from Maureen Burns - May 2007

It’s so hard to believe it’s already several weeks into the fourth quarter and that the school year is coming to an end very soon. Students will be very busy with many different things happening.

Assessment
We will be doing assessment such as the Informal Reading Inventory assessment, collecting writing samples and the Stanford Achievement test, or other assessment (age appropriate). Assessment will begin as soon as the 2nd week of May and continue into June. We ask that you try to send your child to school every day. Attendance is very important for the remainder of the school year. If your child has an appointment or is sick, please notify the front office at (202) 651-5031 Voice or (202) 651-5636 TTY or by e-mail to ruth.innes@gallaudet.edu. Please also page your Family Educator and notify your child’s teacher if possible of any absences.

Stanford Achievement Test
Again, we will be administering the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) to children, 8 years old or older, beginning Monday June 4th. The SAT provides information about student’s achievement in reading comprehension, word reading/vocabulary, problem solving, math procedures and so forth. Results from the test help us plan for your child's education.

We are preparing our students by giving them some practice tests that involves critical reading comprehension skills in class. Students need to develop the test-taking skills in order to succeed on the SAT. There are many books you can purchase at bookstores that will provide some practice opportunities for your child at home.

The test will be given only in the morning for approximately one hour to an hour and half each day. The test will last for the entire week and will require your cooperation. Please make sure that your child has a good nights rest and eats a good breakfast every morning. There will be reduced homework for the entire testing period so that your child will have time to prepare.

Student attendance during this testing week is important. Please do not plan to have your child miss school during the dates mentioned above. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or your child's teacher.

Early Closing
May 16th is an early closing day. We will have a field day that day so please make sure your children dresses comfortably. They are required to wear sneakers because of the activities outside. Please also provide your child with protection including sunblock, hat and sunglasses. Students will be dismissed at 1 p.m. and will ride on the buses home.

Spring Fever
It’s time for the annual KHSO Spring Fever Picnic! It will be on May 17th between 4 and 7 p.m. This is a good opportunity for you and your child to interact with others before the end of the school year. This event is promised to be a lot of fun; we hope that you will plan to come! There will be no open house before the Spring Fever. Instead, we will plan teacher-parent conferences, home visits or open house in August.

Transition Day
May 21st is our Transition Day. Third graders from Team 1/2/3 will visit Team 4/5 and Kindergarten students from the ECE team will visit Team 1/2/3 for part of the day. The students will have an opportunity to meet all of the teachers and students on the team and learn about the daily operations and expectations.

May 25th and 28th
No school for students (Memorial weekend).

KDES 150th Anniversary
KDES continues to be very busy preparing for its 150th anniversary celebration over the weekend of June 15th. Please visit www.kendallalumni.org and register to attend the 150th Anniversary celebration with your children!

Yes, we’re going to be very busy the next several weeks!!