Attention Parents:

We're approaching the end of Quarter 3, which concludes on March 14th! It's crucial that your child attends school daily and arrives on time to wrap up the quarter successfully.

For students in grades 2 through 5, State Testing (ACAP) will be conducted from March 18th to April 15th. To ensure a smooth testing experience, students need to be at school by 8:15 a.m. so they can complete the test sessions with their class. Thank you for your cooperation and support! (Testing schedule is located at the end of the newsletter.)

The ACAP Summative is a computer-based, criterion-referenced assessment, designed to measure student progress on the Alabama Courses of Study Standards. The assessment is administered to students in Grades 2-8, once a year, in the spring, and includes the content areas of English Language Arts, Math, and Science (Grades 4, 6, and 8 only). The ACAP Summative is constructed to meet rigorous technical criteria and to ensure that all students have access to the test contents via principles of universal design and appropriate accommodations.​

Prospective Incoming Kindergarten Students

If you have a child that will be entering kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year, please fill out the provided Google form. This will enable our staff to initiate preparations for incoming kindergarten students and upcoming activities. More details about registration will be forthcoming from the district about online registration. Also, Kinder-Camp is tentatively scheduled for July.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_a4seGmbwDB1AuxapwHxlVuM5u2Qg1x8oOuD5G6bs1e36VQ/viewform?usp=sharing

Literacy Tips

• Read Aloud Together: Set aside time each day to read aloud to your child. Choose a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and picture books. Reading aloud helps children develop vocabulary, comprehension skills, and a love for reading.
• Visit the Library: Take regular trips to the library with your child. Allow them to explore the shelves and choose books that capture their interest. Many libraries also offer storytelling sessions, book clubs, and other literacy programs for children.
• Model Reading: Be a reading role model for your child by letting them see you read regularly. Talk about the books you're reading and share your enthusiasm for reading. Children are more likely to develop a love for reading when they see their parents enjoying books.

Math Tips

• Make Math Fun: Incorporate math into everyday activities and make it enjoyable for your child. Play math games, use manipulatives like blocks or counters, and look for opportunities to explore math concepts in real-life situations.
• Practice Basic Math Facts: Help your child build fluency with basic math facts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Practice these facts regularly through games, flashcards, or online activities.

To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, we will celebrate National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) during March 10-14, 2025.

Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for many families to find time for a healthy breakfast. Fortunately, we offer nutritious school breakfasts, complete with fruit and low-fat or fat-free milk, to ensure students are fueled for learning every school day.

The 2025 NSBW campaign theme, “Clue In to School Breakfast,” reminds the entire school community that school breakfast provides a healthy and energizing start to the day for students. Studies show that students who eat school breakfast are more likely to:

• · Reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math
• · Score higher on standardized tests
• · Have better concentration and memory
• · Be more alert
• · Maintain a healthy weight

We hope your child can join us!

• March 3rd - 7th: Mardi Gras Break (No School)
• March 14th: Last Day of 3rd Quarter
• March 14th: Club Day
• March 17th: Teacher Workday
• March 18th: ACAP Testing Begins/4th Quarter Begins
• March 20th: Math and Mischief Night
• March 22nd: Campus Cleanup
• March 24th: Report Cards Go Home
• April 4th: Club Day
• April 21st - 225th: Spring Break
• May 2nd: Club Day

The deadline to submit videos to this year's MCPSS Film Festival is quickly approaching. If your child created a film that meets the Film Festival guidelines, please send it to Mrs. Gronowski by Thursday, March 13th.

1. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test.

2. On the morning of the test, your child needs to get up in plenty of time so he/she won't feel rushed.

3. Feed your child a good breakfast. Research shows that children do better on tests if they have had a good breakfast.

4. Do as much as you can to make your child feel comfortable. Try not to say things to make him/her feel more nervous.

5. Reassure your child that no matter the outcome of the test you will still love him/her. Encourage them to simply do their best.

6. Take an active role in your child's education throughout the school year. Let your child know you are interested in his/her learning by taking part in the entire process.

Please see the schedule below for ACAP testing. Classroom testing will take place each morning beginning at 8:30. It is imperative that your child arrives at school on time each day so that they are prepared to begin testing. Small group testing will take place in the morning and the afternoon. We ask that you refrain from scheduling appointments and early dismissals during the testing window. Thank you so much for your help during our testing window!

2nd Grade Whole Group Testing: March 24 - 27, March 31

3rd Grade Whole Group Testing: April 1-3, April 7-8

4th Grade Whole Group Testing: March 24-25, April 1-3, April 7-8

5th Grade Whole Group Testing: April 1-3, April 7-8

Small Group testing will occur daily beginning March 18th.

We have launched a NEW Schoolwide Attendance Challenge! 🎉

🏆 Each week – The class with the highest attendance rate wins a special treat from our brand-new snack/prize cart! 🍿🎁
👕 Each month – The grade level with the highest attendance rate earns a T-Shirt Takeover Day (any non-uniform shirt!)

Let’s show up, stay strong, and boost our attendance together! 💪✨ Every day counts!

If your child is in need of cold weather gear (sweatshirts,/jackets/long sleeve shirts), make sure to visit the PTA store to place an order.

Spring is a season of growth, and just like flowers need sunshine and rain to thrive, our children need support to grow emotionally and socially. Here are a few ways to nurture your child’s well-being this season:

🌱 Encourage a Growth Mindset – Mistakes are part of learning! Praise effort and perseverance to help your child see challenges as opportunities.
🌞 Get Outside – Fresh air and movement help reduce stress and boost mood. Take a walk, ride bikes, or have a screen-free picnic together!
🌸 Practice Kindness – A small act of kindness—like writing a thank-you note or helping a friend—can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and happiness.
💬 Talk About Feelings – Just like spring weather can be unpredictable, so can emotions! Check in daily and help your child name and express their feelings.

For additional tips on supporting your child’s well-being, visit childmind.org for expert advice on emotional health, resilience, and building strong family connections. Let’s help our Austin Innovators bloom this spring! 🌼 If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

Stephanie Bradford

School Counselor

sbradford@mcpss.com

Email: rterry@mcpss.com
Website: marybaustinelementary.com
Location: 150 Provident Lane, Mobile, AL, USA
Phone: 251-221-1015
Twitter: @MaryBAustin