The Carleton Chronicle
A weekly update from Carleton Middle School.
Mr. Kausch, Ava Mazzone, Ayana Moore, and Mr. Lee at the Writing Celebration
Test Taking Tips
Be off to a good start
Arrive to school on time. Breakfast will be available beginning at 7 am. The buses for 8th grade will be on schedule. Have everything you need for the test when you go to class: Number two pencil(s), calculator, snack, water bottle, and of course your school ID.
Make sure you follow along when the directions are being read.
Develop a plan
Before you begin answering questions, quickly look over the entire test and decide how much time you'll spend on each question (every portion of the PSAT is timed).
Don't get stuck on difficult questions
If you aren't sure of a question or the correct answer, you can always put a small dot or light mark next to the question and go back once you've answered other questions. Plus, the PSAT does not penalize wrong answers but rather gather all correct responses for a total scale score. In short, if you're unsure, it's best to take an educated guess.
Check your answers
If you have time, check all of your answers, even the ones you know are correct. You may have made a careless mistake. Use all the time you're given, you'll probably need it!
Multiple-choice questions
Try to come up with the answer in your head before you look at the answer choices. Read all of the answer choices. If you're not sure which answer is correct, cross out the choices you know are wrong and make a guess (you'll have a greater likelihood of getting it correct with better odds).
Test Anxiety
A little anxiety before a test can improve your concentration, focus, and alertness. Excessive worry can lower your test scores. If test anxiety is interfering with your test performance, try the following:
-Replace irrational thoughts (I have to ace this test) and negative thoughts (I'll never pass this) with thoughts that are realistic and positive (I've studied, been paying attention in class, I'll do just fine).
-Mentally practice going through the test. Visualize yourself walking into the classroom, taking the test, and answering the questions correctly.
-Walk into the classroom with your head up and your shoulders back. If you act more confident, you just may feel more confident.
-Before you start, take a deep breath and slowly release it. Relax, and do you best.
Lastly, several of our staff members are having t-shirts made with the following phrase that I think encapsulates my feelings. "Try your hardest to do your best, but always remember you're more than a test."
Good luck students and thank you parents for supporting your children in their education.
7th graders during a timeout
Coach K giving his first pep talk for track
No subs...no problem!
Important Information
Spring Break will be from Monday, April 1st through Friday, April 5th.
PSAT 8/9 will be administered to our 8th grade students on Tuesday, April 9th. This is the second day we come back from Spring Break. Please visit our website and click on "A letter from the principal" to see important information regarding our testing date.
The Dodgeball tournament has been postponed until after Spring Break. The tournament will take place Tuesday, April 16th at 3:30 pm. Please watch for more information.
There will be a parent meeting for track participants on Wednesday, April 10th at 3 pm. Please look for more information to come home with your son or daughter about track. Reminder: students must have a current physical on file to participate in Spring sports.
District XVI Honors Band
Tony, Ava, Tiana, Ryan, & Shaan at Honors Band
8th Grade Lady Colts
PSAT FAQs
PSAT is rapidly approaching. Below are some questions and answers we would like to briefly discuss.
1) Who is taking the PSAT?
- At Carleton, eighth grade students are taking the PSAT. They will take a similar assessment in 9th and 10th grade before the official SAT in eleventh grade.
2) I have a 6th or 7th grader, what does my child do that day?
-They will have a late start beginning their day at 11 am. We will run hours 4 ,5 and 6. Lunch will still be served to all three grade levels. Attendance is key this day for all grades because we need to test all 8th graders but also we need a high attendance rate to count the day as an instructional day. If your 6th or 7th grader rides the bus, they will be picked up 3 hours and 15 minutes after the usual pick up time.
3) How many portions of the test are there?
- There is a 55 minute reading test, a 30 minute writing and language test, a 20 minute (no calculator section) and a 40 minute calculator section.
4) I've heard the PSAT is paper and pencil. Is this true?
- Yes. Students will need a number 2 pencil and will have to bubble in their answer on an answer document. Bubbling was completed on March 28th during 8th grade Social Studies classes.
5) What can my child have on the day of the test?
- Not much. Number 2 pencil(s), eraser, snack, water bottle, and calculator (additional calculator batteries)
6) What is prohibited from the testing room?
- Cell phones, smart watches, separate timers, books, dictionaries, any notes or papers, earplugs, earbuds, or headphones, laptops, or any other electronic device.
7) What time can my eighth grader arrive at school that day?
-Breakfast will start around 7 am. We will continue with breakfast until all (yes, we're giving all 8th graders breakfast that day) students finish breakfast.
8) I have a MiCi or MoCi student. Will they attend school?
- Yes. MiCi and MoCi classes will run as usual (no matter what grade your son or daughter is in).
9) My child attends Butcher...what about me?
- Native students will take the PSAT test at Butcher. All other students will test at their home school. Please make sure your name is on the testing roster.
10) Will this define my educational career?
- Although students should do their best on this test, it does not define their future or admittance into college. However, future scheduling decisions might be made on a child's test results. Also, you will get back selected answers (and sample questions) so you can see potential areas of weakness to improve upon.
For more information visit psat.org/practice to get ready for the test.
Events for Your Calendar
April 1-5 - Spring Break
April 9 - PSAT Testing for 8th Graders (late start beginning at 11:00 am for 6th and 7th grade)
April 10 - Parent Meeting for Track
April 16 - Dodge Ball Tournament
April 18 - Half Day (Dismissal at 11:00 am)
April 19 - No School
About Us
Email: ekausch@wcskids.net
Website: http://school.wcskids.net/carleton/
Location: 8900 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI, United States
Phone: (586) 825-2590
Twitter: @CarletonColts