Bragg School Newsletter

Dear Families,

Bragg School will soon begin administering the state-mandated New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) in English Language Arts and Mathematics for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Students in grade 5 will also participate in the Science assessment.

Testing will take place over two weeks. Please review the schedule below for specific dates and assessments. To help your child perform their best, we encourage you to ensure they are well rested and have eaten a healthy breakfast each day, as snack times may be later than usual.

Please note that devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, are not permitted in the testing environment. Students will be asked to turn off all devices and store them in their backpacks until the end of the school day.

Students must arrive at school on time, as testing will begin each day promptly. Students should also come prepared with a fully charged Chromebook and wired (non-Bluetooth) earbuds or headphones.

Testing Schedule:

• May 11 & May 12
  ELA Reading – Unit 1 & Unit 2
  75 minutes per unit

• May 13
  ELA Writing
  90 minutes

• May 14 & May 15
  Mathematics – Unit 1 & Unit 2
  75 minutes per unit

• May 18 & May 19
  Science (Grade 5 only) – Unit 1 & Unit 2
  60 minutes per unit

If your child is absent on a testing day, make-up testing will take place when the regular scheduled testing has ended. Students will be notified in advance of their scheduled make-up sessions.

The NJSLA provides valuable information about your child’s progress in relation to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Results will include detailed feedback that can be used by educators, families, and students to support continued growth and achievement.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Peter Mercurio
Bragg School Principal

As we enter May, our students will focus on Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood as part of our Leader in Me program. This habit encourages students to listen with the intent to truly understand others’ thoughts and feelings before sharing their own. By practicing empathy and active listening, students learn to build stronger relationships and communicate more effectively.

Our PAWS tickets this month will also focus on Habit 5. Students will have opportunities to earn tickets by demonstrating strong listening skills, empathy, and respectful communication throughout the school day. These tickets will be used for our next whole school meeting/rally, where we will celebrate students who are modeling this important habit.

We encourage you to support this learning at home by talking with your child about the importance of listening to understand others. Simple moments, like family conversations or problem-solving situations, can be great opportunities to practice this habit together.

Conversation Starters for Home:

• “What does it mean to really listen to someone?”
• “Can you tell me about a time you tried to understand someone else’s feelings?”
• “What can you do to show someone you are listening?”
• “Why is it important to understand others before sharing your own thoughts?”

Please have your child check the lost and found area by the gym if they are missing an item of clothing. Now that we are using the outside areas for recess again, there are many sweatshirts and jackets left by students.

* May 11th - May 19th - NJSLA Testing Grades 3, 4, and 5

* May 19th - Parent Orientation for Incoming Third Grade Parents (6:30 in the Bragg Cafeteria)

* May 25th - Memorial Day (No School)

* June 2nd - Bragg Choral Concert

* June 3rd - Bragg Instrumental Choral Concert

* June 5th - 5th Grade Celebration

* June 8th - 3rd and 4th grade Field Day Activities

* June 9th - 5th Grade Field Day Activities