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Scores begin to soar at Baker County Schools working hard on the very difficult issues that have risen. Those difficult decisions are not often popular ones, however their leadership has stood the test and they have been willing to work through those difficult situations despite how bad it made them look at the time. I credit them for being very instrumental in bringing Baker County Schools to be the school it is meant to be,” Dr. Choates said. Dr. Choates went on to thank Bonnie Hudson and Major Skinner for their support. Dr. Choates reported that the upcoming school year is shaping up to be a good one, with new classes being offered to students including: Spanish for k-12; dual enrollment in event planning and hotel management with Albany Technical College, and new gifted classes in k-8. The Baker County Superintendent again wanted to thank the Baker County Board of Education for their leadership and the teachers and staff for diligently working with students day in and out to help them grow. “A special thanks to Mrs. Cindy Anglin she has done an outstanding job as the Dean of Students/Assist. Principal,” Dr. Choates said. Dr. Choates said that his main goal during the process of filling the six teacher open positions for the 2014-15 school year is to try and hire the strongest teachers to educate the students of Baker County. According to Dr. Choates, Baker County will be competing in track and field for the first time this year. The other sports at Baker are cross country, softball, basketball, and baseball. “I strongly encourage the community to embrace all positive things that are happening in Baker County Schools. Our number one desire is to make the school better for their children and for future generations. We
COURTESY OF BAKER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Reading 87% Pass Rate English 84% Pass Rate Math 73% Pass Rate
Baker County Schools tested higher in all areas across 3rd - 8th grade levels in the last Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) than ever before in the school¹s history. First and second grades are not tested. This coming year there will be a new testing system called the Georgia Milestones which will replace the CRCT for 2014/2015 school year. A portion of this test will be open ended; therefore, we will be putting things in place to address this new format of testing. Baker County is up seven percent over last year¹s score in reading, three percent in English, and 13% in math. Superintendent of Schools/Principal Dr. Torrance Choates said that the school had also increased in science and social studies, but the scores were nowhere near where the school wants them to be. According to Dr. Choates, after retakes are figured up, the school will be at a 90% pass rate in reading, and a 80% pass rate in math. The CRCT are a set of tests administered at public schools in the state of Georgia that are designed to test the knowledge of first through eighth grades in reading, English/language arts (ELA), and mathematics, and third through eighth grades are additionally tested in science and social studies. According to Dr. Choates, “The many changes that the Baker County Schools have undergone have been very positive. The school has taken great initiative in placing teacher effectiveness and student performance in instructional leadership as the number one priority.” “I would like to thank the board of education. We have not always agreed on everything, however our board is solid and relentless at making Baker County Schools effective. I would like to give a special thanks to Sharon Heard, Brenda King, and Chasity Moye for
still believe the old saying , “better schools build better communities” and that is what we are trying to accomplish. No matter how unpopular many of the changes have been, the changes have been positive. They need to look at the overall success of Baker County Schools and where it is going.” Superintendent Choates said. Choates said that the money saved by this board had been unprecedented. He said that the previous board had contracted electricians to come and change light bulbs, costing the school approximatly $9,000 per year. This board hired custodians who were capable of changing the light bulbs as part of their job at the school, and it only cost the system approximately a $100 cost. He also said the students coding was updated, resulting in more funding and saving the school $250,000. According to Dr. Choates, the board of education has also placed a great emphasis on managing the budget and also saving tax payer's dollars. “Another objective that we have is to get all of our students back that have left and are going to other schools,” According to Dr. Choates. “Finally, I would like to thank our board office. All of them are completely new and have worked hard to pick the school up and to help make it better. Dianne Sheffield-Finance Director stepped into this job in the middle of the year and has worked very hard to master her new role. She made sure that payroll was made. She has done an amazing job! Misty Davis also came in the middle of the year as the Office Assistant to the Finance
Director and has contributed quite well. Sunshine Denney (FTE Coordinator) has also done an outstanding job of improving coding students correctly which has helped to improve funding for our school system. Roughly we have recovered about$ 250,000. Kathy Henderson -came in the middle of the year and became the Federal Program Director and has also worked diligently to make sure that all Federal Programs are followed. Thank you Board Office for being the backbone that Baker County Schools need,” Dr. Choates said. The Baker County School Board of Education needs support from the community. Thank you goes a long way. Don’t forget to thank these board members for a job well done,” Dr. Choates said.
