CMS Weekly News Express
Sunday, March 24, 2019 (Week #31)
Entering Week # 31... Bringing It All Together...
Staff:
We have a very busy week coming up. Here are some of the big topics for this week that we have to cover:
1. Final preparation for MCAS testing. As we prepare our final push, it’s imperative that we don’t use overuse the words MCAS Prep or MCAS Training within our delivery of instruction. Whether we are focusing on Narrative writing, open-response questions, comparing or contrasting main ideas, author’s purpose or using evidence from a passage to speak about a character, these are all items we have been doing all year long. These are all skills that our students have been practicing. It’s ok to review the practice of the skills but the more we use the words MCAS Prep or MCAS Training within our delivery, the more we will create a level of discomfort for some. You are all very good at what you do, and throughout the school year, your students have practiced and they are ready for the test. Work on down-playing using the words MCAS and focus on targeted skills that will make the students comfortable and ready.
I will take this same message into the classrooms as I speak to students about what to expect and how to be as prepared as possible. As it stands right now, I have had 3 parents express to me that their children (6 students total as of today) will not take the MCAS. The more focus we put on the test, the greater the chance of others following suit. I will be making phone calls to all of the parents who have provided me with a written notification stating their children won’t take the exam – let me deal with them directly, it's not your issue or fight. If it comes up in your class that a student or a parent has reached out to your saying their child won’t take the test, please let me know. The more we enhance students’ skills that are embedded within the standards, the less we have to speak about the test. After all, our goal is to develop skilled learners and I think we do a very good job at it!
2. Student Showcase Night – Tuesday, March 26. As you know this night is taking the place of Parent Conferences. Teachers are expected to be in the building and displaying student work (This could be your PBL or other units of study) capturing the learning that is taking place within your classroom. The time of the event is from 6:00-8:00 p.m. I am anticipating that it should be a fun night filled with opportunities to discuss and show off all of the great things happening in your class. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to this night.
See you all tomorrow…
Dean W. Packard
Principal
Monday, March 25th
- Learning Academy – Grades 5&6 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- Play Rehearsal – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Auditorium)
Tuesday, March 26th
- Learning Academy – Grades 7&8 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- CMS' Student Showcase Night – 6:00-8:00 p.m. (All school)
Wednesday, March 27th .
- Learning Academy – Grades 5&6 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- Intramurals 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Gym)
- Play Rehearsal – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Auditorium)
- School Committee – 7:00 p.m.(Library)
Thursday, March 28th
- Learning Academy – Grades 7&8 - 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Library)
- CES’ Kindergarten Show 6:00 p.m. (Auditorium)
Friday, March 29th
- ALL CHROMECARTS neeed to be brought to the library by 2:00 p.m. for MCAS downloads. Be sure to have them all properly connected and leave the cart on.
Special Happenings:
Student Showcase Night – Tuesday, March 26, 2019 6:00-8:00 p.m.
This night was agreed upon to replace Parent Conferences. All teachers are required to attend and have student work showcased. This can be your PBL that you have been working or another unit connecting with the learning happening within your classroom. This should be a fun night and remember we aren’t conducting conferences. Be creative and have some fun with this opportunity. It’s also great to engage with the parents about the learning. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to this night.
Grade Level Student Assemblies Reviewing the MCAS Testing Process
I will be coming through all of the classrooms starting on Tuesday to speak with the students about policies and procedures associated with the testing process. Thanks for all of you help in making the schedule work out!
***(Please see my shared Doc for all of the scheduled times I will be coming through the classrooms to speak with the students about the testing process – thank you to everyone for helping make the scheduling work)***
2019 MCAS Testing Calendar
Grade 8:
English Language Arts: April 2nd & April 3rd
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:
English Language Arts: April 4th & April 5th
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