Dear Lacey Community,

In the school calendar spring brings state mandated testing in grades 3-6. As you know, Lacey Elementary students are working hard to master core skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and reasoning. Soon, students in grades 3-6 will take the MSP to check their progress. Students in all four of these grades will be taking math and reading assessments. Additionally, students in grades 4 will take writing, and in grade 5 students will take science. For your convenience, I have included our testing schedule below. (A calendar version was sent home in March.)

• Tuesday April 30th
• Reading – Grade 4
• Wednesday May 1st
• Reading – Grade 3
• Thursday May 2nd
• Reading  – Grades 5 & 6
• Writing – Grade 4
• Friday May 3rd
• Make Ups - all
• Monday May 6th
• No Testing
• Tuesday May 7th
• Math  – Grade 4
• Science - Grade 5
• Wednesday May 8th
• Math  – Grade 3
• Thursday May 9th
• Math – Grade 5
• Writing – Grade 4
• Friday May 10th
• Make Ups - all

For more information on state testing in general, please visit www.WAtesting.com.

Please make every effort to have your students at school (and on time as we begin the testing first thing in the morning) on these important dates. While we have an opportunity built into the schedule for make ups, students pulled from regular class time to make up a test miss valuable classroom instructional time. We want all students to be able to do their very best every day, not just on test days. As a parent, you can do a lot to help your child be successful. Ask how the testing went each day but avoid dwelling on test answers. Maintain your normal household routine and ensure your child is able to have plenty of sleep and a healthy breakfast. Encourage them to do their best and work hard on the test, but avoid putting pressure on them.

At Lacey, we appreciate all you do to help your child and our school to achieve great things. Thank you for making learning a priority in your home.

Please remember that I am available for office visits, phone call appointments or via e-mail. Please contact Pam Maybee should you need an office or phone appointment. Let’s continue to have a great year!