“Preparing Children For A Brighter Tomorrow” Come See Mrs. Robin Whitfield-Thomas Today
229.439.1990 1304 Whispering Pines Rd • Albany, GA 31707
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Parents: How to pick the right cost-effective technology device for your child's learning (BPT) - When it comes to education, Americans may hotly debate testing, grading and teacher accountability, but one topic that finds wide-spread support among educators, parents, legislators and students is the value of technology in the classroom. With a majority of teachers reporting in a PBS Learning Media survey that they use technology to reinforce and expand on lessons and motivate students to learn, it is only a matter of time before your child will use technology in the classroom. When your child needs to use technology to support their learning, will you know what type of cost-effective device to buy for maximum learning benefit? To choose the best device for your child, you need to think about how they will use the device in their learning. Some projects will require work on a PC – such as online assessments or activities that use Microsoft Office applications. If your child needs a quick, easy and cost-effective way to access the Internet for research or online collaboration, a Chromebook might be a good choice. With the Google Apps for Education suite, Chromebooks allow students and teachers the ability to search the Web and do most basic productivity activities. Additionally, if your child’s school system is set up to support Chromebooks, teachers can monitor student progress and streamline communications. “Chromebooks are stable, dependable [and] provide easy access to learning content,” says Heather Vogel, a teacher at Battle Creek Middle School in St. Paul, Minn. “No bells and whistles, just a no-nonsense portal to a new, highly personalized way of learning.” If you’re thinking of buying a Chromebook for your child, keep these tips in mind: * Screen size – Chromebooks vary in screen size so for parents looking for a more generous screen, Toshiba offers a 13-inch screen and HP offers a 14inch screen. * Durability – Some Chromebooks, such as the Lenovo X131E, have been developed and designed to be especially rugged with students in mind. * Battery life – With longer battery life, Chromebooks are less likely to turn off mid-class. Intel-powered Chromebooks boast a 57-percent longer battery life while Web browsing, according to a study by Principled Technologies.
* Speed – A device’s processor should be powerful enough to ensure students can easily and quickly read textbooks and take notes online, complete homework, create presentations and share files. The Principled Technologies study also revealed that Chromebooks powered by Intel offer faster speeds and better performance than competitor processors. Faster access means students will spend less time waiting and more time learning. * Graphics capabilities – Much of what students do in class will be graphics-intensive (such as an anatomy simulation), so their Chromebook should run on a processor that will allow for smooth, vibrant graphics across all applications. * Start-up time – Students are busy and easily distracted. Shorter start-up time means the learning process can begin more quickly. * Price – Although prices on digital devices are becoming more reasonable across the board, Chromebooks can be especially cost-effective. For example, the Acer 720 is a lighter and lower cost device. * Support/resources – Students don’t learn in a
vacuum and their Chromebooks shouldn’t have to operate in one either. It’s important to choose a device that offers students and parents access to support and resources 24/7. Intel supports students, parents, and teachers with K-12 Blueprint, a website that provides information about products, capabilities and features of the Chromebook that are useful for students. Visit www.k12blueprint.com/chromebooks and follow @IntelK12Edu on Twitter for further resources. Already accustomed to technology in their daily lives, today’s students are eager to embrace technology in the classroom. With educators and parents on the same page, they can create a learning environment where students can thrive. “I feel more connected to [my school] now and - in some ways - it feels like the other kids and I are part of a big workplace, except our job is to learn,” says Maria Jiminez, a student at Piedmont High School in Monroe, N.C. “Chromebooks are like a tool that makes everything so simple. And - with my workload and extra-curricular activities, simplicity is a really good thing!”
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• Injuries • Labs • Minor Fracture Repairs • Laceration Repairs • Ear Pain • Minor Burns • Diabetes • Urinary Infections • Sprains & Strains • Sore Throat • Cold & Flu • Fever • Upper Respiratory Injection • General Medical Care • Infections • Pain Management • DOT Exams • Sports Physicals • Rapid Drug Screens • Pre-Employment Physicals
229-496-1193 Located corner of Nottingham & Ledo Rd
OPENING AUGUST 4TH!
