Dear CIS Families

The Governing Council has begun its 2012-2013 evaluation of Dr. Elsy Diaz, our Head of School.  Observations and reflections from parents regarding the performance of the Head of School of Corrales international School are a valuable component of a successful school.

The evaluation considers five areas of performance: Instructional leadership, Communication, Professional Development, Operations Management, and Responsibility in the Secondary school.  While parents may feel most familiar with the Communication component, feel free to respond to any area.

Members of the Governing Council and Dr. Diaz appreciate your comments.  Please send your responses to Kaaren Allen, chair of the Governing Council Evaluation Committee, by March 15 using email (kaarenandray@gmail.com) or postal service (PO 896; Corrales, NM 87048). 

Thank you so much!

Kaaren Allen, Chair of Evaluation Committee

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NMSBA

New Mexico Standards Based Assessment

SBA testing will begin on March 19th and continue through April 2nd for 3rd-8th, and 10th Grade students. Please make sure your students are here on time every day during these 3 weeks.

MYP Students should be at school by 7:50 a.m. during testing to ensure testing can start on time.   Students that arrive late will not be allowed to enter their classroom until testing period for the day has been completed.

Students are not allowed to write when finished with a testing session. The only activity permitted is to sit quietly or quietly read a book. Please have students bring a book to school to read when the test is completed.

Calculators are allowed for 8th grade and 10th grade. Students are encouraged to bring their own calculators. Calculators must not have the following features: QWERTY keyboard, attached electronic pen, printing attachment, ability to communicate with other devices, distracting sound effects, raised screen, and attached cord. Graphing and scientific calculators are allowed but must be cleared after the assessment. No electronic devices are allowed in the testing environment.

Cell phones should be kept at home during NMBSA testing.

Test Taking Tips for Parents

The following tips provide suggestions for parents on how to approach test taking with their kids. Above all, help your child have a positive attitude about the test. If children feel confident they will be able to do their best!

• Mark test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
• Make sure your child attends schools on testing days. Do not schedule any appointments on testing days.
• Ensure your child gets enough sleep on the night before the tests.
• Wake your child up early so he/she won't be rushing around in the morning.
• Feed your child a healthy, well-balanced breakfast; avoid sugared cereals or the use of syrup on pancakes, French toast, or waffles.
• If you are anxious about your child's test, it's okay but try to keep cool around your child. You don't want him/her to be anxious about the test, too.
• Talk about the test with your child. Try to find out what he or she is anxious about. Does he think the test will be too hard? Is she worried about competition with other students?
• Remind your child not to rush through the test or get distracted while testing.
• Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. It is important for your child to stay relaxed for the test.
• After the test, celebrate your student's success (go for an ice cream, take a trip to the dollar store, or make a special meal together). Show children that you are proud of their success and progress as this is extremely beneficial to their future success!
• Make sure your child does all homework and reading assignments; this will help make sure your child is prepared for the test.
• Provide a quiet, well-lighted area with few distractions to help your child study efficiently.

CIS PTA

Are you looking for a fun way for your kids to keep up their Spanish skills during the summer? The CIS PTA is sponsoring a 3 week program this summer. To register and get more information, please visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6su140u2b65f2d4&llr=eyp4oshab  

The next free Nurtured Heart parent workshop is Monday, March 4th at 5:30pm. Free child care is provided. Please register here! 

Please consider joining us for the next PTA meeting at 3:15pm on Tuesday,February 26th in the teacher's lounge. We've got several great events planned for our kids in the next few months and we need you!