MTES Newsletter

Welcome back from Spring Break 2024! With warmer weather approaching, the sun will become a regular sight that we are so excited to see! Just like the first 3 quarters of the school year, we anticipate that the 4th quarter will go just as quickly. There are so many exciting things happening for the staff and students at MTES in the final weeks of the year, and many of these are highlighted below.

• March 17 - April 15: KG Registration!
• April 2: World Autism Awareness Day - (dress up in blue, or multi-colors)
• April 2: 6th grade Band recruitment at MTES (5th grade only - during school hours)
• April 5: 80's Day at MTES (dress up in 80's theme)
• April 8: NO SCHOOL (total eclipse)
• April 10: Ohio State Test (ELA Part 1 - grades 3-5 only)
• April 11: Ohio State Test (ELA Part 2 - grades 3-5 only)
  
• April 12: TEAM day (baseball dress up day)
• April 15: MAP testing (ELA - grades K-5)
• April 16: MAP testing (Math - grades K-5)
• April 17: 1st grade field trip to La Comedia
• April 18 - 19: 2nd grade field trip to Franklin Park Conservatory
• April 19: 4th quarter mid-mark
• April 22 - 24: Sound Off Fire Safety Program (2nd grade)
• April 23: Ohio State Test (Science Part 1 - 5th grade only)
• April 24: Ohio State Test (Science Part 2 - 5th grade only)
• April 25 - 26: Kindergarten field trip (Police Station and Fire Department)
• April 26: Tacky Tourist day (dress up like a tourist)
• April 26: Cross Categorical field trip (LeElla Lanes)
• April 30: Ohio State Test (Math Part 1 - grades 3-5 only)
• May 1: Ohio State Test (Math Part 2 - grades 3-5 only)

Testing season is upon us, which can beg the question, "Why do our students have to take so many tests?" This is a valid question, and there are several answers. To put it simply, testing is one of the most important ways to measure our instructional effectiveness as a school. All students in grades K-5 take various tests (assessments) throughout the school year. Some of these are considered "formative," which are tests that allow us to measure present levels of understanding so that we can adjust our instruction accordingly. "Summative" assessments are another form of testing, which determine a student's level of achievement (mastery). These tests indicate to us where our students are at as they cross the "finish line." In short, they tell us two things:

1. How much our students have grown individually during a given instructional period.
2. How much our students have achieved (mastered) during a given instructional period.

Although it can seem daunting at times, the testing that takes place at MTES is an integral part of what allows us to continue to reach the levels of success that we experience.

Test Taking Tips for a Successful Testing Season:

• Get a good night of sleep ahead of each testing day. This includes having a predictable and established bedtime each night.
• Eat well balanced meals, including breakfast on testing days.
• Attendance matters! Being at school is essential in order to avoid having to take "make-up" tests that can impact and intrude on a student's normal schedule.

Thanks to a longstanding partnership with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, nearly all of us can remember participating in the D.A.R.E. program as a student. This program has been in place since 1983, and serves millions of students around the world each year. The 5th grade students at Miami Trace Elementary School have the BEST D.A.R.E. instructor in the world... Deputy Monty Coe! What is D.A.R.E.? D.A.R.E. can best be summarized as "substance abuse prevention education." In short, 5th grade students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to "just say no!" when confronted with substance abuse situations. Each year, students write their own D.A.R.E. essay that describes what the program has meant to them, and how they can apply it to their lives. This year's overall winner is Sydney Sever! Congratulations, Sydney!

MTES is observing World Autism Day on April 2nd by wearing blue or multi-colors!