Test December 2025 Newsletter

The month of December is busy, busy, busy for many families as students have holiday parties, first concerts, and visits with family. While this can bring lots of joy, changes in routine can be hard on kids too. At Test Intermediate we do have some special fun planned, but will also do our best to continue routines that support teaching and learning. At home, give your Tiger encouragement to take care of themselves and get enough sleep!

Students will also be completing their middle of the year IReady tests in math and reading. This test helps teachers see student progress from August to now. Though we don't want students to be stressed or worried, we do want them to do their best so we get good information about what they've learned. Students will begin on Dec. 3. Make-ups will be held the following week.

Our last day of school before break is Friday, Dec. 19. Students will return for the New Year on Monday, January 5. We hope the break is fun and restful for all our families.

Sending warm holiday wishes to all our families,

Ms. Brazil

December 3 - Student Council Meeting

December 3 & 4 - IReading Testing Reading and Math

December 9 - Orchestra Concert - 6:30 pm

December 10- After School Book Club Meeting

December 11 - Bowling Incentive (5th grade)

December 11 - Band Concert - 6 pm

December 16 - Last day to send items for Food Drive!

December 17 - Choir Concert - 6:30 pm

December 18 - Bowling Incentive (6th grade)

December 19 - House Party 2:30 pm

December 19 - Last Day before Winter Break, End of First Semester

December 20- Boys 5th and 6th Grade Basketball Game @ Dennis, 11:00 am

The students have voted for their favorite design! Tshirts and Hoodies are available for order from now until January 16. (If you want your items in time for holiday gifts, please order by Dec. 3!) Tshirts are $10 and Hoodies are $25. All students received an order form - payments are accepted in the main office.

Homerooms have been collecting non-perishable items. If you have items to share, please send them in before Dec. 16. Homerooms are competing to see which class can collect the most!

RCS Family Liaisons have been working to coordinate resources and connect families in need. There are several agencies in town with food and holiday programs, Lions Club certificates can help with eyeglasses, and RCS has its own Care Closet where we can get clothing and shoes. Please contact our Test Family Liaison Ms. Toni Johnson at tjohnson2@rcs.k12.in.us or by calling 765-973-7121.

Winter weather has arrived, so make sure your student has what they need to stay warm at the bus stop or walking to and from school. Please let us know if your student needs warmer weather clothing. Contact Ms. Toni Johnson at tjohnson2@rcs.k12.in.us or 973-7207.

Indiana is in its second year of adjusting the ILearn testing format. The ILearn is changing - rather than just one big test at the end of the year, students will take 3 shorter tests in Math and Reading throughout the year. Each checkpoint test is only about 25 questions, and it covers 2-3 standards. This lets students and teachers really focus on what is most essential in manageable chunks. When you look at your student's report, it shows how they answered questions in each standard.

Test students have taken Checkpoint #1, and score reports have been sent home via ParentSquare. We saw some encouraging growth in the results, especially in 5th grade math! Good job Tigers! Checkpoint #2 will be given in January.

There is still an end of year ILearn (also called the summative), usually given in April. This ILearn will be a bit shorter than the end of year tests students took in the past.

Last year, RCS students participated in the pilot year of ILearn checkpoints, but this year the tests are required for all Indiana students. This year also introduced the parent portal for ILearn results - this lets you view your student's progress over the year, and it should give you an idea of how your kid will perform on the end of year test.

The district sent an individualized letter through ParentSquare with your child's access code. If you need help finding it or accessing the score reports sent in November, please call the Test main office and we can assist you.

Please check out our Student Bulletin! It's a great resource to find answers to all your questions!

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.

Full menus are posted on the RCS Website! Breakfast starts when the doors open every monring at 7:40 am.

Even though all students will receive free breakfast, lunch, and textbooks this year thanks to a grant, we still need your help! Please take a few minutes to complete the Free/Reduced Lunch and Textbook Assistance application. Your submission helps our school better understand the needs of our community and can impact future funding and resources. (Click here to complete the application)

Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) plays a big role in supporting our students, staff, and school events and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement makes a difference. Stay connected, share your ideas, and help create an amazing school year together! Scan the QR code to join the PTO group.

Checking the RCS Athletics website is the best way to stay up to date with our teams.

5th and 6th grade Girls Basketball: Coach Kyla Wright

5th grade Boys Basketball: Coach Shawn Tilson

6th grade Boys Basketball: Coach Nick Kovach

5th and 6th grade Boys and Girls Wrestling: Coach Kevin Handley

Ms. Toni Johnson, our RCS Family Liaison, wants to make sure every child has what they need to succeed in school! She is available every day from 7:40-3:10. She is another caring adult, and her "Jungle Room" is a safe space for kids to get things they need or take a break. Ms. Johnson can help with:

• school supplies
• academic tutoring
• clothing
• hygiene items
• food
• referrals to social service agencies for assistance with bill payment

She can be reached at tjohnson2@rcs.k12.in.us or by calling 765-973-7121.

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 Wright, our Test School Counselor, who can assist with this. Email pwrightdeloney@rcs.k12.in.us or call 765-973-3412.

Most of the money that funds Richmond Community Schools comes from the Indiana State Government. Local property taxes also contribute. Any money we get from the Federal Government comes through grants that supports specific goals. For example, federal money supports breakfast and lunch programs, so kids have access to food. Other programs specifically support technology (Title IV), special education (IDEA), and career education (Perkins). Title I is federal program that provides money to support academic success for students from low-income households.

Test Intermediate, like many RCS schools, receives Title I money. (Like lots of government programs, there are a lot of requirements we have to meet.) One Title I requirement is to make sure we are reaching out to parents and helping families be involved in their student's education. We would do this anyway, because it is such a good thing for kids when their adults and interested and involved in their school!

This is the primary form of communication for Richmond Community Schools that allows our district, school administrators, and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with our families and students.

You can download the app from the Apple store here

Or from the Google store here

PowerSchool houses student attendance and grade records. With your powerschool parent account, you can check your child’s grades in each of their classes, as well as their absences and tardies. You have the option to set daily or weekly email updates if you want them.

You can download the app from the Apple store here

Or from the Google store here

Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) that teachers use as a tool to enhance your child’s learning and to provide continual access to classroom tools. It is the online space for classes, with links, assignments, and online quizzes/tests.

You can download the app from the Apple store here

Or from the Google store here

Bus Rider Families:

You're in the loop with direct communication channels and instant notifications. Receive updates on delays, route changes, and arrival times in real-time. Our easy-to-use platform ensures you're never left guessing. Bridge the gap between home and school effortlessly.

You can download the app from the Apple store here

Or from the Google store here

If school were to be delayed or cancelled due to weather, families will be notified by text and phone call.

• 2-hour delays do not have to be made up - school just starts at 10 am instead of 8 am. If there is a 2-hour delay, school will end at 3:15 (even if it's a Tuesday).
• If school is cancelled, the days will be made up in person on January 19 and February 16.
• On the third and fourth cancellation, students will complete Asynchronous eLearning Days.
• If there are five or more cancellations, students and teachers will meet online for live virtual learning as Synchronous eLearning Days.

Please make sure your contact information is up to date so that you receive notifications regarding school closures!

“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.”