Good morning,

We will once again be participating in Massachusetts’ annual state mandated MCAS tests in April and May. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has decided to move away from PARCC testing back to MCAS. It is important to note that unlike previous MCAS administration both the ELA and Math tests will be done on computers, just like the PARCC testing. All 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will be taking MCAS for English Language Arts and Math.  Our 8th grade students will also be taking the MCAS Science and Technology portion on paper. Each year we are required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to continue to make gains toward the goal of having all students demonstrate proficiency in each subject area of these comprehensive statewide exams.   You can help us reach these goals by ensuring your child arrives at school on time for each of the testing dates listed below.  By making certain that your student is well-rested and has eaten a healthy breakfast, you position your student to be ready to share his or her best thinking.  We ask that you send your student to school with a charged Chromebook, a water bottle and a healthy snack each day of testing.

Teachers have worked hard with students to ensure that they are well-prepared without drumming up undue anxiety. Like a dance recital, a concert, or a big game, MCAS is an opportunity for students to show off what they know and can do.  The results help us analyze our program and teach more effectively.  That said, we know some students can become overly worried about the exams.  Please let your child’s guidance counselor or teacher know if that is the case for your student.

Because the guidelines for the testing period must be strictly adhered to, your child’s attendance is crucial during the testing period.  Please try to avoid making appointments during the school day for your child; tardiness and dismissals can heighten your child’s anxiety and have a negative impact.

ELA Testing Dates
6th Grade – April 3 and 4
7th Grade – April 6 and 7
8th Grade – May 1 and 2

It is important also to note DESE’s rule on cell phones during MCAS: “Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed for any reason during testing, even after you turn in your materials. Results will be invalidated for students with cell phones.” For this reason, we ask that your child leave his or her cell phone at home during testing. If students do bring them to school, cell phones will be collected by their teachers and handed back to them after testing has finished for the day.

Additionally, please note that the Mathematics portion of the MCAS will be administered in May, so please save the following dates:
6th Grade – May 18 and 19
7th Grade – May 15 and 16
8th Grade – May 4 and 5
 
The 8th Grade Science portion of the MCAS is paper-based and will be administered on May 8 and 9.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Betsy Gavron and George Benzie