April 20, 2014
Dear Parents,

     This week the student's schedules will be much different than normal due to MAP testing.  I will do my best to keep things as status quo as possible, and make sure there are opportunities for breaks during the next couple of weeks.  The third graders will be testing Tuesday-Thursday in the morning.  During the first hour of the testing the second graders will be in Mrs. Parker's classroom working on their reading and spelling assignments.  The second hour of testing they will be in their specials (10:15-11:15).  When they return we will pick up where they left off.  The second graders will have recess and lunch at 12:35-1:25, so they will probably choose to have their snack earlier in the morning.  
     The third grade students will be taking the Communication Arts portion of the MAP test this week.  Only one of the days is strictly timed, the other days the students can take as much time as they need to complete the test.  As long as students are making adequate progress on the days that are not strictly timed they have the opportunity to continue working until they are finished.  The following week they will have the Math portion of the test.  On Monday afternoon they will have the MAP kickoff assembly, where they will hear the theme for the year "ROAR on the MAP!"  It's a fun opportunity for the kids to get excited about showcasing their knowledge and make it fun!  At the end of each day the students test they have an extra 20-minute recess.  I have goals set as far as academics, but depending on how the kids are feeling after the testing will determine how many of those goals we achieve, they are flexible over the next two weeks.  
     I am looking forward to a great week, if you have any questions let me know.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn