Special Edition
RCS Middle School Principal's Office
It's All About the Baseline
Each year, we conduct baseline testing with all of our students in September.
We use a product called "FastBridge" for assessment in reading and math. This testing helps us determine a "starting point" for each student and it allows us to track growth throughout the year.
This testing will not be counted as a grade and is used only to determine if students need additional help in math or reading and it helps us make sure that all students are making growth over the course of the year in both reading and math.
We will test all students at three points throughout the year:
- Baseline testing will be in September
- Mid-year checkpoint will be in January
- End of the year assessment will be in June
What is FastBridge testing?
FastBridge is a universal screening, diagnostic reporting, and progress monitoring tool to combine Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT) with Curriculum-Based Measures (CBM) for reading and math.
What does FastBridge reading measure?
Reading assesses broad reading ability and predicts overall reading achievement in concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, orthography, and morphology. Reading is aligned to the Lexile® Framework for Reading.
What does FastBridge math assess?
Math is a computer-administered adaptive screener that measures broad mathematics skills, identifies students in need of additional instruction, and predicts performance on state accountability measures.
How will it be determined if a student needs support in reading and math?
After the baseline testing has been completed, a committee will get together to analyze the data and determine a "cut score," which will be used to determine whether or not a student is in need of services.
After the mid-year testing has been completed, the same process will happen - a committee will review the data to determine if students already receiving services need to continue or if they have made the expected pre-determined goal(s) and can "test out." We will also determine if any other students need to begin services.
At the end of the year, that same committee will review student progress and begin plans for fall intervention.
Thank you!
We appreciate everyone's support with getting this very important baseline testing underway this month. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Calendar Events
6th Grade Orientation - August 29, 2024 - 10 am - 12 pm
Fall Baseline Fastbridge Testing - September 9-13, 2024
MS Open House - September 26, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Lifetouch Pictures - Fall - October 2, 2024
Q1 Honor/Merit Roll Recognition - November 25, 2024 - 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
Lifetouch Pictures Retakes - November 20, 2024
Mid-year Fastbridge Testing - January 6-10, 2025
Q2 Honor/Merit Roll Recognition - February 10, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
Lifetouch Pictures - Spring - March 26, 2025
3-8 ELA Testing - April 9-10, 2025
Carnival/Dance: April 25, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Q3 Honor/Merit Roll Recognition - May 5, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
3-8 Math Testing - May 7-8, 2025
8th Grade Science - May 13, 2025
National Jr. Honor Society - May 13, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Art Show - May 20, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Science Fair - May 20, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
End of Year Fastbridge Testing - June 2 -6, 2025
Algebra I Regents Exam - June 18, 2025
7th/8th Grade Semi-Formal: June 6, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
MS 8th Grade Moving up Ceremony - June TBD, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
World Languages Assessment - TBD
MS Concert and Performance Dates
Location for all performances: HS Auditorium
MS Drama Production
- May 1, 2025
- May 2, 2025
- May 3, 2025
6th and 7th/8th Grade Band and Chorus Winter Concert
December 5, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
MS/HS Select Ensembles Concert
January 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
6th-12th MIOSM Instrumental Concert
March 13, 2025, 7:00 pm
6th-12th MIOSM Vocal Concert
March 27, 2025, 7:00 pm
MS/HS Select Ensembles Concert
May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm
6th and 7th/8th Band and Chorus Spring Concert
June 3, 2025, 7:00 pm
PTSO Meetings (MS Library) 6:00 PM
- September 18, 2024
- October 23, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 18, 2024
- January 15, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 19, 2025
- April 30, 2025
- May (no meeting being held)
- June 4, 2025
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Middle School
Email: dcapece@rcscsd.org
Website: www.rcscsd.org
Location: 2025 Route 9W, Selkirk, NY, USA
Phone: (518) 756-5200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RCSschools