CMS Weekly eNews Express
Monday, April 8, 2019 (Week #33)
Teachers Do So Many Great Things...
Staff:
Remember the week before a vacation can be a little crazy. With that being said, be sure to keep all of your students engaged in the learning. We all know students can get a little “on edge” before a long break. Additionally, 6th & 7th grade students will be taking their ELA MCAS tests this week. Please remind your students to navigate the halls quietly, especially if they are entering into a testing area. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
I want to give a special thank you to our 5th and 8th grade staff for navigating the first round of testing in such a smooth fashion. We did encounter a couple of error messages. If this happens in your room, please call for Mr. Olson or me. Generally, all we have to do is reboot the computer; however, there is one error message that allows the student to continue by clicking. Either way, we will respond to help.
On a side note, I will be calling down any student in 5th or 8th grade who missed a session last week. It’s my hope that we are 99% done with the ELA testing this week. This will give us some wiggle room for the week after vacation.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a wonderful week with your students…
Dean W. Packard
Principal
What's Happening This Week...
Monday, April 8th
- Grade 6th MCAS English Language Arts Session I
- Learning Academy – Grades 5&6 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- Faculty Meeting 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9th
- Grade 6 Students MCAS Testing ELA Session II
- Learning Academy – Grades 7&8 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- CMS MPA Meeting 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- CMSMPA Fundraiser Food Pick-up 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Cafeteria)
Wednesday, April 10th
- Grade 7 Students MCAS Testing ELA Session I
- Learning Academy – Grades 5&6 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (library)
Thursday, April 11th
- Grade 7 Students MCAS Testing ELA Session II
- Learning Academy – Grades 7&8 - 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
Friday, April 12th
- Business as usual
- Term #3 Grades by 9:00 a.m. in the Portal
- Wishing all of you a great April vacation 2:10 p.m.
Special Happenings:
MCAS Testing Begins:
As we begin the testing process, please remember to follow the training from our faculty meeting as well as the PowerPoint slides provided to you. I have included a total ELA testing plan, which includes teachers, rooms, times and students. Here are a few items to remember to meet testing security standards:
1. Make sure your room doesn’t have items on the wall pertaining to material being tested;
2. Make sure you guard the secure materials given to you the morning of the testing process;
3. Make sure your room is strategically set up so students do authentic work – see PP for examples of seating designs;
4. Read the directions specifically contained within the TAM;
5. Begin the testing on-time at 8:00 a.m. sharp;
6. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns immediately;
7. Be sure to stay calm and set a testing tone that is welcoming and supportive;
8. If you notice a student struggling to maintain himself or herself within the testing environment, please call for Mr. Packard. I can use an alternate setting for testing if needed;
9. Actively proctor the students so you can stay apprised of their overall needs; and,
10. Make sure you remind students to use all of the resources provided, including scrap paper to answer all of the questions.
All Unified Arts, Reading, Foreign Language, ACES, Librarian or any other teachers not teaching due to the testing, please be sure to report to the testing hallway as support for the testing process. Also, please be sure to read your TAM just in case you have to step in to help – Thanks!
You All Will Be Great… Your Preparation Has Been Amazing!
2019 MCAS Testing Calendar
Grade 8:
Science, Technology & Engineering: April 30th & May 1st
Math: May 16th & May 17th
Grade 7:
English Language Arts: April 10th & April 11th
Math: May 9th & May 10th
Grade 6:
English Language Arts: April 8th & April 9th
Math: May 7th & May 8th
Grade 5:
Science, Technology & Engineering: May 2nd & May 3rd
Math: May 14th & May 15th
***English Language Arts Make-Up Sessions: April 22nd – April 29th
***Math Make-Up Sessions: May 20th – May 24th
***Science, Technology & Engineering Make-Up Sessions: May 20th – May 24th