Our fifth graders began the SBAC testing this week and the actual administration of it went smoothly. They completed the math portions and the feedback we received from the students was mostly positive.  There were several forms of the test which resulted in some students having ten questions on one of the tests, while other students may have received a form of the test with forty questions.  This is all part of the process of "testing the test".  On Tuesday, the fifth graders will begin the language arts tests which we expect will go smoothly as well. In the meantime, they will have spent Thursday and Friday in Boston for their annual trip to the Boston Museum of Science.  On Monday, May 12th, the fifth graders will be spending the day at Camp Seton in Greenwich for an orienteering activity scheduled with fifth graders from the other Eastern network schools.  This event gives them an opportunity to make connections with other future sixth graders prior to attending Eastern Middle School for the next school year.  

This past Monday, the PTA sponsored two assemblies called IMathimation.  Students in grades three through five and kindergarten through grade two sat through a lively, interactive exchange where the presenter showcased how math is embedded in everything we do.  Students walked away, not only more motivated about math, but with a greater awareness of the importance of numbers and the role they play in our everyday life.  Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring the program.

As I have shared with you, Friday, June 20th is the last day of school for students.  It has now been announced that it is an early release day so students will be dismissed at 1:15.  The grade five Moving Up Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th at 1:00 in the Media Center.  Each fifth grade student can invite up to three visitors for the ceremony so please keep this in mind as we approach the date.  

Looking ahead, Field Day is Tuesday, June 10th and the rain date is Thursday, June 12th. 

Sincerely, Terry Ricci