Dear Parents,

The main focus of this week was the joy of reading. We had a lot of fun doing DEAR at random times, two major assemblies, Ms. Shelly's story, a library opening, pajama day, guest readers and more. Thanks to Ms. Hill for coordinating the visit of Bruce Coville who roamed the school entertaining all where he went. What a guy! As you know, we have half-day Friday and the school is closed Monday, so please enjoy the long weekend. 

Feb. 19-25 MAP Tests for Gr 2-5: Here is some information for parents new to the MAP tests:

ISD uses the MAP Test as our standardized test.  The MAP Test is Measures of Academic Progress™ and is created by the Northwest Evaluation Association. These tests determine your child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of math, reading and language.  This is the second set of tests this year.

In addition to using our own assessments and report cards, ISD, like most schools, uses a standardized test to compare how our students are doing as compared to a larger pool of students.  The MAP test is especially useful to ISD as we receive the results within a week after the tests are complete.  Once we receive the test results, each parent will receive a test report.

Students in Grades 2-5 will be taking the second round of these MAP tests starting Tuesday, February 19.  Students take these tests in three sessions, each lasting about an hour.  The first test is in reading, then math, and the final test is language usage. 

MAP tests are unique in that they are adaptive tests your child takes on a computer. That means that the test becomes more difficult the more questions your child answered correctly. When your child incorrectly answered a question, the test became easier. Therefore, your child takes a test specifically created for his or her learning level.   We also receive very detailed reports on each student and each class, and this information is used for teachers to better tailor instruction to the needs of each child and each class, based on the reported areas of strength and weakness.

Please know that there is no need for your child to study in advance of these tests.  However, there area a few things you can do that will help your child be at his/her best when the test is taken:

·       Get a good night’s rest the night before the test.

·       Have a good breakfast before coming to school.

·       Help your child understand that he/she should not rush through the test.  

·       Relax.  This should not create any stress or anxiety for students.  It is not a “high-stakes” test by any means.  

Reading Week: Here are some photos:

Library Opening: The comedy scissors were out again, as Bruce Coville helped us celebrate the opening of our renovated library. You can enjoy a 360 degree tour HERE!:

If you have any pictures of the library opening - preferably more Bruce and less me, please could you forward to me - we are looking for a nice one for the library wall!

Samusocial: Our Grade 3 children hosted the children from Samusocial for games and team-building activities at ISD. This is the last session in a 5-week Gr 3 program. Grade 4 will take over next week, followed by Grade 5 to the end of the school year. Alongside fundraising and raising awareness, ISD is also committed to adding value to the program, and leaving behind a positive change. All our work is coordinated between the Gr 3-5 teachers and Samusocial organizers:

Elementary Picnic: A final reminder for the event:

Please bring a picnic and enjoy some entertainment. At the picnic, we request that children stay on the field for the event, and not in the playground or around the school buildings.

100th Day: Our Kindergarten classes celebrated the 100th day of school on Monday this week with a plethora of activities. Doesn't time fly....

Commonsense Media Web Site: Ms. Ingrid, our counselor, would like to share a website designed for parents on the subject of older Elementary and Middle School children and media. There are different articles weekly. Click HERE for the site.

Mardi Gras Shoes and Crepes: Here are some of Chantal Gesland's photos from the Carnival:

and this is from Ms. Idir:

Upcoming Events: