Well there is one week left before the big spring break. We will be spending a lot of time this coming week reviewing strategies to be used on the state MontCas test. Here is my philosophy on testing...students are given the opportunity to show what they know. The content of the tests will be focussed on reading, math, and deductive reasoning skills. Students have been preparing for this test for 6 years now. This test measures all that a student has learned from day one of their education up until the time they take the test. It is not to be stressed upon, but it is a time for attitudes to be serious. I stress greatly that students are expected only to do their very best so we know where to help them upon the results. Testing will take place starting on the Tuesday we return from spring break. Attendance is imperative and students must be on time to school daily to insure that their testing is done in the natural environment rather than in a remote location with an unfamiliar setting, which is what happens with make-up testing. A good nights rest and lots of loves and hugs also make for more confident test ready kids! :0)
Have you ever seen the movie, Annie? In that movie there is a song called "We got Annie." Well...I would like to change one word in that song. I'd like to call it "We got Rusty!" That is right, Rusty, from morning minute, is coming to Bitterroot. He will be here the week of April 13th! I am so, so excited!!! Don't worry...footage of his visit will be posted on the blog! Yay!
In order to bring Rusty to Billings we needed funds of course. I would like to thank PTA for donating the money needed to bring him here. That cost was divided by the four schools he will be visiting. I would also like to thank Kathy Aders from Drug Free Schools. She was able to pay for the entire cost of the assemblies. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Senitte for agreeing to allow Rusty to visit! I actually think I scared Mr. Senitte when I burst into his office doing a happy dance, literally! It could not have happened without all of us pulling together! Rusty will also be visiting our class personally after the show! Sweet!
When presenting the idea of Rusty to the PTA last Thursday I got to meet the PTA board and see how that whole system works. It was amazing! I was so impressed at the enthusiasm this group of parents has for our kids. They truly are in the mindset of what is the best for all of Bitterroot's kids. They will be doing a spring fundraiser dealing with Better Homes and Garden soon. Please remember when ordering or asking others to order that without these fundraisers we wouldn't be able to bring people like Rusty in. I also want to put it out there that I know so many parents who are involved in Bitterroot, especially room 7, and PTA needs parents like you. Please consider attending the next meeting in March, even if you just come to listen like I did. I would also encourage you to become more involved next year, like becoming a board officer! Fun!
Lastly, please note the upcoming dates an events:
This Friday Early Release, 12:00
March 2-6 Spring Break, no school
March 9 Conflict Manager Training
March 10 MontCas testing begins
March 13 Student Council Meeting, 8:00
March 27 Student Council Meeting, 8:00
March 27 Spirit Day, TBA
March 30 End of 3rd Quarter
April 3 BPS T-shirt day
April 7 NWEA Map Testing begins
April 9 Report Cards Home and Student Council Meeting, 8:00
April 10 Vacation Day, No school
April 13 PIR Day, No School for kids
April 16 PTA Meeting, 6:00 in library
April 17 Spirit Day: Blue and Gold Day
