Dear EXCEL Families,

MCAP Testing Time is here! Please be sure to read our EXCEL Eagle Updates in entirety for MCAP Testing Updates as well as Testing Tips to Cope with Testing Anxiety.

You've Got This Scholars! Claiming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 Stars!

We want to remind you of the importance of staying connected with everything happening at EXCEL Academy. The EXCEL Eagle Updates are our primary source of communication, providing essential information about school events, announcements, student achievements, and valuable resources. Reading these updates regularly will help you stay informed and partner effectively in your child's education.

In addition to staying connected, consistent attendance plays a significant role in your child's academic and social development. We encourage you to prioritize daily attendance and communicate with the school regarding any absences (send absence notes to Ms. Rogers at fay.best@pgcps.org).

A strong school community is built on engaged families, dedicated staff, and supportive partnerships. Your commitment to reading the EXCEL Eagle Updates and ensuring regular attendance contributes to creating a thriving and successful learning environment for all our students.

Love,

Principal Byrd

Hello EXCEL Families,

It was a pleasure meeting all of you at the MCAP Parent INFO Session on April 1st and addressing your questions about the upcoming testing. You all had excellent questions! I wanted to follow up with the testing dates to ensure we're all prepared. As promised, here are the details:

Testing will take place each day from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

English/Language Arts (ELA) MCAP testing will take place the week of April 7-10.

Math MCAP testing will be the week of April 28-May 1.

Let's make sure we're all on time and ready to rock this test!

If your scholar will be absent during testing week, please send me a private message.

Thank you for your continued support! 📚

Ms. Bradford

As the MCAP test approaches on April 7th, 2025, let’s help students feel calm, prepared, and supported. 💪

Common Misconceptions About Testing:
Many students believe that the MCAP test will define their future, but while it’s important, it doesn’t shape your entire future. The goal is not to get everything perfect; it’s about doing your best. It’s also important to remember that if you don’t pass, you don’t fail—the test shows areas for growth, not failure. Lastly, cramming the night before isn’t effective; consistent review over time is the best approach.

What Test Anxiety Looks Like:
Test anxiety can show up in different ways. Some students might experience physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches. Others may struggle to concentrate or have thoughts like “I’m going to fail.” These reactions are normal and part of the stress response.

Coping Strategies:
-Deep Breathing– Slow, deep breaths can help calm the body and refocus the mind. 🌬️
-Positive Self-Talk– Remind yourself: “I’m prepared, I’ve got this!” 💬

Pre-Test Tips:
- Sleep 💤 – Aim for 7-9 hours to ensure focus and energy.
- Exercise 🏃‍♀️ – Physical activity helps reduce stress and improve focus.
- Eat Well 🍎 – A balanced meal fuels both brain and body for the test.
- Mindfulness 🧘‍♂️ – Relax and focus on your breath to clear your mind.

Tips for Teachers:
Creating a calm and quiet environment can ease students' anxiety. Encouraging positive self-talk helps students feel more confident. Being available for support shows students that they’re not alone in this process.

Helpful Resources:
For strategies to manage test anxiety, check out this (https://youtu.be/E44XnVP7g18?feature=shared). Mental health resources for both students and families can be found at [NAMI Resources](https://www.nami.org).

Let’s approach the MCAP test with confidence. You’ve got this! 🎉

Please be mindful that EXCEL begins dismissal at 2:00 PM. All staff members are on duty at this time, so please wait until dismissal is complete to call the school. Staff members have 24-48 hours to respond to any correspondence. Your grace and understanding are appreciated.

EXCEL Academy is proud to celebrate the success of one of our exceptional third-grade scholars and artists, Miss Madison Carter. Madison has been named a finalist in the Maryland Department of Transportation statewide Earth Day Art Contest.

Madison's achievement is a testament to her artistic talent, dedication, and the many hours she devoted to bringing her vision to life. Her accomplishment inspires us all to pursue our passions and strive for excellence.

We congratulate Madison on this well-deserved honor and look forward to sharing highlights from the April 22nd unveiling of the artwork.

We are so proud of you, Madison!

#EaglePride🦅

Dear Chaperones and Staff,

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your incredible support and hard work during our recent field trip to the natural aquarium. It was a resounding success, and that's entirely thanks to each and every one of you.

Your dedication, patience, and enthusiasm made the day run smoothly and ensured that our students had a fantastic and educational experience. From keeping everyone safe and on schedule to helping students engage with the exhibits, your contributions were invaluable. Your help and support truly do not go unnoticed, and I can't thank you enough for everything you did.

We're always looking for ways to enhance the experiences we provide at EXCEL. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback regarding future trips or activities, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can email me directly at john.bryant@pgcps.org. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and work together to make EXCEL even better.

Thank you again for making this aquarium trip such a memorable and positive experience for our students. You all are truly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Mr. Bryant