Test September 2024 Newsletter

Just four weeks ago, students couldn't open their lockers, got lost in the hallway, and weren't sure how to go through the cafeteria line. But with four weeks of school behind us, students can do all these things! Everyone is settling into the routines that are going to support their learning this year.

In August, students completed IReady testing in Math and Reading. This helps teachers know their strengths and weaknesses academically, and it helps show educators and parents their progress over time (since all RCS students took the same test last year). Those reports will be coming home the first week of September. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.

Talk with your child about the friends they are making, and if they are struggling with anyone. Learning to navigate changing friendships is an important part of growing up. It's not always easy, but it comes with the age. As a school we are focused on teaching your child academics, but we also know students learn more if they are supported emotionally and socially. We are lucky to have our own school counselor, Mrs. DeDe Deloney, as well as community partners Centerstone and Communities in Schools in the building that can help.

We're having fun getting to know all our students! Thanks for sharing them with us!

Ms. Brazil

Friday, Sept. 6 - 5th grade students have their Houses revealed (during the day)

Tuesday, Sept. 17 - Last day of first six-week grading period

Wednesday, Sept. 18 - 6 pm - Homecoming parade

Monday, Sept. 23 - 5:15 pm - Parent meeting for Title I, with PTO meeting after

Tuesday, Sept. 24 - 2:30-4:30 - Game Night (for students invited - see notes below).

Thursday, Sept. 26 - School Pictures (during the day)

Monday, Sept. 30 - First day of ILearn Checkpoint testing.

Test will celebrate Richmond's Homecoming with the rest of the district. Dress up days are optional all week, with the parade Wednesday night and the football game and homecoming court on Friday.

Test Intermediate is part of the federal Title I program, which provides extra money to schools that serve students from low-income families. This money helps level the playing field for kids, by making sure all students have the supplies and academic supports needed for learning. We will have a meeting for all parents to learn more about this program on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5:15 pm. Please join us!

Immediately following the Title I meeting, we will have our first PTO meeting of the year. The PTO works to create extra special events for the school, including academic extenders like the book fair and special events like student dances. Every family can support us in some way! We will start this meeting right after the Title I meeting (so probably between 5:30-5:45 pm).

On Tuesday, September 24, to celebrate the first six-weeks of school, students who have 0 or 1 disciplinary referral and no suspension days, will be invited to stay after school for some fun! We will have board games, group games, and athletic games for all to enjoy, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Parent volunteers will be needed, but you must have an RCS background check on file for this school year. Please contact the front office if you need to complete this background check.

Picture Day is Thursday, September 26. Order online at inter-state.com/order and use code 87631GT

Being present at school is super important for kids! But sometimes they have to miss. When that happens, please make sure you report your child's absence to the school office (765-973-3412) OR by responding to a ParentSquare message that your student was marked absent.

Mr. Stolle tracks our attendance and will communicate with families about student absences. Please help him out and report your child's absence! His email is jstolle@rcs.k12.in.us.

Sometimes the menu changes. Click on the menu to link to the always up-to-date website.

Compassion involves two things: noticing or seeing the need, and then caring enough to help. Kids are great at noticing and asking questions, sometimes even asking those questions when you wish they wouldn't! This month, let's challenge ourselves to think more deeply about the needs that we see -- and then help think of ways we could try to help. Sometimes we can help with money, but other times -- many times -- the help needed doesn't cost money. Listening, inviting, and helping are all ways to show compassion.

Checking the Athletics Website is the best way to keep up with our teams. Please come support our students and be part of the fun!

5/6 Football has been playing in Lapel on Saturdays; the number of students running Cross Country has doubled from last year, and Intramural Volleyball for 5/6 continues through this month.

This mentoring program meets at Test after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and transportation is home is available. A registration form was shared in ParentSquare; call 973-3329 if you have questions or need assistance. Watch the video below to hear directly from Dr. Lucinda Wright about the program!

Communities in Schools is here to support students and families with basic needs and academic support so kids can concentrate on learning. Ms. Toni Johnson serves Test Intermediate: contact her at tjohnson@rcs.k12.in.us or 973-7207.

Some students are already connected to counselors through Centerstone and Meridian. We have Centerstone services in the school building every day for existing Centerstone clients, and Meridian counselors frequently stop by to check on their caseloads. If you believe your student needs mental health support, we are happy to help with a referral to one of these agencies. Please contact Ms. DeDe Deloney, our Test School Counselor, who can assist with this. Email pwrightdeloney@rcs.k12.in.us or call 765-973-3412.

“Test Intermediate School provides a caring, challenging environment where dedicated educators strive to prepare students academically, physically, socially, and emotionally to be productive members of society.”