Counseling Connection

The Core Value for April is PEACE. For this value, students will learn that peace sometimes means that you care more about each other than winning the argument. We will be discussing relationships with friends, siblings, and family members. Relationships should always be more important than proving you are right. Take a moment to listen to the Parenting with Peace podcast for helpful tips on keeping your home peaceful.

The CogAT test measures the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student compared to other students their age and other students in their grade level. CogAT measures three different cognitive abilities: the verbal section measures a student's ability to remember and understand sequences of words, the quantitative section measures a student's understanding of quantitative concepts and relationships, and the non-verbal section measures reasoning using pictures and geometric shapes. CogAT scores are used to screen for the gifted program and Rockwall ISD math pathways.

APHE fourth graders will take the CogAT test April 12th - 14th during Mrs. Gerkens' science rotation. Please be sure your student is well-rested and at school on time on these dates.

APRIL: Grade 4 STAAR Writing

Most fourth graders will take the paper version of this test. Please be sure your student gets enough rest the night before the test and that they arrive at school on time that morning. The writing test will take most students around two hours to complete.

MAY: STAAR Math & Reading

The STAAR Math and Reading tests will be online and take place May 11-17. Students will be learning how to use the online testing platform and accessibility features during class. Classroom teachers will make sure all students are comfortable using the online tools before they test in May.

• Students can practice using the online tools at home using this link: STAAR Practice Tests which requires no downloads or set up.

Please be sure your student arrives well-rested and on time.

Grade 5 & 6 Math: Tuesday, May 11

Grade 3 & 4 Math: Wednesday, May 12

Grade 5 & 6 Reading: Thursday, May 13

Grade 3 & 4 Reading: Friday, May 14

Grade 5 Science: Monday, May 17

The pandemic has caused both social and emotional challenges for many students. Many teachers have reported more students struggling with emotions throughout the school day. The Texas Tribune supports what they are reporting in a recent article that notes a significant increase in pediatric mental health-related emergency room visits for children in need of mental health care. According to the Tribune article, mental health issues that have increased most are depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief.

Some things parents can do to support students who are struggling emotionally:

• Ask your student how they are feeling and listen to their concerns.
• Touch base with your child's teacher and ask them how your student is doing at school.
• Contact Mrs. Holder and ask her to do a "check-in" with your student.
• Ask Mrs. Holder about the TCHATT Program that provides four no-cost virtual visits with a behavioral health provider, during the school day.

Each week we draw names and recognize students in every grade level who show "ANCHORED" behavior throughout the school day, in different places and circumstances. When the adults on campus notice students being quiet in the hallways, picking up after themselves in the cafeteria, helping someone without being asked, they get a blue slip of paper we call an Anchor Award. Students write their names on the paper and place them in the blue grade level mailboxes by the front office. Then each Friday we draw five names from every mailbox! Those students have their names announced on the Mariner News and get to choose a food gift certificate. It's a great way to end the week! Watch our Facebook page to see the weekly winners.

Did you miss the LIVE Mariner Rally celebrating the third term? We had so much fun celebrating students and laughing at the teacher "Fruit Roll-Up Challenge"!

Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may regarding your student or Amy Parks-Heath Elementary.

Email: kristin.holder@rockwallisd.org
Website: https://www.rockwallisd.com/site/Default.aspx?PageID=3495
Location: Amy Parks Elementary School, Laurence Drive, Rockwall, TX, USA
Phone: 972-772-4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyparksheath
Twitter: @Holder223