SBAC testing coming to Valley View

March 26, 2014
By Principal Gary Pfleuger

Spring Break is here! This marks the beginning of the final quarter for 2013-2014. For the third, fourth, and fifth graders, we will start the SBAC Testing within a week after our return to school at Valley View Elementary. This test is the new requirement by the Idaho State Department of Education.

As this is a pilot year for the test, the students will not receive a score; the state will develop norms. See the SBAC test schedule below.

That being said — we have nothing to worry about. Valley View has excellent teachers working toward the set targets. These tests should not cause anxiety; our students have the skills to be successful. All we ask from you, the parents, is faithful attendance, a rested and well fed child and, if possible, healthy snacks to share.

These can include fruit, crackers and cheese. During the test, students will be offered a special treat: regular or sugarless gum. Studies show an increase of performance on tests when the jaws are quietly active.

We have many students to celebrate. Today, this person is Josh Beazer! Josh was the winner of our School Geography Bee. When you earn this honor, you are given a written test to advance to the State Finals. Josh scored in the top 100 students in fourth through eighth grades to qualify for the Idaho State National Geography Finals in Rexburg on April 4, 2014.

Congratulations Josh and good luck!

We are trying a new strategy at school when students find themselves in a recess conflict. It is a simple system students can use to remove themselves from a difference of opinion or other disagreements. If a problem is escalating, simply raise your hand up to head level and politely say, “Please stop," and then walk away.

The key word is polite! This should work in most situations at home or at school!

P.S. Lost and Found will be taken to the second hand store over Spring Break. Come get your stuff!

Upcoming Events
3/27 Twin Day sponsored by Student Council. Popcorn will be available for 50 cents.
3/31-4/3 Spring Break—No School
4/8-24 SBAC testing starts
4/22-23 Title One Review
5/8 1st Grade Mother’s Day Tea
5/9 Kindergarten Registration
5/15 Fourth Grade to Cataldo Mission—Idaho History Field Trip
5/19-22 Book Fair—Buy one/get one free
5/22 Festival at Sandpoint in VVES 9 a.m.; Naples/Mt. Hall 10 a.m.
5/22 Knowledge Fair fourth Grade Idaho Fair/fifth Grade Curiosity Fair
5/22 Supper & Dessert Auction
5/29 Talent Show
6/2 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch and Staff vs. fifth grade kick ball game
6/5 8:30 Fifth Grade Promotion

So you say there is nothing to do during Spring Break?

Here are a few suggestions: read a book, write letters or e-mails to loved ones, build a fort, have friends come to a sleepover, draw a picture, play in the sunshine, play in the rain, go for a walk, hold hands with your parents, take a hike, sing a song, make up a new game, go to the library, rent a movie (read the book first), check for head lice, write in your journal or diary, play Concentration, play a math game, look up words in a dictionary and think of synonyms, play word games with a thesaurus, make up new words, help cook supper, clean your room, perform random acts of kindness without getting caught, read the newspaper, limit TV, write a poem, etc., ... you get the picture!
Valley View ISAT / SBAC Testing Schedule - Spring 2014
 
    Mon 4/7 Tues 4/8 Wed 4/9 Thur 4/10
Science ISAT (5th Grade Only) 8:30-10:00 No Testing Schulte Weymer *5th Grade Alt Ski Trip / ISAT Make-up
10:30-12:00 Warren Make-up
1:00-2:45 Make-up Make-up
3:00-3:45    
Math SBAC   Mon 4/14 Tues 4/15 Wed 4/16 Thur 4/17
8:30-10:00 Shryock Weymer Warren McRoberts
10:30-12:00 Continuers Continuers Continuers Continuers
1:00-2:45 Funkhouser Perez Schulte Beck
3:00-3:45 Continuers Continuers Continuers Continuers
ELA SBAC   Mon 4/21 Tues 4/22 Wed 4/23 Thur 4/24
8:30-10:00 Shryock Warren Weymer McRoberts
10:30-12:00 Continuers Continuers Continuers Continuers
1:00-2:45 Funkhouser Perez Schulte Beck
3:00-3:45 Continuers Continuers Continuers Continuers