The KOLT Connection
March 1, 2019
Upcoming Dates and Events
Monday, 3/4 - CAASPP Testing Begins in Science (more info below)
Tuesday, 3/5 - Wrestling @ Petaluma
Wednesday, 3/6 - Kona Ice Fundraiser, after school (see below)
Thursday, 3/7 - Coffee with the principal, 8:30 a.m.
Friday, 3/8 - 8th-Grade Panorama Picture (see below)
Saturday 3/9 - Wrestling League Finals
Thursday 3/14 - Track Meet @ Rohnert Park
Monday 3/18 - Friday 3/22 - Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
Statewide Testing Notification
Statewide Testing Notification
California students take several mandated statewide tests. These tests provide parents/guardians, teachers, and educators with information about how well students are learning and becoming college and career ready. The test results may be used for local, state, and federal accountability purposes.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests consist of the following:
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments
The Smarter Balanced computer adaptive assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests are administered in grades three through eight and grade eleven to measure whether students are on track to college and career readiness. In grade eleven, results from the ELA and mathematics assessments can be used as an indicator of college readiness.
- California Science Tests (CAST)
The computer-based CAST measures students’ achievement of the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) through the application of their knowledge and skills of the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts. The CAST is administered to all students in grades five and eight and once in high school (i.e., grade ten, eleven, or twelve).
- California Alternate Assessments (CAAs)
Only eligible students—students whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments—may participate in the administration of the CAAs. Test examiners administer the computer-based CAAs for ELA, mathematics, and science one-on-one to students. Students in grades three through eight and grade eleven will take the CAA for ELA and mathematics. Test items developed for ELA and mathematics are aligned with the CCSS and are based on the Core Content Connectors.
Students in grades five and eight and once in high school (i.e., grade ten, eleven, or twelve) will take the CAA for Science. The CAA for Science embedded performance tasks are based on alternate achievement standards derived from the CA NGSS. Students taking the CAA for Science will take three embedded performance tasks in spring 2019.
• California Spanish Assessment (CSA) for Reading/Language Arts
The optional CSA for Reading/Language Arts in Spanish is aligned with the California Common Core State Standards en Español. This computer-based test allows students to demonstrate their Spanish skills in listening, reading, and writing mechanics.
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments.
English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
California will transition from the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) to the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) in 2017–18. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners and the other for the annual summative assessment to identify students’ English language proficiency level and to measure their progress in learning English.
Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness test for students in California schools is the FitnessGram®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting lifelong habits of regular physical activity. Students in grades five, seven, and nine take the fitness test.
California Department of Education | August 2018
2020 Washington D.C. trip information
Mr. Eklund will be visiting 7th-grade history classes on March 4th and 5th to hand out informational packets.
He will also be holding an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the KJHS gym.
Volunteer Opportunity
Yearbook
Purchase your child's yearbook and make junior high memories last forever!
Ways to buy:
Go to Jostens.com
Go to the KJHS website and click on the yearbook link.
Cost: $50.00
Kenilworth PTSA
The Kenilworth PTSA is seeking donations for Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming the week of April 29th-May 2nd. The Kenilworth PTSA is looking for donations from parents of gift cards to local restaurants and/or bottles of wine, etc. for a teacher raffle to be held during the week.
Please direct any donations are questions to Denise Bugbee @ kneesee22@gmail.com
The deadline for donations is April 15.
Casa Grande PTSA
Casa PTSA is currently seeking parents and/or students for its 2019-2020 board.
Only 5 meetings a year!
The following positions are open for next year:
Diversity/Inclusion-Provides translation at PTSA events and for PTSA publications; assists with programming events.
Staff Appreciation-Organizes events (2) that support Casa staff and teachers.
Parliamentarian-Provides updates on bylaws, and helps President run meetings.
Next PTSA meetings: March 14th, May 16th; all meetings are at 7pm in the Casa staff lounge. Join us!
If interested, please contact Lisa Allen or Beth Bolek at bighouseptsa@gmail.com