JCUE Monday Memo
April 26, 2021
Mission and Vision Statement
The mission of Jefferson County Upper Elementary School is to provide a 21st century learning environment that produces civically, responsible scholars that are college and career ready.
The vision of Jefferson County Upper Elementary School is to foster an enthusiastic, creative community of scholars ready to influence change in the world.
Dear Families and Community Members:
We are in the final week before MAAP Testing! The first MAAP test will begin on Monday, May 3, 2021. Parents we ask that you encourage your child to continue doing their best as we prepare for this assessment.
It is now time to pay Chromebook fees. The fee is $45 for one child and $5 for each additional child. This money should be paid to the school secretary. If you have more than one child, pay the fee to one secretary. You may also pay fees online at MySchoolBucks using the link below. Remember to register first! All fees should be paid in full by April 30, 2021.
Your voice matters! Please take the Annual Consolidated Needs Survey below (Jefferson CNA). Once you click the link, select survey to get started.
Thank you for being a supportive member of the JCUE school community.
Sincerely,
Principal Carter
MAAP Test Prep Week Activities
Monday- Turn the MAAP INSIDE OUT!
Students will wear clothes inside out (wrong side) or regular clothes.
Activity: Make a song, rap, or poem about MAAP or test-taking strategies. Performance during lunch period.
Tuesday- We OWN the MAAP!
Students will bring their OWN lunch. Lunch will still be served by the cafeteria.
Activity: MAAP Trivia with Principal Carter
Wednesday- Jamming on the MAAP!
Students will wear pajama tops only with jeans or regular clothes.
Activity: MAAP Trivia with Principal Carter
Thursday- MAAPing it Out!
Students will wear MAAP tshirts or regular shirt.
Activity:
1. MAAP TikTok with the teacher.
2. Submit a photo of you and your family supporting #my385. The best photo winner will be announced during the pep rally on Friday. Student must have on MAAP shirt.
Grade 5- Submit to Ms. Thompson.
Grade 6- Submit to Mr. Thomas.
Friday- My #385 Countdown
Students will wear the proficiency or passing colors- Yellow, green, and blue. Pep Rally starts at 11:00am.
Activity: Announce Best Photo Winners
Test Taking Strategies
1. Be prepared
There is no substitute for preparation. If you haven't studied throughout the semester. If you haven't reviewed prior to test day. If you don't know the test material, all the test taking strategies in the world won't save you. Preparation is key.
2. Always arrive early and take a moment to relax
- You'll increase your confidence if you take time to relax.
- You'll be able to narrow your focus for the upcoming test.
- Arriving early may allow you time to ask any last minute questions from the instructor or listen to explanations being provided to other students. Some study resources suggest that it's better to arrive on time to avoid "brain pickers", students who ask questions right before a test, but we disagree. We believe there is more to be gained by arriving a little early.
3. Listen attentively to last minute instructions given by the instructor
- It is not uncommon for teachers to alter test details at the last minute.
- If you miss test instructions, test taking anxiety will increase.
- If you miss test instructions, don't be scared to ask for instructions to be repeated.
4. Do a memory dump
A memory dump can be a particularly useful strategy for improving performance on certain types of tests.
- As soon as you begin the test, write down information that you will likely need to know for the test and you fear you may forget. (ie., formulas, equations, dates, lists, etc.)
5. Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details
- Test questions and directions often contain valuable information. Always read all directions carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked.
- It is not uncommon to have two correct answers on a multiple choice question. Pay attention to details.
- Frequently, test instructions will notify students that they only need to complete two questions, but there will be 5 options.
6. Plan how you will use the allotted time
- Take a moment to estimate how much time you'll have for each section of the test and each question. Allow enough time for more difficult sections or sections that are weighted more heavily in the final test grade.
- Pace yourself so you can complete the test in the allotted time frame.
- Complete the questions you know first then come back and tackle the problems you're not sure about after.
7. Look for cues
- If two answers are similar, they're usually not the correct answer.
- Pay attention to grammatical matching between the question being asked and answers. If an answer seems right but doesn't match grammatically with the question, it probably isn't the correct answer.
- Look for cues from other questions.
8. Answer all the questions
Even if you're running out of time and can answer all the questions fully, it's important to answer all questions. Many professors will give partial credit for partially completed questions or if you're able to show your work. (Note: There are some tests in college where you are docked points for guessing. This is rare and usually will be announced by the professor prior to the test.)
9. Maintain a positive attitude
- Do not lose confidence or waste time if you encounter confusing or difficult questions. Answer the questions you know first.
- If you have no clue about the correct answer, make an educated guess if it will not count against your score.
- Disregard patterns. It is probably coincidence if a string of multiple choice answers that you know are correct are "a."
10. Rely on your first impressions
- The first answer that pops in your mind is usually the correct answer. Don't change answers unless you're sure the answer you've chosen is wrong.
- It may be counterproductive to review answers and make changes – especially if you're struggling to get through the test.
11. Plan to finish early and have time for review
- Go back and answer difficult questions after answering easy ones.
- If you are required to complete an essay, review it for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Check to make sure you have completed the entire test. It is not uncommon for questions to be listed on the opposite side of a page.
Comprehensive Benchmark Assessment Schedule
MAKE THE HOMESTRETCH LESS STRESSFUL
With spring break behind us, we’re heading into the homestretch of the school year. End-of-year projects, papers and exams are upcoming, and the sprint to the finish can be very stressful. To help reduce academic stress and help your child feel more confident and in control, make sure your child has a firm handle on what’s due and when, as well as teachers’ expectations of each assignment. Help your child map out a step-by-step plan to complete each assignment by it’s due date. Add benchmarks to a calendar to monitor progress. A little bit of up-front planning and organizing will boost your child’s sense of control and confidence in getting all the work done, and done well.
Jefferson County Upper Elementary School
Ms. Ophelia Rowan, Secretary | Ext. 301 | orowan@jcpsd.net
Mrs. Gretchen Carter, Counselor | Ext. 302 | gstampley@jcpsd.net
Email: cacarter@jcpsd.net
Website: www.jcpsd.net/upperelementary
Location: 442 Highway 33, Fayette, MS 39069, USA
Phone: 601-786-8510
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Upper-Elementary-458910737630216/