Primary School prepares for testing


Thursday, April 20, 2006
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Primary School prepares for testing

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Teachers at Holly Springs Primary School and some families gathered Wednesday to get ready for the Mississippi Curriculum Test, a required test for the second grade class.

Preparation for the test is important for students and teachers to be successful, said Marmie Dominick, second grade teacher.

Students will be in school for a long time and how they do in Primary School sets the stage for how they will do for the rest of their school life, she said.

“Students will be in school for a long time so we want them to be successful - to set the foundation here at Primary School before they move on to Intermediate School,” Dominick said. “Teachers cannot be successful unless students are. If it is left up to just us here at school, we cannot do the job. We have to have parents’ help.”

For the community to draw new businesses to the Holly Springs area, successful schools are a key, she said.

“Think of our successful basketball team,” she said. “People all over the state know about Holly Springs because of the Holly Springs Hawks.”

At a level 2, the Primary School on a letter grade scale is getting a “D” grade, Dominick said. It will take time and a deliberate effort by parents, teachers, students, and the community to get that grade up.

“We can inch our way there - take baby steps,” she said. “We’ll never be successful if we do not believe our students can do as well as any student in the other school districts.”

It is also important for students to do well on this MCT because in a few years a harder MCT will be given by the state.

“We want to prepare now for gradual improvement,” she said.

Bringing the level up is also important in teacher recruiting. Teachers like to teach at successful schools, she said.

Parents can help their children prepare for the May 2-4 MCT tests in reading, math and language arts. One test will be given each day.

Testing Tips

Some helpful tips for parents include helping children with the following:

children need plenty of rest at night prior to and during the testing period.
a good breakfast before school will help students concentrate.
students must be on time and at school on test days to do their best.
parents may help students get ready for the test by providing opportunities for them to take sample tests. The Mississippi Department of Education’s website, www.mde.k12.us.

Practice test material is also available at every Mississippi public library. The practice tests help students and parents understand what is expected on state tests.

Principal Joseph Stone asked for total commitment from parents in preparing for test week.

“If you just ask what your child did at school each day, if you will just be curious,” he said. “From this grade on up there is a test. If your child goes to college they will have to take the ACT and SAT. Prepare a foundation for them to be successful.”

Stone asked parents who attended the Wednesday meeting with teachers to spread the word to other parents who did not attend.

“We can’t make it without them,” he said. “We want your children to be the best they can be.”

After the program students signed their names to a “Soaring To Success” poster prepared by the kindergarten teaching staff. Parents and students met with teachers to review “Buckle Down” practice test scores and all enjoyed a spaghetti dinner afterward.

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