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Dear Parents/Guardians:

The month of April brings the Alaska State Standards Based Assessments (SBAs). The SBA includes reading, writing and mathematics for all three grade levels. In addition, science has been added this year for our 8^th graders. Students' grade-level knowledge and our school's Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) are determined by our students' performance on the Standards Based Assessment. Please mark your calendars to help ensure attendance during all testing days:

Science – Wednesday, April 6 (8^th graders only)

Reading – Tuesday, April 12

Writing – Wednesday, April 13

Mathematics – Thursday, April 14

We have incentives for students who attend all three days, and will provide water and a snack to all students

Here are some parent tips for test days:

• Keep a good attitude. Think positively!

• See that your child is rested and eats breakfast.

• See that your child arrives at school on time and is relaxed.

• Encourage your child to do the best work possible.

• Do not remove your child from school on test days for appointments.

Our students' test results will be known before the end of the school year. You will receive their results and a copy will be placed in each student's academic file that follows them to the high school. The test results are considered in future placement and opportunities so it is important that our students are at their best on the test days. It is also a predictor of how they will do on the High School Qualifying Exam (10^th grade). We have made much progress toward meeting AYP over the last few years. With your continued support in helping your child be rested, well fed, and in attendance each day, I anticipate a very successful testing week.

Sincerely,

Molly Yerkes

Principal