Trojan News - August

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Next week, our students will participate in important standardized assessments designed to help us understand their academic growth and progress. These tests provide valuable information that guides our instruction and supports your child's learning journey.

iMSSA Assessments (Grades 3-6)

Students in grades 3 through 6 will be taking the iMSSA (Interim Measures of Student Success & Achievement) tests. These are state-supported, computer-based assessments in Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics. The iMSSA tests help us measure your child's progress toward grade-level proficiency and college and career readiness standards throughout the school year. They are designed to be a snapshot of your child's current understanding.

NWEA MAP Growth Test (6th Grade Only)

Our 6th-grade students will also be taking the NWEA MAP Growth test in Reading, Math, and Language Usage. The NWEA MAP Growth test is a unique computer-adaptive assessment. This means the test questions adjust in difficulty based on your child's answers. This format provides a highly accurate measure of what your child knows and is ready to learn next, tracking their academic growth over time.

How You Can Help Your Child Prepare 👍

While no special "cramming" is needed for these assessments, here are some simple ways you can support your child in the days leading up to testing:

• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure your child gets a full night's rest, especially the night before testing days. A well-rested mind performs best.

• Healthy Breakfast: A nutritious breakfast on test mornings provides the energy needed for focus and concentration.

• Stay Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the week.

• Maintain Routine: Stick to regular routines for bedtime and meals. Consistency helps reduce anxiety.

• Positive Mindset: Remind your child to do their best and that these tests are just one way to measure their learning. Avoid placing undue pressure on scores; focus on their effort and growth.

• Read Together: Continue to encourage reading at home. Strong reading skills benefit all subject areas.

• Talk About It: Have an open conversation with your child about the tests. Knowing what to expect can help ease any nervousness. Explain that the tests help teachers understand how to best support them.

We are confident in our students' abilities and appreciate your partnership in making this a successful testing period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or the school office.

We want to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to Kimberly Hise & Realty One of Chama

for their generous donation of Trojan water bottles for our students!