Dear Cox Academy Community,
We will begin California Standardized/STAR Testing on Tuesday, May 1st for 2nd through 5th grade students. This is a very important time for Cox students in grades two through five. They have been learning many skills all year, and now they have the opportunity to take a test to show what they know. The test will focus on math and language arts.
It is important for our students to be prepared for testing in order for them to do their best. To ensure that this happens, we need to continue to work together. Here are some ways that you can help your child do his/her best during these testing days:
1. Tell your child that the test is important and that you expect him/her to try his/her best. Let them know that they will be taking tests for the rest of their lives so it is important to start out with a positive (I can do) attitude.
2. Make sure your child attends school every day. Please make any appointments necessary at another time, or preferable on Wednesday afternoons when students are dismissed at 2:00 pm.
3. Make sure your child gets to school on time. Testing will occur in the early parts of the school day when students are more alert (please see your child’s teacher if you would like to see the testing schedule).
4. Children need to be fresh and rested. Make sure your child goes to bed early and gets the rest he/she needs so he/she can be alert and ready.
5. Make sure your child eats a good and healthy breakfast. If your child eats breakfast at school, get him/her to school early so he/she has a relaxed breakfast.
6. At home, ask your child about the testing and what your child is doing.
7. Encourage your child to do his/her very best, just as we are encouraging him/her. If your child knows the testing is important to all of us, it will be more important to your child to try his/her best. Together we can better support your child.
Last year, Cox Academy increased 54 points on this assessment to make our current score of 783. The state goal is 800+. This year we have challenged ourselves with a goal of beating 800, towards that end. The students are ready and excited!
We have been doing several things at the school site to motivate the students and stress the importance of the testing while keeping them confident that they are well prepared. Monday we had a pep rally with dancing and music during which we reminded the students of the tips above and challenged them to ROCK the TEST! Throughout the testing period we will remind students to Rock The Test! We have done a great deal to make sure that each student meets this expectation. We encourage your support in these efforts by following the above suggestions.
Thank you for your support in these efforts and for doing your part in making sure that Cox students do their best on the test and in life!
Enikia Ford Morthel
Principal, Cox Academy