Newsletter April 17, 2015

Ms. Howell’s 4^th Grade Class 

April 17, 2015

Dear Parents,

It is that time…time to show what we have learned all year long.   Your children have worked very hard this week in reviewing and preparing for the GMAS.  I know that they are ready to succeed! Please be sure that your children get extra rest, get a good breakfast, and build in some time for play this next week as they begin their tests.  

In your child’s Friday Folder you will find a GMAS Promise. You will initial each day if your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast. Then they will bring the form to school and I will initial each day that they arrive at school on time, listen and follow directions, and take their time and do their best each day of the GMAS. If the students keep their Promise then they will be able to eat lunch with me in the classroom on Wednesday, May 6^th.

Midterm progress reports are also included in this week’s Friday folder.  Please review your child’s current grades and discuss performance with your child.  Please initial the progress report and send it back with your child on Monday. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. 

GMAS Information:

One of the things I shared at conferences this week was about the new Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS).

Below are some links of information that will give you some additional information. 

·      Want more general information about the upcoming Georgia Milestones Assessment? Take a look at the PTA Guide. http://s2.onmycalendar.com/Files/GE/A5R7514422I_PTAguide.pdf

·      Would you like to see a sample of the online Georgia Milestones Assessment? Click through this elementary online test sample.  http://learnoas.ctb.com/GA/

·      Want detailed information about the upcoming Georgia Milestones Assessment? The Department of Education published this assessment guide specific for each grade level tested. http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Milestones-End-of-Grade-Assessment-Guides.aspx

·      Parents: This is last year's Georgia Department of Education practice test. This is the only practice test available date formats as seen in the assessment guides.  There are about  4 practice tests for each subject for grades 3-5. There are about 8-12 questions on each practice test.  https://www.georgiaoas.org/servlet/a2l

Below are just a few reminders/notes for the week:

·        Field Trip Form and donations are due by Friday, April 24^th

·        Mother’s Day Cake Orders have been extended and are due by Friday, May 1^st

School Wide Information 

·        April 20^th – GMAS Test ELA Section 1 and 2

·        April 21^st – GMAS Test ELA Section 3 (Extended Written Response)

·        April 23^rd – GMAS Test Math Section 1 and 2

·        April 24^th – Field Trip forms and money due

·        April 27^th – GMAS Test Science Section 1 and 2

·        April 29^th – GMAS Test Social Studies Section 1 and 2

·        May 1^st – Publix Mother’s Day Cake Orders Due

·        May 5^th – Fernbank Field Trip

·        May 12^th – Field Day

·        May 19^th – EOY party 1:45 – 3:00

Next Week at a Glance

Reading – GMAS Testing/Review

Writing/Grammar –  GMAS Testing/Review

Word Study – No Word Study until after GMAS

Social Studies –  GMAS Testing/Review

Science –

Mon./Tue. Group- Wed./Fri. Group- GMAS Testing/Review

Math –

9:00 Group GMAS Testing/Review

12:45 Group GMAS Testing/Review

Specials Rotation:

Monday-PE

Tuesday-Art

Wednesday –Music

Thursday –Technology

Friday – PE