Prospectors,

This week, our students will take their Math and English Benchmark exams. As parents, you play a crucial role in your child's education. Understanding the tools and strategies that schools use to support learning can help you better advocate for your child's success. One such tool is the benchmark test, typically administered at the beginning of the school year.

Benchmark tests are assessments designed to measure students' current knowledge and skills in various subjects, mostly math and English. These tests are not meant to be stressful high-stakes exams but rather a way to gather essential data about students' academic levels.

Why Benchmark Tests Matter

1. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

   At the start of the school year, teachers may not have a comprehensive understanding of each student's academic abilities. Benchmark tests clearly show where your child excels and where they may need extra support. This helps teachers tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students.

2. Setting Personalized Learning Goals

   With the data from benchmark tests, teachers can set realistic and personalized learning goals for each student. This targeted approach ensures that every child can progress at their own pace, whether they need more challenging materials or additional help in certain areas.

3. Monitoring Progress Over Time

   Benchmark tests are a baseline for measuring your child's academic growth throughout the year. By comparing initial test results with subsequent assessments, you and the teachers can see how much progress your child has made, which areas are improving, and where further attention might be needed.

4. Informing Instructional Strategies

   Teachers use benchmark test results to inform their instructional strategies. For example, if many students struggle with a particular concept, the teacher can adjust the curriculum to spend more time on that area. Conversely, if students excel, the teacher can introduce more advanced materials to keep them engaged and challenged.

5. Supporting Data-Driven Decisions

   Schools and districts use the aggregate data from benchmark tests to make informed decisions about resources, curriculum adjustments, and professional development for teachers. This ensures that educational strategies are based on actual student needs rather than assumptions.

   
   

   
   

The Benchmarks will take place Monday and Tuesday in 2nd hour. Have a great week!

Principal Ginn

Next week, the Administration and our Academic Advisors will review class sizes to ensure that all classrooms are at their ideal size. Your student may undergo a schedule change to ensure an optimal learning environment. We will make every effort to maintain your child's current teachers with minimal disruption to their schedule.

Please insure your child's device for the 24-25 School Year. The information is in the flyer below.

This week, our StRUT Class, Students Recycling Used Technology, had a guest speaker from the program. Mr. Rich Ence shared with the students the process of recycling used computers. This year-long program will lead students through A+ Computer Certification and give them skills to enter the IT field straight out of high school. We are excited to offer this program at AJHS, but we are also proud to participate in computer recycling in our community. Thank you for the visit, Mr. Ence! If you would like to donate your devices, you can learn more about it here.

School is in full swing, and we are thrilled to have our students back on campus. This coming Monday and Tuesday, all 9th-11th grade students will complete their Math and English pre-tests.

Please remind your students to put forth their best effort on these tests. The pre-tests provide our teachers with valuable insights into each student's current understanding of the subjects. This information is crucial for tailoring lessons to meet the diverse needs of all students in the classroom.

The tests will be administered during the second-hour class on both days. Please ensure that your student arrives on time and with their Chromebook fully charged.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us create an optimal learning environment for your child.

Terra Seymour

Assistant Principal of Academics

Please review the video below for more information on ParentSquare.

Are you ready for the 24-25 athletic year?

It's time to complete and turn in all your paperwork to participate in the Fall Season. If you are planning on playing Football, Volleyball, Golf, Swim/Dive, or Cheerleading, all paperwork needs to be submitted to the Athletics Office by 8/5/2024.

Cheer Tryout Clinic will be on July 29th and July 31, 5:30-7:30 pm. If you plan on trying out for Cheer, you must attend one of these clinic dates.

Football starts on 8/5.
Volleyball tryouts start on 8/12.
Golf starts on 8/12.
Swim/Dive starts on 8/12.

Athletic Physical Exam Form Link:

forms-157-a-d.pdf (aiaonline.org)

Contact the Athletic Director, Ben Gwin, for more information at ben.gwin@goaj.org

We must stay mindful of our student dress code as the weather heats up. Student tops should have straps and cover the stomach. No tube tops or strapless tops are permitted. Students violating the dress code can call home for a change of clothes or borrow a shirt from the nurse for the day. Thank you for your help!

July 30- Fall Photos

July 30- Jostens will be on campus 2nd hour to speak to seniors

July 31 -Tutoring/Late Bus Begins

August 3-Stuco Carwash

August 5-AJ Library at lunch

August 5- First day of Football Practice

August 6- Stuco Blood Drive

August 7 -First Early Release of the Year

August 12- Volleyball Tryouts Begin

August 12-First day for Golf and Swim

August 28- Community Movie Night