Principal's Message 

February/March Update

 

Greetings Fullerton Community,

As we progress through February and into March, schools across Illinois focus their thoughts towards one subject: The ISATs. ISAT stands for Illinois Standards Achievement Test. All 3rd -8 th grade students in the state of Illinois will be tested between March 1 st and March 12 th . Students are tested in a variety of areas to measure mastery of state standards for learning. All students take tests in Reading and Math. Students in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8 take an additional test in Writing. Students in grades 4 and 7 take a test in Science.

These tests are a valuable tool in measuring the growth and progress of our students, but rest assured, they are not the only tool. We currently use several formal and informal assessments of students to drive instruction that meets every child's needs. The ISATs are one of these tools, and in recent years, their importance has magnified.

We would like our students to do well on the ISATs, not for how it reflects on us as teachers, but to see that our students are mastering the essential learning skills set forth by the state of Illinois . The mastery of these skills will prepare them for success at the high school and collegiate levels. We ask for your assistance in setting the ideal testing environment for students.

As a parent, you can help assist your child's growth by ensuring that your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast before going to school. Research has proven that well fed and rested students perform better at school. We ask that you continue to promote healthy sleeping and eating habits at home especially during the ISAT testing window. We also ask that students be present and at school by 8:45 during the 2 weeks of testing.

Other ways that you can help your child's academic growth is to read with them every day. Here are some questions to ask before, during, and after reading with your child.

Questions to ask your child while reading :

1. What has happened so far in the story?

2. What do you think the author's message is in the story?

3. What is the problem in the story? Why?

4. What do you think will happen next?

5. How do you feel at this time in the story? Why?

6. Every time you read with your child, discuss the meaning of words that your child may not know. Use the context of the story to help your child define the word.

Questions to ask your child after reading :

1. Who are the main characters?

2. Where does the story take place?

3. What is the setting? Describe it.

4. Does a character in the story remind you of any other character you have read about? If so, how are they alike? How are they different?

5. Choose a character. Why was this character important in the story and how would you describe that character?

6. Tell the main events that happened in the story.

7. What was your favorite part of the story? Why?

8. If you could change the ending to this story how would it end?

9. Did the pictures help to add meaning to the story? Why or why not?

The following is a link to a webpage designed to help parents with reading to their children: http://www.lgusd.k12.ca.us/curriculum/ela/documents/TipsforHomeReading.pdf

I know that our students will do a fantastic job on the ISATs. I see the growth they are making every day. We are dedicated to setting the stage for their future success. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.

Sincerely,

Mr. Bicker