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5 college entrance exam tips to achieve success (BPT) - If you’re a high school junior or senior, or you’re the parent of one, you know the college rush crush can be bewildering and stressful. To get into the college of your choice means a whirlwind of applications, university visits, admission interviews and exams. However, there are steps that students can take to have the best chance at success. Steve Kappler, assistant vice president of career and college readiness and head of postsecondary strategy at ACT offers these tips to help navigate the world of college entrance exams: * Test what you’ve learned: Some exams are designed to test aptitude and reasoning, but the ACT exam shows what you’ve learned in the classroom over the last 3 or 4 years. Use what you know to make your college dreams to come true. * Free test prep: ACT has free online tools and test-taking tips that help you prepare for and know what to expect on the exam. ACT even offers a question of the day to keep you practicing as the test date approaches. * Don’t stress, it’s okay to guess: On the ACT, you do not lose points for incorrect answers, which is what happens on some other college entrance exams. So if you don’t know the answer, take your best guess on the ACT: it can’t hurt your score. * Send your scores: Let schools know you are interested in them. The myth that certain schools only accept certain tests is just not true. All four-year colleges and universities across the country accept ACT scores. Your scores help colleges see if you are ready to succeed in first year courses on their campus. * Writing – yes or no: Not all colleges require students to submit writing scores. The ACT Writing Test is optional. Save yourself time and money by checking to see if the schools you hope to attend require writing. * Apply for financial aid and scholarships: Many scholarships are extremely competitive, so start researching early. Use your ACT scores to apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities. There are numerous online resources dedicated to helping students find the financial support they need for college. Most importantly of all though, students and parents need to register for the ACT, the nation’s most-taken college entrance exam, in order to help achieve the best chance for success. Registration for the June 14 test date runs until May 9, with late registration available until May 23. Fall test dates are also available in September and October. For more information or to register, visit ACTStudent.org.
Give high school grads the right start for college with these technology gifts
(BPT) - Technology is one of the most practical - and most appreciated gifts a high school graduate can receive. Different technology tools can give the class of 2014 a jump start on their college journey and all post-highschool adventures. A new survey conducted by Impulse Research revealed that the majority of students (65 percent) believe a laptop is the most important purchase for heading back to school. Check out these great tech gifts to help the graduate in your life prepare for heading off to college. * Keeping connected is very important as freshmen make new friends and want to stay in touch with everyone back home. The Nokia Lumia 520 Windows Phone is up to the task of keeping college freshmen connected, providing students with everything they need for classroom and homework settings. Plus, Windows phones come in so many colors, sizes and shapes, you will be able to perfectly match your graduate’s unique personality. * Office 365 will ensure that the graduate on your list is equipped with the tools they need to succeed – from the classroom to the dorm room, and everywhere in between. Install it on your PC, Mac or tablet – and take advantage of additional OneDrive storage so you can access and share your documents from anywhere.
* Need to get organized? Check out OneNote, the ultimate digital note taking app designed for busy students who have to juggle classes, projects, assignments and life. Best of all, it is free on PC, Mac, Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, and Android Phone – so you can’t afford not to check it out. * Windows laptops and tablets will give the graduate on your list all the tools needed for class or to stay healthy during her college years. This year’s top picks include the Acer Aspire S7 Touchscreen Ultrabook and Dell Venue 8. Both are great for watching their favorite show on Netflix or using fitness apps. Students just need to log into their Outlook.com Microsoft account to get access to all their apps and services across all the electronic devices they own. If you still need help picking out the right device for your student, visit your local Windows Store at Best Buy. They have trained consultants to help find the perfect gift for every graduate on your list. When you give a high school graduate these great technology tools, you’ll know they’re set for college and any other post-high-school adventures they might have planned. Not only is a technology gift practical – it will help them to be more successful this school year and beyond.
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BYNE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL “Shaping Tomorrows Christian Leaders Today”
The Affordable Choice for an Accredited Christian Education.
K-4 through 12th grade
WHY BYNE?
