FCAT NEWSFLASH:
As you know, the FCAT testing begins on Monday, March 1st.  I wanted to
share with you some important facts, information, and schedule changes that
will take place during our testing time.  Hopefully, this information will
help you and your child be more prepared and less stressed  when the
testing begins!

TESTING TERMS & TESTING SCHEDULE
§ SSS is the “Sunshine State Standards” test where student answers
are more than multiple choice responses.  Students have an opportunity to
apply the skills that they have learned!
§ NRT is the “Norm Referenced Test” where student answers are
multiple choice responses.
§ The testing “window” is from March 1-12.  This includes actual
testing days as well as make up dates.
§ Testing will begin promptly at 7:55 each day.  (Children will NOT
be admitted to class once testing has begun.  They will be required to sit
quietly in the office during testing and take the test during make up time.)

Third Grade:
Monday, March 1:  Reading SSS (one 60 minute test)
Tuesday, March 2: Reading SSS (one 60 minute test)
Wednesday, March 3:  Math SSS (two 60 minute tests)
Wednesday, March 10:  Reading NRT & Math NRT (two 50 minute tests)

Fourth Grade:
Monday, March 1:  Reading SSS (one 80 minute test)
Tuesday, March 2:  Reading SSS (one 80 minute test)
Wednesday, March 3:  Math SSS (two 60 minute tests)
Wednesday, March 10:  Reading NRT & Math NRT (two 50 minute tests)

Fifth Grade:
Monday, March 1:  Math SSS (one 80 minute test)
Tuesday, March 2:  Math SSS (one 80 minute test)
Wednesday, March 3:  Reading SSS (two 60 minute tests)
Monday, March 8:  Science SSS (one 60 minute test)
Tuesday, March 9:  Science SSS (one 60 minute test)
Wednesday, March 10: Reading NRT & Math NRT (two 50 minute tests)

Seven Tips to Help Your Child Prepare for the FCAT Test
To help children prepare adequately for tests (whether teacher-made or
standardized), you can do several things to provide support and create a
positive test-taking experience.
1. Avoid stressful situations prior to testing.  If your child tends
to be nervous at test time, discuss techniques that will help him/her
relax.
2. Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions.
(Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates.)
3. Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking
directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions
that are unclear.
4. See that your child gets his/her regular amount of sleep before the
tests and is well rested.
5. Make sure that your child eats a nutritious breakfast on the day of
the test. (Hunger can detract from a good test performance.)
6. Make sure that your child dresses comfortably on the day of the
test.
7. Encourage your child to do his/her best.


Pointers for Students During the Test
1. Listen to and read instructions carefully -- make sure you
understand them.
2. If you have a question, ASK IT. Other kids are probably thinking
the same thing.
3. Answer test questions completely and with detail.
4. Check to be sure you have not skipped anything and proofread your
answers.
5. Do not let other test takers distract you -- it makes no difference
who finishes first or last!
6. If you finish early, go back and proof your answers again. (But
don't change anything unless you are sure. Studies show that the first
answer you choose is usually the right one.)

SCHEDULE CHANGES DUE TO FCAT TESTING
Although the FCAT test is only taken by students in grades 3, 4, & 5, we
have had to change many schedules in order to accommodate a positive and
conducive test environment.  Please note the following schedule changes
that will be in effect ONLY on March 1, 2, 3 & 10.

        Special Area Times
7:50-8:35 First Grade
8:40-9:25 Second Grade
9:30-10:15 Kindergarten
10:25-11:10 Fifth Grade
11:50-12:35 Third Grade
12:40-1:25 Fourth Grade

Lunch Times
10:45-11:22 Fourth Grade
11:01-11:48 Third Grade
11:24-12:14 Kindergarten
11:48-12:29 First Grade
12:08-12:47 Second Grade
12:24-1:01 Fifth Grade


BREAKFAST ON FCAT DAYS!
Now here’s something special!  The Leon County Nutrition Services office
has provided the resources for our cafeteria to offer all of the students
who are testing a FREE breakfast on the actual test days (not make up
days.)  In order to decide if you would like for your child to take
advantage of this opportunity, I wanted to share our breakfast guidelines
and menu with you.

§ Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:00-7:25 a.m.  Students,
upon arriving at school, should place their backpack by their classroom
door and report immediately to the cafeteria.  Children eating breakfast
may NOT report to the playground before going to the cafeteria.
§ Breakfast service ends promptly at the sound of the first bell.
Students entering the cafeteria after 7:25 will not be served.
§ Students will enter their “regular” pin number and their breakfast
will register as “free” only on the days of testing.

Monday, March 1
(Students testing: Grades 3, 4, & 5)
Assorted Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K
Hot Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Toast
Breakfast Pizza
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Milk

Tuesday, March 2
(Students testing: Grades 3, 4, & 5)
Assorted Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K
Hot Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Toast
Ham Biscuit
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Milk

Wednesday, March 3
(Students testing: Grades 3, 4, & 5)
Assorted Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K
Hot Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Toast
Cheese Toast on Whole Wheat
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Milk

Monday, March 8
(Students testing: Grades 5 ONLY)
Assorted Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K
Hot Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Toast
Cheese Toast on Whole Wheat
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Milk

Tuesday, March 9
 (Students testing: Grades 5 ONLY)
Assorted Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K
Hot Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Toast
Waffles with Syrup
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Milk

Wednesday, March 10
(Students testing: Grades 3, 4, & 5)
Assorted Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K
Hot Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Toast
Sausage Biscuit
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Milk

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