The Messmore Messenger

In a few weeks, all 3rd—6th-grade students will take the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP. This computer-based assessment is designed to gauge how well students are mastering the state standards. The results significantly influence our school's ranking and comprehensively measure our collective progress.

To ensure a positive experience, your encouragement and proactive support will significantly influence our children's performance and attitude towards these assessments. Here are a few ways parents can help:

• Ensure Timely Attendance- If a student arrives after the testing session begins, they will not be allowed to join that current session and will have to test the following day. Being at school on time during assessment days reduces stress and sets a positive tone.
• Nutritious Breakfast and Snacks- A healthy breakfast and packing a nutritious snack along with a water bottle can help keep energy levels up and maintain focus.
• Preparedness- Ensure your child's laptop is fully charged and that they bring their charger to school. Students who complete their assessments early can read fiction texts while they wait, fostering a quiet and focused environment for all. Students will need to bring selected books of choice.
• Rest and Positive Attitude- A good night's sleep and a cheerful disposition are vital. A well-rested mind is more adept at problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Important Information Regarding Personal Devices—No personal electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, are allowed during testing. Please get in touch with our office directly if your child needs to bring a device for after-school purposes. Students with permission to bring a device will check it in at the office upon arrival and can collect it after the testing session. Please see the UCS policy below.

Testing Schedule

April 16, 2024: Math for grades 3, 4, 5, & 6

April 18, 2024: ELA (English Language Arts) for grades 3, 4, 5, & 6

April 22, 2024: Science for grade 5

April 23, 2024: Social Studies for grade 5

These assessments are untimed, allowing students to take as much time as they need to complete them and work at their own pace. This ensures they can fully demonstrate their understanding without the pressure of a ticking clock. During the testing window, we will minimize homework and lessons outside the assessments to allow students to focus entirely on testing. To limit disruptions, we kindly ask for a reduction in parent volunteers during this period.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in ensuring our children are best prepared for the M-STEP assessments. Together, we are not just preparing them for a test but reinforcing the lifelong skills of preparation and responsibility.

Warmest regards,

Renee Fiema, Ed.D.

Messmore Principal

With the regular use of technology in our daily lives for various reasons and through different modes, it's important to note that students often have their own personal devices, such as cell phones and smart watches. I wanted to remind everyone of the policy as stated in our Parent and Student Handbook.

The personal use of non-school issued cell phones or other electronic communications devices (ECDs) by students is prohibited at any time while in school. Students may carry ECDs during the school day, but they cannot be displayed or used except with permission from a teacher or administrator for educational purposes.

Messmore Shining Stars participated in the 2024 Destination Imagination 2024 State Tournament and placed 4th in Scientific Challenge in Elementary Level.

Team Manager: Richi Patel

Team Participants:

1) Mukti Patel-3rd Grade

2) Param Patel-3rd Grade

3) Bhavya Patel-4th Grade

4) Charmi Shah -3rd Grade

5) Ananshi Patel-2nd grade

6) Harsh Patel- kindergarten

7) Deeya Thaker—4th grade

Utica Community Schools is providing solar eclipse viewing glasses to all students and teachers. Classrooms will be learning about the solar eclipse, its causes, and how to safely observe it.

We had a great turn out at Scooter's Coffee. Scooter's Net sales of $1,921.52 gave us $288.22. Thank you for participating and supporting our school.

Why children love Montessori...

Elisabetta Stupera, President

Paulette Qussar, Vice President of Committees

Amanada Hijazi, New Vice President of Fund Raising

Stacee Jones, New Treasurer

Paul Jones, New "Techetary" aka Secretary

4/17

5/15

April

5- Mother Son Event at Zap Zone 4:30 - 7:30

16- M-STEP Math Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6

17- MMA Meeting at 6:00 PM

18- M-STEP ELA Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6

19- Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser

22- M-STEP Science Grade 5

23- M-STEP Social Studies Grade 5

May

2- Math Olympiad Tournament at UHS 4:30 - 8:00

6 - 10 Teacher Appreciation Week

8- 6th Grade Career Focus Luncheon

11- Macomb Science Olympiad Tournament MCC South Campus

15- Work It Out Peace Assembly 2 PM, MMA Meeting at 6:00 PM

17- Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser

21- Messmore Arts, Beats, & Eats

27- No School Memorial Day

June

4- Field Day

6- Half day of School

7- Half day of School/ Last Day

Are you interested in seeing whether or not your child is eating their lunch? Are you curious as to who your child's friends are? Do you like to help? Then this may be the job for you!

We are in need of lunchroom and lunch recess supervisors. This can be a paid position, if you're interested. Or it can be just on a volunteer basis. If you are interested in getting paid for your time as a lunchroom and lunch recess supervisor, then please see the attached information below regarding EduStaff and follow those directions. If you are interested in just volunteering, all I would need is a Criminal History Check Form filled out and submitted, if you have not already done so.

If you are interested in beginning the process, please reach out to Sarah in the main office (Sarah.Szadek@uticak12.org). We really need help on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

PowerSchool: https://ps.ucs.misd.net/public

Family Portal (Lunches): https://utica.familyportal.cloud

PaySchools: https://www.payschoolscentral.com/

Utica Community School, in partnership with our community, will empower students to positively transform their future and the world.

Utica Community Schools ignites a passion for learning in all students. We strengthen our community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement.