These days, it’s always state testing season, so it should come as no surprise that kids are heading back into the computer lab for another round. While these are “high stakes” tests for the school and district, they’re also significant for the kids. These test scores do not have much impact on the student’s advancement in school, but failing scores often leave them emotionally battered. At parent-teacher conferences, several people asked about practice state tests, so I’ve added a page of hot links to the State of Oregon’s practice tests in reading, math, and science. There’s an online version and a printable PDF version of each test, allowing parents to give their kids a leg up by providing extra practice at home. To go directly to that page, click here.

Fourth grade math students are off to a great start in our study of fractions. Fractions can be daunting to many kids, so patience is required when reviewing homework or giving extra help at home. Here’s the homework for this week: Monday, April 9th; Tuesday, April 10th; Wednesday, April 11th; Thursday, April 12th.

The deadline for 5th graders to register for the OMSI trip is this Tuesday, April 10th. This is a fantastic outing paid for largely by grants. It includes extended visits to the Portland Zoo, the State Capitol, and OMSI, so please make sure your child is included. To attend, students will be expected to have completed their registration form and paid the $25 fee, be caught up on classwork, and to have had no referrals and minimal card changes during the month of April. Thanks for your support.