March 15, 2009

Dear Valley Oaks Parents:

It is difficult to believe that it is, once again, time for STAR (CST) testing. All second through eleventh grade students are asked to participate in this testing process for a number of reasons. Primarily, it gives you, the teaching parent, a once per year update on your student's progress. The results also serve as a guideline as you prepare your course of study, choose your curriculum, plan lessons, and create the individualized education plan that will best meet your student's academic needs. Further, test results will help you pinpoint your child's strengths and areas for growth and assist you in targeting those areas of need as you work through your daily lessons. Lastly, your student's attendance assists the school by helping us meet our participation rate and Academic Yearly Progress (AYP) goals. The data produced from these tests will help VOCS better address school-wide needs, and will give our resource teachers a better picture of how they can help you as you educate your student at home. We thank you in advance for your efforts to have your student in attendance and on time.

Second thru eighth graders will be testing Tuesday, April 20^{th through Thursday, April 22nd. Ninth through eleventh graders will test Tuesday, April 13th through Thursday, April 15th. Make up tests for all grade levels will take place April 16th through April 28th. A detailed schedule for your school site is available online or ask your resource teacher for specifics as to days, times, and room assignments for your child's site and grade level.}

You can help prepare your student for the CSTs by:

 - Establishing a pattern of having your student rise early each morning at least one week prior to the date of the first test

 - Being certain he has a nutritious breakfast before the test each morning

 - Advising your student to relax, ask for clarification if needed, and do his best

 - Assuring your student that he is not expected to know all of the answers to all of the questions on the test

 - Asking your resource teacher for test prep materials if you have not yet received them

On test days, please:

 - Send a bottle of water and a healthy snack (or lunch for high school students) for each testing day

 - Send your student with a book to read (or school textbooks for high school students) in the event he completes the testing ahead of other students

 - Refrain from entering the testing rooms while the tests are in progress

 - Check your student¡¦s test room door daily for any changes to the testing times

 - Advise your student that cell phones may not be used during the testing sessions and will be confiscated if used inappropriately

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact your resource teacher. Again, we thank you for your cooperation in making the STAR testing process successful.

Deanna Downs, Jeff VanderNoor, and Nancy Brannon

Principals

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