NEW PROGRAM: ELEMENTARY SPORTS AT BYNE FOR BYNE & COMMUNITY KIDS: Indoor soccer, basketball, baseball, cheerleading
SECONDARY SPORTS INCLUDE:
229-436-0173 www.bcssaints.org
Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Basketball, Baseball, Fast Pitch Softball, Cheerleading
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Getting ready for kindergarten COURTESY OF METRO CONNECTION
Schools across the country are getting ready to once again open their doors and welcome new and returning students. The newest crop of kindergarteners will be among the fresh faces roaming the hallways and classrooms, and parents can take steps to make this transition go more smoothly. Although many children attend preschool, kindergarten typically marks a child's initial foray into formal education. It can be a time of wonder, new experiences and rapid educational growth. Kindergarten also can stimulate nerves and fears about the unexpected. Preparing children for kindergarten requires a little finesse to make this significant milestone in a kid's life that much more special. * Speak often about kindergarten. Talking openly and excitedly about kindergarten is one way to spur a child's interest in school. As the first day of school approaches, bring it up in conversation and see how your
youngster feels about kindergarten. Some children are anxious to begin this new chapter in their lives, while others are daunted by the prospect of starting school. Understanding how your child feels about kindergarten can help you more effectively deal with any apprehension he or she might have. * Schedule a tour. Some schools have programs in place to introduce incoming kindergarteners to the school and the curriculum. For others, you may have to request a visit to the school. Such visits can be helpful, especially if your child does not have an older sibling already in the school and is completely unfamiliar with the building. Sometimes just being able to see what the school and kindergarten classroom looks like is aa enough to assuage fears. * Start adjusting kids' schedules. Summer vacation and pre-kindergarten life may be about retiring to bed late and waking up much later than the start of a typical school day. But such schedules are no longer realistic once
kids begin school. Help kindergarteners-tobe acclimate to their new schedules by gradually changing their bed times and wake times in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. Five-yearolds need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each night. * Let kids choose some school supplies. Encourage youngsters to join you as you shop for school supplies, which may excite kids about school and help them feel more actively involved. That new backpack or folder your child picked out can be a source of pride and a security blanket for the first few days of school. * Encourage kids' independence. A kindergarten teacher will be supportive and nurturing but will not be a substitute parent for the class. Children should be
able to do certain things for themselves when entering kindergarten. Taking their jackets on and off, packing up their belongings, cleaning up toys and other supplies and following directions are just a few things kids should be able to do on their own upon entering kindergarten. It may be tempting to do everything for your preschooler, but kids who are too dependent may struggle to acclimate to kindergarten. See Kindergarten, page 11
2014 Youth Football and Cheerleading • Football/cheerleading is for children ages 6-12 years old; age control date: August 1, 2014 • CHILD MUST BE PRESENT AT REGISTRATION. You must also provide child’s birth certificate and proof of residency. • All properly registered youth will be guaranteed placement on a team. Any registration after August 27th will be on a first-come basis, and only as team size and registration limits permit. Placement is not guaranteed. Register August 4 - 27; football fee $45 Monday through Thursday, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm only • Albany Recreation & Parks Office at 1301 N. Monroe St. • Thornton Community Center at 210 Thornton Drive • Carver Sports Complex at 1023 S. McKinley Street $35
Carver Sports Complex, Lockett Station, and Thornton Center Thursday, August 28 at 6:00pm at the ARPD office. Football/Cheer Coaches are required to meet ARPD Coaches Policies & Ethics Guidelines.
(weight limits may apply) • 6, 7, & 8 • 9 & 10 • 11 & 12 • • •
Participants will be required to furnish their own helmets (NOCSAE approved), pants with pads, and shoes. ARPD will issue a game jersey and shoulder pads. Pads must be returned at end of season.
Participants are required to furnish their own shoes & shorts. ARPD will issue a team T-shirt and pom-poms.
Practice begins Tuesday, September 2 Season begins week of September 15 Game Times: 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm
1305 Dawson Rd • Albany, GA 31707 • 229-436-8232 • Fax 229.436.2602
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Parents: Remember to have your child’s teeth cleaned before school starts!
