MontCas Testing...

Moms and Dads,

It is that time of year again, when the test booklets are flying and class schedules are in chaos...the Spring MontCas test is here!

Starting Monday, March 8th, the 6th grade will be in 'testing mode' as we complete this first round of spring testing. For many students and teachers, this is a time of high anxiety and stress. While it is not my favorite part of the school year, I get excited because this is the time when kids are able to demonstrate all that they have learned and accomplished.

There are a number of useful hints and tools available for families as they prepare for annual testing, but I am convinced that parents and kids at Arrowhead School treat every day of school as an important day, and therefore the need for big 'change' is not necessarily applicable. One thing that I would like to do, with your help, is make available for the kids an assortment of healthy snacks during testing afternoons. Last year moms and dads provided everything from fruit trays to crackers and trail mix during testing. This year, I think we can do the same. Your child may tell you that gum chewing is allowed during testing. We do in fact allow kids to chew gum during the testing sessions. If kids would like to bring sugarless gum to chew, they may do so. I will be making sure that gum is not abused during the regular class time.

If you would like to provide a treat of some kind, please contact Mandy Koch via e-mail or cell phone.

e-mail: mandykoch@bresnan.net

cell: 406.670.3580

Our testing times are as follows:

Monday - 1:00 - 2:45 - Reading 1

Tuesday - 1:00 - 2:55 - Reading 2/3

Wednesday - 1:00 - 2:55 - Math 1

Thursday - 1:00 - 2:55 - Math 2/3

I understand that kids may have scheduled absences on these days that are unavoidable. We will make every effort to complete testing the week of March 8th, but we will allow for make-ups to take place the following week. Please let me know if you have questions or comments. Thanks, in advance, for ensuring your child's success on this important state-wide test.

Very Sincerely,

Mr. H.