April - From the Desk of Mr. Barry

ITBS Week Is Here!
All students in grades 3rd through 8th will be taking the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) during the week of April 7-11. These tests are very important for giving parents and teachers feedback on the progress students make. During the first full week of April, I will be talking to every student about why we take this test, take a look at their scores from last year and set goals for this year’s test. To help us out, please make sure your child gets plenty of rest, eats a nutritious breakfast, and realizes that much information can be learned if he/she tries hard and does his/her best. We want our scores to reflect how hard we have worked and how much the students have learned. These tests are very important. Please avoid scheduling doctor and dentist appointments during the morning or early afternoon hours.

Snacks Needed April 7-11!!
Any parent or business interested in providing a class, grade level or all the students with a healthy snack during testing week should contact the school today. We also have a need for ‘brain-awakeners’ like lifesaver mints (spearmint, winter fresh, etc.). J Please call or email Stephanie Ehmke (ehmkes@roschools.com) today! Thanks!

Ten Tips to Help Your Child Before, During and After Testing Week!
To help children prepare adequately for tests, you can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience.

1. Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Please, do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates.
2. Make sure that you are aware of your child's performance and that you can help interpret the results when they become available.
3. Remember to keep well-informed about your child's tests. Know how test results are used, and how they will affect your child's placement in school.
4. If there are major differences between standardized test scores and school grades, find out why.
5. Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.
6. Encourage your child to read the directions carefully and to go back over the test if they have time.
7. See that your child gets his/her regular amount of sleep before the tests and is well-rested.
8. Make sure that your child eats his/her usual breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good test performance.
9. Encourage your child to do his/her best.
10. During testing week, ask your child how they did on that day’s test. Celebrate each night or at the end of the week by doing something special as a family (read a book, play a game, make a special dinner, etc.)