1030 West Gordon Avenue, Suite A Albany, GA 31701
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Dougherty County prepares for a new school year of effective teaching and student performance growth COURTESY OF DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOLS
"Faculty and school leaders are excited about the progress being made throughout our system and we are all ready to build on recent successes in the coming school year," said Dr. David Mosely, superintendent of the Dougherty County School System. "From a parents' and students' perspective, getting a good start for a new school year means attending Open House, which will be held the afternoon and evening of Thursday, July 31. The first day of class we will welcome more than 15,000 young people Monday, August 4." The schedule for Open House in all Dougherty County Schools is on a sliding time schedule so parents may attend the activities with students at all levels. Elementary Open House will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, middle schools will host Open House from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and high schools will host from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. New at the high school event this year will be the
distribution of student class schedules. In the past only freshmen and students new to a high school participated in this event. This year it is important for all students to attend to learn about class schedules for the first semester. Registration for all schools for students whose families have moved to a new school zone and for students new to the system is being held now through July 31. There are some new requirements involved in the registration process. To register to attend school in the Dougherty County School System, parents will need an official birth certificate and social security card (or waiver) for the registering child. Parents must also present verification of address through acceptable proof of residency documentation. These acceptable forms are available from the system web site at www.docoschools.org A copy of the legal parent's state photo ID card is also
Is there an affordable and accredited Christian school that my child can attend in the area? COURTESY OF BYNE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
The answer to that question is an emphatic “yes”! Byne Christian School has been providing Christian education in an affordable and accredited setting for over 30 years. We educate children from four years old through high school. Some important questions answered about Byne Christian School: Do you screen students for discipline prior to acceptance? At BCS we screen each child prior to acceptance. Acceptance at BCS is a privilege. Can graduates enter college upon graduation? Graduates from BCS attend numerous colleges upon graduation. Can students qualify for Hope scholarship? BCS graduates do qualify for Hope scholarship. The level of the scholarship will depend on student
performance. Do you have a low student-teacher ratio at Byne? Yes, our average student-teacher ratio is 1 to 13. Do you offer sports for elementary students? Yes, we offer coed cheerleading, soccer, basketball and baseball for Byne as well as our community students in K-4 to 5th grade. Do you offer high school sports? Yes, we offer cheerleading, soccer, basketball, golf, cross-country, baseball, fast pitch softball for our secondary students. Byne Christian School’s Vision statement states: “Byne Christian School will be the standard for Christian education in Southwest Georgia academically, socially, spiritually.” Call our office today at 436-0173 to discover the Byne difference for your child.
required along with proof of custody/guardianship if adult other than the natural parent is registering the child. If applicable or new to the system, a registering parent must provide withdrawal form, discipline report, transcript or final report card from the previous year. In order to attend a Georgia school, students in grades K-6 must have proof of immunization against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and chicken pox. Georgia law also requires students to have eye, ear, dental and nutrition examinations. Certificates for immunizations and hear/dental/vision/nutrition exams are available from physicians or from the Dougherty County Health Department at 1710 S. Slappey Blvd. MondayFriday during regular business hours. The Health Department fee for a eye, ear, dental and nutrition screening is $42. Immunizations are offered for little to no fee depending on eligibility and insurance status. Students entering seventh grade, and children who are new entrants into a Georgia school in grades eight through twelve, must receive one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) vaccine and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. To make appointments for screenings or immunizations at the Dougherty County Health Department, call 4306300. The class day bell schedule for the coming year has not changed although three high schools will have adjusted bell schedules based on their school improvement plans. These schedules will be available at each high school's Open House event. For the rest of the system, the elementary schools will begin their classes at 8:00 am and the last class is completed at 2:30 pm. The middle schools start class at 8:15 am and end at 3:15 pm. Westover Comprehensive High School will begin at 8:45 am and conclude at 4:00 pm. The Dougherty County School System Transportation Department provides a safe, secure and efficient means of transportation for students.
Parents/guardians must request transportation for their child(ren) annually at school registration. Requests for bus transportation will be honored for students eligible for transportation as determined by criteria established by the Georgia Department of Education and the school system. Students are assigned to a bus to ride to and from school. This service will be provided from only one pickup and drop-off location designated by a parent or guardian. Business deliveries will not be provided. If there are changes after submitting your request, please resubmit a new form immediately to ensure child(ren) are assigned to the correct bus. Students who wish to enjoy the transportation privilege must follow all rules in order to help ensure safe and orderly bus transportation. Discipline is strictly enforced. Please view the school bus and safety rules for students riding buses of the Dougherty County School System. This information can be found on the DCSS web site in the Transportation Manual, page 56. Students who attend class and miss few school days have a better chance of high academic performance regardless of their grade in school. A complete record of policy and state law regarding absenteeism and truancy is available on the system web site. A student must attend 166 days of the 180-day school year. A student in grades K-8 absent from school from more than 14 days shall be retained. A student who is retained under this policy and otherwise would have been promoted may appeal to the Student Disciplinary Tribunal for a special exception. Such appeal must be made in writing to the principal within one week following the end of the year. The Dougherty County School System serves 8,268 breakfast meals and 13,950 lunches every school day. The nutrition program emphasizes good nutrition and wellness for all students. An average of 53 percent of the total student population eat breakfast and 90 percent eat lunch, daily. Dougherty County School Nutrition has taken the See Dougherty, page 11
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Dougherty
Continued from page 10
Farm to School pledge in the 5 million meals challenge campaign where meals are served using locally grown produce. We are partnering with Southwest Georgia Project, Inc. (SWGAP) to help to bring more locally grown produce into our cafeterias. Our system focus is wellness and childhood obesity prevention while improving student's core content by adding teaching gardens. All students in Dougherty County eat breakfast and lunch at no charge through (CEP) Community Eligibility Provision. We have 25 schools that has made innovative changes to improve the nutritional quality of all foods and beverages offered and sold on school campuses. Our goal is to improve the school nutrition environment and to help students make healthy choices that will last a lifetime. Adult/visitors may purchase meals for lunch ($2.50)and breakfast ($1.50).
