Dear Halifax Middle School Community:

It is that time of year when we begin to think about our major state-mandated standardized testing.  Just like athletes who prepare for the big game, we have spent the entire school year preparing for our “academic” big game.  The PSSA scores are seen as an indicator of our school’s educational programs and individual student achievement.  Students who participate in this assessment will receive individual scores, which will be shared with you during the summer.  The individual results of the PSSA testing will be used to help us provide maximum learning opportunities for the students next year.  Our school will also receive composite results of students’ scores as part of a school profile package.  We continue to utilize the results of this testing to examine our curriculum and instructional delivery methods.

Math and reading testing is slated for all middle school students on March 20, 21, and 22, 2012.  Additionally, 8^th graders will complete assessments in writing the week of April 16 and science the week of April 23.  Please mark these dates on your calendar.  

 As parents we ask your assistance with our students in the following manner:

1.  Please help the students get a good night’s rest.  Research has shown that pre-teens and teenagers need between 8.5 and 10 hours of sleep.  Many students regularly fall short of this recommendation.
2. Please provide them a nutritious and plentiful breakfast.  Hunger can detract from test performance.  School breakfast is available daily for the cost of $1.25.  We will provide all students with a snack prior to testing.
3. Help your student relax by resolving family/friend conflicts and by eliminating stress.  You could provide relaxing events after school, as students may feel burnt out when they arrive home these days.
4. We ask that parents refrain from scheduling appointments and trips that would cause student absences during the testing window.  Educational trips will not be approved during the dates listed above.
5. Encourage them to listen to directions carefully and answer all questions completely.
6. Last but certainly not least, encourage them to do their best! 

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, by helping our students grow in character and academic knowledge.   If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Hoover or myself at 896-4052. 

Respectfully,

Greg Milbrand

Middle School Principal