Text Box: The Penguin News Text Box:      F.W. Parker Elementary School Text Box: March, 2008 Text Box: March is here and, with it, the start of our annual State assessment period.  The important information we gain from these assessments will help us fine-tune our instructional decisions toward successful attainment of our school goals: that each and every child at Parker School make individualized gains in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math.  All students in Grades 3-5 participate in Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Within this State-wide system of assessment, the following grade level tests are administered annually: · Grade 3      ELA · Grade 3      Math Text Box: · Grade 4      Composition · Grade 4      ELA · Grade 4      Math · Grade 5      ELA · Grade 5      Math · Grade 5      Science/Technology · Grade 5      History Additionally, English Language Learners (ELL)  in Grades 3-5 in Massachusetts participate in the Massachusetts English Proficiency  Assessment (MEPA), while Grade K-2 students participate in the IDEA Proficiency Test (IPT).  These assessments measure students’ abilities, according to benchmark standards, for developing the English language.   At Parker School, 65% of our stu- Text Box: dents in grades 3-5 participate in  both MCAS and MEPA.  At this time of year, it is important to focus on the benefits of  healthy habits to help prepare each of our students to do his/her best on these assessments.  We need the strength of our partnership with parents to help us make sure all students  are ready to do their best.  We remind you of the importance of  getting  plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, and maintaining a consistent and developmentally appropriate schedule of work, play, rest and nutrition.  Special attention to these healthy habits will make sure your child comes to school each day ready for success.   You will receive a test schedule, so that you will be aware of the daily assessments that will be administered for your children.  As always, I am confident that our home-school partnership will allow us to prepare each of our students to reach his/her full potential! Text Box: Because of the State-wide Testing Schedule:      TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2008                                       WILL BE A       FULL DAY OF SCHOOL     FOR  ALL QUINCY PUBLIC                         SCHOOLS  STUDENTS. Parker School students will be               dismissed at 2:30 PM.    

Text Box: REMINDER

Text Box: March Brings State Assessments For Parker Students—K-5 Text Box: Did you know that breakfast is the most important meal of your child’s day?  It provides the nutrients and energy he needs to concentrate in school.  Research shows that kids who eat breakfast get better grades, pay more attention in class, and behave better.  Help your youngster begin his day on the right foot. Make time Set the alarm to allow 10-15 unhurried minutes for breakfast.  Suggest several healthy breakfast items, and let your child choose.  Make it healthy Give your child a mix of protein (such as milk, eggs, cheese, or meat) and carbohydrates (whole-grain cereal, fruit, or whole wheat bread).  The carbohydrates boost energy and help your child                       (over)

Text Box: PTO NEWS Our next meeting is Thursday, March 6, 2008 At 7:00 PM In the Media Center   Please come!

Text Box: Maryanne R. Palmer, Principal Robin M. Moreira, Asst. Principal   617-984-8710 mpalmer@quincy.k12.ma.us Text Box: A Good Start