The Dougherty County School System has a uniform requirement for elementary grade students. For 2014-2015 students, kindergarten through fifth grade uniforms, are: 1. A white or navy collared shirt. In addition, each school has chosen one additional color shirt for students. Please contact your school for that color. 2. Khaki or navy bottoms, pants or shorts, skirts or jumpers - no more than two inches above the knee.
Parents interested in the Extended Day Program (EDP) for Pre-K through Middle School can pick up an application from their school or call the EDP Main Office (431-1280). Reduced rates are available for those with qualifying incomes. After school care is offered every school day until 6:10 p.m. The weekly rate remains at $30.00 in 2014-2015 with a decreased fee for siblings from the same household. There is also an annual $30.00 registration fee for each child. Elementary school doors close at 3:00 p.m. Students will be enrolled in EDP and charged program fees if left on campus beyond the school open periods. Assessing student progress and academic achievement are among the greatest changes facing students and educators for the coming school year in Georgia. Our state received a waiver from the No Child Left Behind standards permitting the development of new evaluation measures. Georgia has given the last round of Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), End Of Course Tests (EOCT) and Writing Assessments for grades 3, 5 and 8 that have measured student performance for the past ten years. Georgia Milestones is the name chosen by the state for the new student performance and readiness evaluation program. According to Georgia Department of Education information, Georgia Milestones will allow us to recalibrate, as a state, and refocus on teaching and learning as a primary
emphasis with assessment and accountability serving a supporting role. This initiative is a single program, a system, not simply a new series of tests. Georgia Milestones includes a comprehensive collection of summative assessment tools designed to provide consistent expectations and rigor and give consistent signals about student readiness for the next level and student achievement with external measures such as the NAEP, PSAT, SAT and ACT tests. The central performance measures provided in the new system include End Of Grade (EOG) assessments in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies for grades three through eight. High School students will have newly developed End Of Course (EOC) assessments in Ninth Grade Literature and Composition, American Literature and Composition, Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Physical Science, Biology, U. S. History and Economics. Formative assessments will support these summative progress measures and will begin this fall in Georgia schools. Among the notable features in the new evaluation system are the inclusion of constructed-response and extended response (open answer) items in specific subject areas. These items will appear in addition to selected-response items. There will also be a writing
component at every grade level and course in the English/Language Arts assessments. National, norm-referenced items in every grade content area will provide for a national comparison of student progress. An online practice center will be available for students. Over five years, the assessment system will move to an online, electronic administration that will eventually eliminate the paper and pencil versions of the test as the primary mode of test delivery. The first day of school, Monday, August 4, is a very important day and students should arrive on time and ready to get the year started. Those who do not attend the first and following class days miss important information that is the foundation for a successful school year.
Kindergarten Continued from page 8
* Encourage kids to spend time with their peers. Your child may benefit from spending time with other kids their age and sharing their expectations of kindergarten. Such dialogue can remove some of the unknown of starting school. * Don't pressure kids at the last minute. There is no way to cram when preparing for your kindergartener's first day of school. Rushing through flash cards or quizzing kids on the alphabet may just make them nervous about the start of school. * Make note of the similarities between preschool and kindergarten. Kindergarten may not be so different from preschool, and such familiarity can make the transition that much easier for youngsters. Some preschools mirror the curriculum of the local elementary school district, introducing students to the types of lessons they eventually will learn in kindergarten. Make note of these similarities in an effort to calm any jitters kids may have about starting school.
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