Tests should no cause anxiety, Principal says

March 30, 2012

Dear Friends of Valley View, Spring Break is here! This marks the final quarter of the school year. For the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, we will start the ISAT testing within a week after the return to school. This test is an important “snap shot” of your child’s academic progress and test-taking skills. These tests are used for a number of reasons: to see if our teachers are teaching to the state academic standards for 3rd-5th, to measure our students against other Idaho students and determine the effectiveness of our school program as determined by the Idaho State Department of Education. Student success on this test could also affect our local autonomy; in extreme cases failing programs are taken over by the State Department. That being said—we have nothing to worry about. Valley View has excellent teachers working toward the set targets, and we have parents and families who participate. The ISAT Test schedule is available by clicking here. Please look it over and help us prepare your child for success. These tests should not cause anxiety; our students have the skills to be successful. All we ask from you, the parents, is faithful attendance, a rested and well fed child and, if possible, healthy snacks to share. These can include fruit, crackers and cheese. During the test, students will be offered a special treat: regular or sugarless gum. Studies show an increase of performance on tests when the jaws are actively quiet. Another event that deserves discussion over Spring Break is the Valley View Elementary School First Annual Talent Show, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 31st! All students who are interested must try out at school. All true talents are welcome: musical instruments, dancing, singing (sorry, no lip syncs), magic, juggling, etc. All participating students must have their parents permission. The location is yet to be determined. First we need to know if we have enough interest ... we already know we are blessed with a ton of talent! In old news, the Math-A-Thon raised over $2,400! This is great on two counts: math facts were learned then re-enforced and money came into the program. Mrs. Beck’s class was the most successful in this endeavor! Thank you to all the teachers and to AmeriCorps volunteer Megan Brown. Especially, thank you students! Finally, a special congratulation is in order for two special Valley View students; 4th grader Katie Clairmont and 5th grader Ashlynn Rushing. In Coeur d’Alene at the North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee, Katie captured eighth place and Ashlynn earn 10th place in head-to-head competition with 8th grade students. Way to go ladies!!! Upcoming Events 4/2-5 Spring Break 4/10 School Board Meeting at Mt. Hall Elementary School 4/11 Report Cards will be sent home So you say there is nothing to do during Spring Break? Here are a few suggestions: Read a book, write a letter or send an e-mail to someone who made a difference in your life, but may not know it. Build a fort, have friends come to a sleep over, draw a picture, play in the sun shine (we will have sunshine soon!), play in the rain, go for a walk, hold hands with your parents, take a hike, sing a song, make up a new game, go to the library, rent a movie (read the book first), check for head lice ... ugh! Mr. P! ... use a magnifying glass to inspect a louse, and discover why girl lice find boy louses cute ... and why the English in that last phrase wasn't quite right! Write in your journal or diary, play Concentration, play a math game, look up words in a dictionary and think of synonyms, play word games with a thesaurus, make up new words, help cook supper, clean your room, perform random acts of kindness without getting caught, read the newspaper, write a poem, etc. When you have nothing else to do and all seems empty ... scuff up a little dirt between your feet, and look at all the life that lies there ... and be patient. Within moments, if you take the time to look, you'll find that you're not alone ... there are worlds within worlds ... and friends where you least expect them, alomst always at just the right time.

Valley View Principal Gary Pflueger Valley View Elementary