Middle School South News....
April 3, 2017 PARENT NEWSLETTER
R.E.A.L. PANTHERS RESPECT~EXPLORE~ACHIEVE~LEAD
ACT Aspire State Testing Dates
April 11th and 12th - ACT Aspire State Testing 5th grade
April 13th and 14th - ACT Aspire State Testing 6th grade
**How Parents Can Help Their Child**
We feel it is important for parents, to know the expectations for their child as they take ACT Aspire. Your encouragement will help your child to do their very best.
I was present and on time for each day of testing.
I used my time wisely.
I was respectful before, during and after testing. I did not talk during the test, when the test instructions were given, or when materials were handed out or taken up.
I tried my best!
If students follow the 4 expectations on both days of testing they will be allowed to attend the ACT Aspire Testing Incentive. We have games and activities planned on the following dates:
5th grade on Wednesday, April 12th in the afternoon after testing.
6th grade on Friday, April 14th in the afternoon after testing.
Thank you for sharing your child/children with us!
Essential Standardized Test Taking Tips for Parents
Standardized testing will be a significant part of your child's education typically beginning in 3rd grade. These tests are crucial not only to you and your child, but also to the teachers, administrators, and school your child attends. The stakes can be extremely high for schools as they are given a grade based on how well students perform on these assessments. In addition, many states utilize standardized test scores as a component of a teacher's overall evaluation.
Finally, many states have stakes tied to these assessments for students including grade promotion, graduation requirements, and the ability to receive their driver's license. These test-taking tips can be followed to assist your child to perform well on the test. Discussing the importance of these tests with your child will push them to do their best and following these tips can aid in their performance.
1. Reassure your child that he or she does not have to answer all the questions correctly to pass. It is not expected that students answer every question correctly. There is always room for error. Knowing that they do not have to be perfect will help eliminate some of the stress that comes with testing.
2. Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank. There is no penalty for guessing, and students can get partial credit on the open-ended items. Teach them to eliminate ones that they know are wrong first because it gives them a higher chance of getting the correct answer if they are forced to guess.
3. Remind your child that the test is important. It sounds simple, but many parents fail to reiterate this. Most children will put forth their best effort when they know it is important to their parents.
4. Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess or place a mark in the test booklet by that item and go back to it after finishing that section of the test. Students must not spend too much time on a single question. Give your best attempt and move on.
5. Ensure that your child gets a decent night's sleep and a good breakfast before taking the test. These are essential to how your child performs. You want them to be at their best. Failing to get a good nights rest or good breakfast can cause them to lose focus quickly.
6. Make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child's stress. Do not argue with your child or bring up a touchy subject. Instead, try to do extra things that make them laugh, smile, and relax.
7. Get your child to school on time the day of the test. Give yourself extra time to get to school that morning. Getting them there late will not only throw off their routine, but it could also disrupt testing for other students.
8. Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully. Encourage them to read every passage and every question at least two times. Teach them to slow down, trust their instincts, and give their best effort.
9. Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early. It is human nature to want to speed up when others around you are already finished. Teach your child to start strong, stay focused in the middle, and finish just as strong as you started. Many students hijack their scores because they lose focus on the bottom third of the test.
10. Remind your child that it is okay to use their scratch paper as a help in taking the test but to mark all answers as instructed on the assessment.
https://www.thoughtco.com/essential-standardized-test-taking-tips-for-parents-3194598
5TH GRADE SPACE CAMP
Medications for Space Camp:
Please do not send medications to school with your child. A parent MUST bring the medication to school and fill out the proper paperwork for the medication.
ALL medications need to be turned in to Nurse Kimberly by Friday, April 14th.
STUDENT MEDICATIONS (4.35)
The purpose of this policy is to set forth the provisions that must be followed when administering medication to students. The Cabot School District acknowledges that some students may require medication during the school day when a schedule for dispensing medication at home is not feasible. The school district’s licensed school nurse, principal or designee will dispense the student’s medication in accordance with the school district’s policy.
Requirements:
Administration of prescription medication by school personnel must only be done according to the written order of a licensed medical practitioner and written authorization of parent/guardian. Non-prescription medication will be administered to students only with parent/guardian written authorization. School personnel will dispense only oral, nasal and topical medications unless a condition exists for which an exception is made in accordance with the requirements of this policy.
No medication will be given unless a Medication Form is filled out for each medication. ALL medications must be delivered to the school office, by a parent or other responsible adult, in the original pharmacy-labeled or manufacturer’s container.
ONE BOOK, ONE SCHOOL
The Googledy, goggledly day is here
To pass out books far and near,
Tis’ the time to get your BFG,
For all CMSS students to see
Proudly, we present One book, One School
And hope you enjoy this as a tool
To learn, explore, and much, much more.
Take your copy and keep it close
To read, enjoy, and make the most!
April 3rd – 7th: pages 176-203
TRACK AND FIELD
April 21st- 6th grade Track and Field
TEAM FIELD TRIP DATES
5-1 - May 5
5-2 - April 14
5-3 - May 5
5-4 - May 10
5-5 - April 27
6-1 - May 18
6-2 - May 8
6-3 - May 3
6-4 - May 11
If you have any questions about up-coming field trips please contact your child's teacher.
IMPORTANT DATES
APRIL:
3- TEAM Picture Day
7- R.E.A.L. Panther Assembly
PTO Meeting 1:30
11- ACT Aspire State Testing 5th grade
12- ACT Aspire State Testing 5th grade
5th grade ACT Aspire Incentive
13- ACT Aspire State Testing 6th grade
14- ACT Aspire State Testing 6th grade
6th grade ACT Aspire Incentive
20- 5th grade Track and Field
21- R.E.A.L. Panther Assembly
6th grade Track and Field
5th grade PRIDE Celebration
28- 5th grade Space Camp
MAY:
5- R.E.A.L. Panther Assembly
PTO Meeting 1:30
8- Middle School 101 (4th grade Parent Night) 5:30
19- R.E.A.L. Panther Assembly
R.E.A.L. Panther Incentive
CHS Graduation
23- Talent Show 5th grade 9:00-10:00 6th grade 1:30-2:30
25- Last Day of School
Middle School South
Email: casey.hanna@cps.k12.ar.us
Website: http://www.cabotschools.org/schools/cabot-middle-school-south
Location: 2555 Kerr Station Road, Cabot, AR, United States
Phone: 501-743-3570
Facebook: facebook.com/Cabotmiddleschoolsouth
Twitter: @CMSSouth