Dear Middle School Families,



I trust your Christmas break was memorable!



As we return to Semester 2, preparations are being made for the return of PSAT results to students in grade 8. Our English and Math teams will analyze our student results, considering any improvements to our program, and then return the tests. In grades 8-11, our teachers focus on the skills necessary for test preparation. During grade 11, particular emphasis is placed upon the direction, format and strategies for successful testing. The SAT and ACT are currently the primary standardized tests considered for college admission, although a variety of factors are considered.



In English classes, our students are encouraged each year to create an account with the College Board, as the site provides invaluable test prep materials including a partnership with Khan Academy. English teachers share how to understand and use the paper report which will be returned to each student this month, especially what to do about the section where scores are compared to national & state averages and the section where correct answers are given. There's a LOT that can be learned by students about their strengths and weaker areas in a focused look at that "correct answer" section. As the students enter our high school, our college counselor, Mr. Kittles, provides individualized direction to students seeking to improve their scores. He recommends cracksat.net for SAT preparation, and crackact.com for ACT preparation. What we have experienced at VCS, as is also espoused by the College Board, is that daily academic focus by the student throughout middle and high school, coupled with strategic test preparation, produce the best results.