Coulston Elementary School
Comet Connection Newsletter
Notes from the Coulston Office March 2 , 2025
3rd Grade Recorder Concert
Guest Author is visiting our school on Monday, March 3rd
Johnathan Miller will be our guest on Monday, March 3rd. He is the author of the funny series of books, Sammy the Wonder Dachshund. Mr. Miller will have books available for autographed purchase on this day. Attached is the order form which was sent home with students. He will share with our students the process of becoming an author and illustrator. We are super excited to have him visit our school! If you would like to purchase a book(s), please print off the order form or request one to be sent home. These are due on Monday, March 3rd.
Coulston IREAD Spirit Week
It’s Back….Kona Ice Time
It is back!!! We will begin our Kona Ice Treats on Friday, March 7th. This spring Kona Ice will offer one size for $4.00 per cup. Please prepay by Thursday, March 6th. Our PTO will be providing Kona Ice for our 2nd and 3rd grade students and teachers for their hard work on the IREAD Test. Thank you PTO.
Spring Break
Spring Break will begin on Friday, March 14. We will welcome everyone back to school on Monday, March 24th. We hope that everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable Spring Vacation.
Yearbook Sales
The deadline to order 2025 yearbooks is March 28!!!! Yearbooks will be delivered this spring! There will be limited extras ordered, so please make sure to order yours today!!
IREAD Testing Information
IREAD Testing Information-Testing begins March 3rd
We will be taking the required IREAD assessment beginning the week of March 3rd. Students who do not pass will be provided additional support and another opportunity to re-test in May. Please see below for more specific information about the IREAD Test.
What is IREAD-3?
IREAD-3 (Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination) is a test that checks if students can read at the level expected by the end of third grade. It focuses on basic reading skills, like recognizing words and understanding what they mean.
What kind of questions are on IREAD-3?
The test has multiple-choice questions only. Students choose the best answer from a list. There are no written or spoken answers.
Is IREAD-3 timed?
No, students can take as much time as they need.
What skills are tested?
The test has three sections, taking about 90 minutes total over 2-3 days:
Foundations and Vocabulary – Identifying word sounds, synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
Nonfiction – Understanding and analyzing informational texts, including main ideas and cause/effect.
Literature – Understanding stories, including characters, plots, themes, and narrators.
How does the test adapt to students?
IREAD-3 is a computer-adaptive test, meaning it adjusts questions based on a student’s answers. After testing, families receive a report showing performance in each section.
What is the passing score?
A score of 446 or above is passing.
In third grade, students must pass to move forward.
In second grade, scores below 446 don’t mean failing but may indicate a need for extra support.
IREAD-3 for Second Graders
Starting Spring 2025, all second graders will take IREAD-3.
The test is the same as for third graders.
Students are not expected to master all skills yet.
The goal is to build confidence in reading, not create stress.
If a second grader scores "At Risk":
They will get extra reading help and retake the test in third grade.
IREAD-3 for Third Graders
All third graders must take IREAD-3 unless they passed in second grade.
If a third grader doesn’t pass in spring:
They get extra reading help and retake the test in summer.
If they don’t pass the summer retest:
They may have to repeat third grade unless they qualify for an exemption.
What if my child doesn’t pass?
Students must pass by the end of third grade to move to fourth grade, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions include:
A disability or special education plan that prevents retention.
English learners with less than two years of support.
Passing the ILEARN Math test.
Already being held back twice before third grade.
Already repeating third grade once.
Even with an exemption, students must keep retesting until they pass or finish sixth grade.
How can I help my child prepare?
Read with them daily and ask questions.
Encourage longer reading sessions with books at their level.
Use the IREAD-3 Released Items Repository for practice questions.
Where can I see sample reports?
You can find sample reports for Grade 2 and Grade 3 in both English and Spanish.
GRADE 2 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT SPANISH GRADE 2 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT
GRADE 3 IREAD SAMPLE REPORT SPANISH GRADE 3 IREAD SAMPLE REPORTReporting Student Absences:
Upcoming events:
March
3-Boys Basketball Tournament
3-Johnathan Williams Author Visit
3-10-IREAD Testing
6-13-ILearn Checkpoint 3
11-Aspire Awards
14-21-Spring Break
24-28-CogAT Testing-5th Grade
Background Check Information
Background Check Information
Parents just a reminder if you want to volunteer at school, please call the office to get information on how to submit/apply for the limited and extended background checks. You can reach the school at 317.398.3185.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Coulston Elementary School
Phone: (317) 398-3185
Fax: (317) 392-5721
Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm
Address:
121 N Knightstown Road
Shelbyville, IN 46176