Testing Season is Upon Us
Greetings, Colonel Richardson Middle School families!
As we approach the State MCAP testing period, we understand that this can be a stressful time for both students and families. To help support your child through this process, we've compiled a list of tips and strategies:
Encourage Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep the night before each test. A well-rested mind is more focused and alert, leading to better performance.
Provide Nutritious Meals: Fuel your child's body and brain with healthy breakfasts and snacks. Foods rich in protein and complex carbohydrates can sustain energy levels throughout the day.
Create a Positive Environment: Maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere at home. Offer encouragement and remind your child that they are capable and prepared.
Review Test-Taking Strategies: Help your child familiarize themselves with the test format and practice strategies such as time management, process of elimination, and checking answers.
Manage Stress: Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to reduce test anxiety. Encourage them to take breaks and engage in activities they enjoy.
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the testing schedule and any specific instructions provided by the school. Stay connected with teachers and counselors for additional support.
Celebrate Effort: Regardless of the outcome, recognize your child's hard work and effort. Remind them that their worth is not defined by test scores.
By working together and providing a supportive environment, we can help our students approach the State MCAP testing with confidence and resilience.
Thank you for your partnership in your child's education.
We wish you well,
Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal
Supporting our Families
Upcoming mental health webinar for Caroline schools families:
Emotional Regulation: Recognizing What's Wrong
May 8, 6:00-7:00 pm via Zoom #CarolineFamily
For more information on mental health resources, please visit the CCPS website.
Not at School=Absent
Good attendance for your student begins on the first day of the school year. Consider the following facts:
STUDENTS ARE CONSIDERED CHRONICALLY ABSENT WHEN MISSING 10% OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR. For example, if a student has been absent 8 days already, he/she is already considered Chronically Absent by the State of Maryland. EXCUSED and UNEXCUSED absences COUNT AS ABSENCES!
Chronic absenteeism may prevent children from reaching early milestones.
Chronically absent students have difficulty keeping up with the pace at which they are expected to learn and grow.
Students who are absent even a day or two every few weeks fall behind their peers.
Irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out before graduation than test scores.
Consistent, on-time attendance is a habit that lasts into adulthood.
We closely monitor absences because Maryland law requires that children ages 5-18 attend school. Students may be withdrawn if not attending school regularly; students not enrolled or attending will be considered truant.
Students who are absent for 10% or more of the school year (based on a running tally), are considered chronically absent. For example, if we have been in school for 110 days and your student has 11 absences, they are now considered chronically absent.
An absence is an absence. Parent notes, doctors' notes, court notes, suspensions are all examples of CERTIFIED or EXCUSED absences; however, they STILL COUNT as an absence.
How Can Parents Encourage Good Attendance?
Build good attendance habits early so children know that getting to school on time every day is important!
Set a regular bedtime & morning routine, laying out clothes and backpacks the night before.
Avoid scheduling appointments & trips when school is in session.
Don't let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick.
Consider that sometimes a stomach ache or headache is a sign of anxiety. If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to the school about helpful resources.
For more information: https://www.carolineschools.org/page/enrollment-attendance#attendance
CRMS Contact Information
Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Mr. Neil Lambert, Assistant Principal lambert.eric@ccpsstaff.org
Mrs. Charlene Sanders, Community Schools Coordinator sanders.charlene@ccpsstaff.org
Ms. Jennifer Blunt, School Counselor 8th Grade and 6th Grade blunt.jennifer@ccpsstaff.org
Mr. Jarrod Moaney, School Counselor 8th Grade and 7th Grade moaney.jarrod@ccpsstaff.org
Mrs. Jane Towers, Enrollment Secretary Towers.Jane@ccpsstaff.orgMrs. Heidi Plutschak, Administrative Secretary plutschak.heidi@ccpsstaff.org
Email: holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.colonelrichardsonms.org/
Phone: 410-479-1462