The Au Gres-Sims School District

Happy Spring Break! I hope everyone has a relaxing break and that maybe you even get a chance to visit somewhere a little warmer! After we get back from break we will be taking our annual MSTEP/PSAT/SAT tests. Overall, testing will run for about a month, and we will start testing on Tuesday, April 8, with our 5th and 8th grades. Testing at the elementary level will take more dates as they are split up into shorter testing sessions. Grade level student testing will take place on the following dates in April listed below.

Grade 3- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 22, 24, 29, May 1

Grade 4- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 22, 24, 29, May 1

Grade 5- MSTEP ELA/Math/Science/SS- April 8, 10, 15, 16, 23

Grade 6- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 17, 22

Grade 7- MSTEP ELA/Math- April 17, 22

Grade 8- MSTEP Science/SS, PSAT ELA/Math- April 8, 9, 23

Grade 9- PSAT ELA/Math- April 9

Grade 10- PSAT ELA/Math- April 9

Grade 11- SAT Work Keys, SAT ELA (with essay)/Math, MSTEP Science/SS- April 10, 15, 16

Our 11th graders have long testing days as they take on the SAT test. For information on the SAT (and ACT) test and how to perform well on this high stakes testing, see the article below.

https://wtop.com/news/2024/02/how-to-perform-well-on-sat-act-test-day/

With testing it also often brings a little anxiety. And although a little anxiety is okay, excessive anxiety can greatly hinder your individual success. So, what can we do to prevent test anxiety?

1. Avoid thinking you have to get every single problem correct. Don't expect to be perfect. We all make mistakes and that's okay. Knowing you've done your best and worked hard is really all that matters, not perfection.

2. Get the negative thoughts out of your head. If you start to have anxious or defeated thoughts, such as "I'm not good enough," "I didn't study hard enough," or "I can't do this," push those thoughts away and replace them with positive thoughts. "I can do this," "I know the material," and "I studied hard," can go far in helping to manage your stress level when taking a test.

3. Get enough sleep. A good night's sleep will help your concentration and memory.

4. Be prepared. That means studying for the test early until you feel comfortable with the material. Don't wait until the night before. If you aren't sure how to study, ask your teacher or parent for help. Being prepared will boost your confidence, which will lessen your test anxiety. Khan Academy is a great resource to learn and practice your testing skills and help in this area.

5. Take deep breaths. If you start to feel anxious while you're taking your test, deep breathing may be useful for reducing anxiety. Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. Work through each question or problem one at a time, taking a deep breath in between each one as needed. Making sure you are giving your lungs plenty of oxygen can help your focus and sense of calm.

Our most recent set of National Honors Society inductees were acknowledged at a ceremony last Sunday. Inductees were recognized for their efforts in Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service. Please help me in congratulating our new NHS members: David Czarnik, Sophie Fox, Trinity Osborne, Kendall Bartlett, Amber Boensch, Peyton Sanchez, Hannah Yotkois, Shannon Speese. AGS Proud!

As we return from spring break, we will begin our state testing with the M-STEP, PSAT, and SAT. Please take a moment to speak with your student before they return about the importance of these assessments.

A few important reminders as testing begins on April 8th for some students:

• No electronic devices – Cell phones and smartwatches are not allowed during testing or break times. Possessing these items can invalidate not only your student’s test but also the tests of others in the room. Students must keep their devices in their lockers during testing. If you need to reach your child, please call the office, and we will gladly relay any messages.
  
  

• Rest is key – Encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep on Sunday, Monday, and each night before a test. Well-rested students perform significantly better.
  
  

• Eat a healthy breakfast – A nutritious meal, whether at home or school, helps students focus and sustain their energy during testing.
  
  

• Managing test anxiety – Remind your student that taking a few deep breaths before starting can help them relax and improve focus.
  
  

We appreciate your support in helping students feel prepared and confident. If you have any questions about state testing, please reach out to your student’s teacher or me.

Wishing you all a wonderful spring break and safe travels for those taking a vacation!

Preparing for State Testing starting in April

Helping your child prepare for state testing can be a smoother and less stressful process with the right approach. Here are some effective tips and tricks:

📚 1. Use Study Tools

• Flashcards: Great for vocabulary and quick review.
  

• Online Resources: Many websites offer practice questions and games tailored to state standards.

• Educational Apps: Apps like Khan Academy or IXL align with school curriculums.

😴 2. Prioritize Rest and Routine

• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ensure 8-10 hours of sleep, especially the night before the test.
  

• Healthy Breakfast: Provide a protein-rich breakfast to fuel focus and stamina.

🧘 3. Manage Test Anxiety

• Positive Encouragement: Reassure your child that they’re prepared and capable.
  

• Relaxation Techniques: Teach deep breathing or visualization to calm nerves.
  

• Avoid Overloading: Keep activities light the day before the test.

🎮 4. Make Learning Fun

• Gamify Studying: Turn study sessions into fun challenges or games.
  

• Incorporate Rewards: Small incentives can help keep motivation high.

❤️ 5. Build Confidence and Positivity

• Praise Progress: Acknowledge their hard work and improvements.
  

• Normalize Mistakes: Emphasize that mistakes are part of learning.

Over the past several months, we’ve shared reading strategies to help families support their children in becoming strong, confident, and enthusiastic readers. From predicting and visualizing to making inferences, retelling, partner reading, and more—we’ve explored practical tools that make reading more engaging, meaningful, and fun at home.

As we close out our reading strategy series, we want to thank YOU—our families—for embracing these ideas and making reading a part of your daily lives. Whether you read aloud together, talk about books, or simply encourage quiet time with a favorite story, you are helping your child grow into a lifelong reader.

Reading doesn’t always have to be about quizzes, strategies, or deep discussions. Sometimes, the best way to build a love of reading is to simply read for the joy of it! Make time to just read—whatever makes you smile, laugh, wonder, or relax. Whether it’s a silly picture book, a comic strip, a sports article, or a fantasy novel, reading for fun helps develop a lifelong habit and reminds kids that reading is something to enjoy.

Enjoy your spring break, everyone!! I can’t wait to hear all about the adventures when we return on April 7th, 2025.