testing will start right after spring break. It is very important to read and respond to any emails or k-mails you receive about state testing as there is important information about site locations and times.
Can I opt out of state testing? Click here for more information.
Learning Day at the Capitol
Friday, March 4th, 10am-2pm
State Capitol Building [nb], Olympia, WA, United States
8th grade to High School
Wednesday, March 16th, 1pm
This is an online event.
Assembly ClassConnect link:
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
8th grade to High School
Wednesday, March 16th, 7pm
This is an online event.
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
WAVA School Wide Science Summit
Friday, March 18th, 12-2pm
This is an online event.
From: 12-2:00 p.m.
Please come join us for a virtual Science Fair showcasing our amazing middle school student’s and their projects! You will be able to visit breakout rooms and browse at your own pace!
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Seattle Times Tour
Thursday, March 24th, 3-4pm
19200 120th Avenue Northeast
Bothell, WA
To RSVP:
Re-Registration Office Hours - RESCHEDULED TO 4/19
Tuesday, March 29th, 2pm
This is an online event.
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Capture your Memories in this Year's WAVA Middle School Yearbook!
Middle School STEM conferences
There are many locations over Washington State to choose from. Visit
www.eyhn.org to register.
Coffee Chats!
This is a chance for WAVA Learning Coaches to connect with other WAVA Learning Coaches to talk about a specific topic for 30 minutes every week. Check your schedule on your Learning Coach account. If you don't see it on your schedule, click on the links below.
Every Thursday!
TOPICS:
March 3rd at 1:00pm: Motivate the Unmotivated
Click here to join.
March 10th at 1:00pm: Learning Styles
Click here to join.
March 17th at 1:00pm: Dealing with and Preventing Interruptions
Click here to join.
March 24th at 1:00pm: Enrichment and Extra Curricular Activities
Click here to join.
March 31st at 1:00pm: Concerns and Priorities with School
Washington Virtual Academies Celebrations!
Washington Virtual Academies Celebrations!
We want to recognize the amazing members of our WAVA community!
- Students & Parents, let us know when a member of our staff has helped you improve, overcome a challenge or gone above and beyond to help you OR share a significant accomplishment.
- Staff Members - let us know about members of our community who have helped a student/family find success OR share a story about a student/family who has had a significant accomplishment.
Let's Celebrate our wonderful WAVA community!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wavacelebrate
Brand new to WAVA?
If you're just starting this month, welcome! Be sure to check your k-mail for a welcome letter from your Family Academic Support Liaison, F.A.S.L. Your F.A.S.L. is there to help you get everything started.
Getting started:
You will receive an email from WAVA detailing the onboarding process. There will be multiple live sessions offered each day, every week, to help guide you through setting everything up.
Week of Welcome, WOW!
Your student's first week will be very busy! It is important to be sure to follow the daily and weekly schedule that week as all sessions are required. Details will also come in an email from WAVA.
Required Class Connects
If you see the word REQUIRED next to the title of the Class Connect, it is a mandatory class that you must attend. If you know you are going to miss a class please contact your teacher to see how you can make up the missed work. Sometimes, you will need to watch a recording.
To view the recording of a missed Class Connect Session, click on the “Go to Class Connect” link, search the date of your missed session, click on the link of the session, watch recording. ALWAYS send your teacher a Kmail to explain why you missed attending the LIVE session (unless previously arranged.)
Time Zone
Make sure your OLS is set to PST (Pacific Standard Time) so your Class Connect times are correct. Click on -> My Account -> Time Zone Settings.
Attendance
Students and Learning Coaches do not need to track attendance. Your attendance is measured by your course progress and participation in required class connect sessions.

Advanced Learning Circle
March 3rd (Grades 2-8)
Topic: Finding the Story in Your Family History
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
http://tinyurl.com/LearningCircles
March 17th (Grades 6-8)
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
http://tinyurl.com/LearningCircles
March 24th
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
http://tinyurl.com/LearningCircles
March 31st
Topic: March Student Presentations
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
We need parent volunteers!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/volunteerWAVA
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