Monday, February 25, 2013

ISAT Testing Information


Hi Parents,

            Can you believe that it's almost March and the school year is quickly coming to an end?    March Madness brings on ISAT Testing that starts next Mon., Mar. 4th and goes through the following Mon., Mar. 11th.

            Of course, we've been preparing the students for the "big week" all year, throughout our everyday curriculum, activities, and learning, but I was wondering if I could also get a little help from the parents in making sure that they have a successful testing week.

So, Mrs. H has compiled a few requests for both parents (and students too!):

1.   Please make sure that your student is on time for school.   All of our tests are given in the morning.   When students arrive late for school it creates undue anxiety.    I will like to try and prevent this next week so that our brains are ready to go!

2.   Please try your best to not schedule any doctor's appointments during the mornings of ISAT Test week.    If your child misses a day, they will have to make up their test another day.    It would help us if this could be prevented.

3.   Please DO NOT send your child to school if they are feeling sick.  There's no reason for us to force a test on a student if they're not feeling well.    Plus, they most likely won't perform at their best if illness gets in their way.   We can always make up the section that they have missed at a later time.

4.  Please help out by making sure that your child takes the time before leaving school to eat breakfast and also to make sure that it's a HEALTHY one!   (I told the students that sugary cereals and Pop-Tarts aren't going to make their brains function at their best. :) ).   

5.   Please be sure to pack a healthy snack for your students during test week.    We will try and eat our snack right before test time.

            In addition, I will be giving each of the students with a Wintergreen Lifesaver Peppermint to have right before they take their test.   Research shows that peppermint stimulates the brain and decreases test anxiety.   Feel free to read this article to find out more:

            Of course, if you do not want your child eating a peppermint or if they are allergic to them, please let me know before Monday!

            As always, thanks for your support in making it a successful test week for all!   We're going to do fantastic!

                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                        Mrs. Hynek

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Please Complete the 5 Essentials Survey!

Teachers, parents and middle school students in District 25 and across Illinois will have an opportunity to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey: Organizing Schools for Improvement.  This survey was designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.

Please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey. The survey must be completed by March 31, 2013, but we encourage you to complete the survey as soon as possible.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Celebrating Chinese New Year

We would like to thank Mrs. Davenport (Libby's mom) for coming into our classroom to celebrate Chinese New Year with us.   We had fun reading a story about various Chinese customs.   Afterwards, the kids had the opportunity to make Chinese lanterns and eat clementines for good health and prosperity in the New Year!   The students were then able to bring home Chinese "red envelopes" filled with fortune cookies and chocolate coins.    What a fun time!






Thank You Art Appreciation Parents!

We would like to thank Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Vittore for a wonderful Art Appreciation lesson!   During the lesson, the students learned more about Roman and Gothic Architecture.    Afterwards, each group was responsible for constructing a high rise structure using only 12 notecards, tape, and books!   Enjoy our architectural creations!





Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Open House on Thursday!


We hope that you can join us on Thursday 
for Westgate's Open House.



Here's the times for the series of events:

6:00-8:30 pm
Book Fair and Auction Items
Be sure to sign-up for your Spring Conference time in the Commons!

7:00-8:00 pm
Come and visit our classroom!

We hope to see you tomorrow!