Principally Speaking
Life doesn’t require that we be the best,
only that we try our best.
~H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Dear Parents and/or Guardians:
MARCH 6-16 IS ILLINOIS STATE ASSESSMENT TEST (I.S.A.T) TESTING
Our teachers are working diligently to provide the best instructional program for our students andour students are striving to master (at least) Grade Level Learning Standards and beyond. the Standards are challenging, however, I am confident that all Woodgate Elementary School students will do well on this Assessment.
Getting Ready for the Big Day
There are a number of things you can do on or immediately before test day to improve your child’s chances of testing success.
- Provide a good breakfast on test day. Instead of sugar cereal, which provides immediate but not long-term energy, have your child eat a breakfast with protein or complex carbohydrates, such as eggs, toast, or a banana-yogurt shake.
- Promote a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep before the test is essential. Try not to overstress the importance of the test. Doing some exercise after school and having a quiet evening routine will help your child sleep well the night before the test. Limit activities the night before the test.
- Assure your child that he or she is not expected to know all of the answers on the test. Explain that these tests measure things your child may not yet have learned in school. Putting forth a good effort is the best thing. Avoid threats or bribes, these put undue pressures on children and may interfere with their best performance.
- Keep the mood light and offer encouragement. To provide a break on test days, do something fun and special after school – take a walk around the neighborhood, play a game, or prepare a special snack together. These activities keep your child’s mood light- even if the testing sessions have been difficult – and show how much you appreciate your child’s effort.
- Good attendance during this week is essential. Please do not schedule any appointments during the mornings of this week. Attendance is very important.
- Please be prompt and arrive by 8:35am
Finally, for additional support, our students may access two of the district’s technological support programs (A+ and Study Island). These programs are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards. Our students are extremely familiar with these programs and have been working with them all year. Here’s to a successful testing week and reaching our goal of 92.5%!
Thanks for your continued support and cooperation
We Know Our Children Will Choose To Do Well!
Dr. Nina Gregory-King