Bulldog Bark
North Lake Middle School Weekly Newsletter
HOME OF THE BULLDOGS
WEEK OF April 18th, 2022
2202 123rd Ave NE
Lake Stevens 98258
425-335-1530
Office Hours: 7:30 - 3:30
~ ~ SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT TESTING ~ ~
Dear Northlake families,
When will my child test? (the following reflect testing windows within which your child will complete the assessment; this does not reflect the actual amount of time to take the test)
May 2- 10 English/Language Arts
May 16-19 Math
How long is the test?
The test in English/Language Arts will take approximately 3-4 hours and the math test will take approximately 2-3 hours. Because the test is administered online, students take it over multiple, short sessions. This means that a student will work for 40-75 minutes and then stop until the next scheduled session, picking up where he or she left off. Students who do need more time to complete the test, though, can take as much time as they need.
Why do our children take the tests?
Assessments are one of many ways that we have to know whether students have mastered the skills needed for the next level. Annual assessments such as these are just one measure of student achievement that we combine with other measures, including teacher reports, student grades, and other academic performance evaluations such as class projects. Having multiple years of test data allows parents and teachers to monitor student progress over time and identify and address areas of strength and areas of growth. Our educators intentionally use assessment and other types of data regularly to collaboratively analyze current student needs and plan instruction accordingly.
How can I learn more about state testing in Washington? Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Website on Smarter Balanced Assessment: http://www.k12.wa.us/smarter/default.aspx
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Website on the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science: http://www.k12.wa.us/Science/Assessments.aspx
I have heard that students need headphones for the test. Is this true?
Yes. The test is designed to be interactive. Students click on videos, audio recordings, and infographics throughout the exam. If your child already has a set of headphones or earbuds, please consider sending that set in with your child during the testing window- they must be compatible with either USB, USB C or audio jack (iPhone earbuds will not work). If this is not possible, your school will provide a set. If you do send in a personal set, please use inexpensive ones as the district will not be responsible for replacing lost items.
Sincerely,
Brad Abels
Principal -- North Lake Middle School
📢 ~ Important Attendance Reminders ~
Unexcused Absences
If you are absent from school without your parents’ permission, your absence will be recorded as “unexcused.” Your parents will be notified of your truancy and you will be assigned before- or after-school detention to make up the time and work that you missed. Continued truancy from school will result in your being assigned additional consequences.
When Arriving to School Late
You will be marked late if you arrive after first period begins. If you arrive late to school, you must . . .
Go to the main office for an admit slip before going to class.
Give the secretary a written note from your parents, doctor, or dentist in order to be given an “excused” admit pass. If you do not have a written excuse, your lateness will be recorded as an “unexcused” absence from the period(s) you missed.
Take your admit slip to your teacher.
Find out what work you missed and make sure that you make it up.
Consequences for Unexcused Tardies
Tardy 1-2: Teacher warning: remind the student of the need to be on time.
Tardy 3: Phone call or email: notify parents of the continuing problem with tardies.
Tardy 4-6: Student assigned lunch detention.
Excessive Tardies: Attendance Secretary submits office referral; student assigned Administrative Discipline.
📢 Get your NL Yearbook before they are gone!
In accordance with RCW 49.60, the Lake Stevens School District does not discriminate in employment and schools. The Lake Stevens School District provides Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, use of a trained dog to guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and designated youth groups. The district complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations to include, but not limited to, Title IX, Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, RCW 49.60 “The Law Against Discrimination,” and RCW 28A.640 “Sex Equity,” and covers, but is not limited to, all district programs, courses, activities, including extracurricular activities, services, access to facilities, etc. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures should be directed to Lake Stevens School District, 12309 22nd St. NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258, Attention: Title IX and Civil Rights Officer, John Balmer, (425) 335-1500, John_Balmer@lkstevens.wednet.edu or ADA Compliance Officer and Section 504 Compliance Officer, Miriam Tencate, (425) 335-1500, Miriam_Tencate@lkstevens.wednet.edu.