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The Pates Report
Parent and Family October Issue
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Parent and Family March Issue
Principal's Corner
It is our mission here at Midfield Elementary School to educate our community of learners in a safe and productive learning environment. .
At Midfield Elementary School, communication is vital in everything that we do. We strive to connect with students, parents, families, and the community. Parents are always encouraged to visit our school website, follow us on Facebook, and join our School Class Dojo for announcements, information, and celebrations.
Midfield Elementary School is extremely grateful to our wonderful parents and outstanding school community for their support!
My hope for this year is that we inspire a positive community by leading a school that will successfully educate, engage, motivate, and include all students.
Sincerely,
Kim Felton, Principal
Important Dates to Remember
School-Wide Events
- March 16, 2023- Family Math Nigh (5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.)
- March 20-23, 2023- ACAP Testing for 2nd-3rd Grade
- March 24, 2023- Early Dismissal
- March 27-31, 2023- Spring Break (No School)
📌 Tips families can use to help children do better in school 📌
Emphasize that your child has the ability to learn and get smarter
How Can You Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized Tests?
Standardized tests play a major role in today's schooling. Your child may take one or more standardized tests each year, and her teacher may devote a significant amount of class time to preparation exercises. Several states administer "high stakes" tests, which can have a significant impact on school assessment and funding, determine your child's class placement, or even prevent grade promotion. No matter how you feel about this controversial assessment tool, it's important that your child do her best.
Teachers tell us that successful test-takers tend to be students with good attendance, homework, and study habits; therefore, your daily assistance with homework and attitude toward school have the biggest impact on your child's performance. However, there are key ways you can develop his test-taking ability.
- Optimize brain power.
Teachers say the students who struggle the most on testing days are the ones who didn't have enough sleep or a good breakfast the day of the test. Also, students who are physically or mentally unprepared often encounter problems. Make sure she has every tool she needs — pencils, an eraser, paper, a calculator, etc. laid out the night before, as well as any preliminary paperwork filled out, if possible. If she isn't feeling well on the test day, it's better to keep her home and let her make up the test later rather than risk poor performance.
- Encourage good study habits and challenge critical-thinking skills.
Reviewing test-taking strategies is important, but monitoring overall academic progress and staying in good communication with the teacher will help you ward off potential problems. Good reading skills factor heavily in a timed test, so encourage reading (consider magazines, newspapers, or even comic books if he shies away from books) as much as possible. Testing also measures critical-thinking ability, so ask him to discuss ideas or voice his opinion often to stimulate these thought processes.
- Know what to expect.
Most teachers will send home information about the test schedule and class preparation plans well before the test date. However, if you don't hear from your child's teacher, you should contact her to find out: - What is the name of the test, and what will it measure?
- What's the format? (multiple choice, essay, short answer, etc.)
- How will the class prepare in school?
- How is it scored? Will students be penalized for incorrect answers or should they guess randomly when stumped on a question?
- When will you receive the results?
- What are the test's implications? Will it affect your child, school, or both?
- Are there any specific ways you can help your child prepare?
- Look at your child's past performance.
If she scored low in a particular area, you may want to provide her with exercises that reinforce that subject. Aim for activities that simulate the testing experience, such as multiple choice geometry questions or vocabulary practice that asks her to identify antonyms or synonyms. Workbooks geared towards standardized test preparation often provide these kind of exercises. Avoid drilling her in areas where she excels; you run the risk of boring her and her losing patience with testing.
- Provide practice opportunities.
You may be able to request sample or practice tests from your child's school or find them at the library. Be sure to time any practice tests (assuming the standardized test will be timed) so he's not surprised by time constraints on test day. Start practicing several weeks before the date and keep study sessions short. Setting small goals, such as learning five new words each session, will help him measure his progress and boost his confidence. Make sure he takes the night before the test off — cramming can increase his stress level.
- Relax and remain positive.
The best test-takers are confident, committed, and at ease. Even if you are nervous about her performance, be wary of transferring that concern to your child. You never know, some kids actually enjoy tests! If she is likely to get nervous, practice a few relaxation techniques, such as counting from one to ten or taking deep breaths, which can help her relieve tension during the test.
How to Interpret Your Child's Results
Because assessment varies from test to test, it would be impossible to include all the terms you may encounter here. However, the scores should be accompanied by information to help you interpret them. Don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher if you have questions or need help understanding the results. You could also talk to the PTA or school administrator about inviting a testing expert to host an information session for parents.
By Scholastics Parents Staff
This article is original from Scolastic.com : https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/homework-help/study-skills-test-taking-tips/standardized-tests-prepare-and-interpret-results.html
11 Free Reading Sites for Kids: Reading Websites for Students
These 11 excellent sites for pre-K and elementary children are backed by a tremendous amount of research into how kids learn to read and how they become fluent readers. Click on any link below to explore.
1. Epic Books School Code: lpr7408
3. Starfall
4. StoryPlace
6. ReadWriteThink Student Interactives
8. WordWorld
9. Storynory
11. ABCya
12 Free Math Sites for Kids: Math Websites for Students
Have students play math games when they have free time at home or after completing their homework. Students can visit these kid-friendly and fun websites for additional learning opportunities. Click on any link below to explore.
We Need You! Join our Parent Academy (PTA) today!
What is the PTA?
The Parent Teacher Association of Midfield Elementary School invites all parents, guardians, and teachers to become an active member while your child attends Midfield Elementary. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a partnership between parents and educators who strive to enhance student learning and enrich the lives of the students within the school. Parent Academy is for parents to gain knowledge and voice their opinions about what is happening in our school. MES PTA's goal is to better our school and offer the best learning experience for all students.
Do you want to know more about the PTA? Click on the links below:
What is the PTA? (video)
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-pta-definition-role.html
Why PTA Is Important To Me
Why Join the PTA?
To join the Midfield Elementary School's PTA, click below:
Why Are PTA Membership Dues Important?
Your $10.00 per family membership dues help provide events, activities, and educational projects for all MES students. These events may include Field Days, Fall Fests, Spring Flings, Field Trips, Author Visits, etc. Please complete ONE application per family.
Do you want to know more about the PTA? Click on the link below:
Get Your MES PTA Shirt Today!
Parent PTA shirts are now available for purchase!
Represent your school at our parent volunteer events in style. (Please make all payments to Midfield Elementary School's PTA)
PTA Shirt Prices:
$6.00 for Adult Small-Adult XL
$8.00 for Adult 2X-Adult 3X