Dear Grade 5 Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming Grade 5 ELA MCAS on Tuesday and Thursday this week, we want to take a moment to encourage our students to approach this assessment with confidence, focus, and pride in their work.

We have seen tremendous growth in our students this year—academically, socially, and emotionally. While the MCAS is one data point, it does not define our students. It is simply one opportunity for them to show what they know and how much they have learned. We are confident that they are prepared and ready to do their best.

We encourage students to take pride in their effort, stay positive, and remember that giving their best is what truly matters. School pride shines through when students come ready to try, persevere, and believe in themselves.

To help your child feel prepared and comfortable on testing days, please keep the following tips in mind:

• Get a good night’s sleep before each testing day
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Bring a water bottle (clear liquid only)
• Pack a healthy snack
• Arrive at school on time and ready to go

As a reminder, unless your child has an educational or behavioral plan that includes the use of fidgets, we ask that items such as NeeDoh and squishy fruits and vegetables be left at home. These have recently become a distraction in the learning environment, and we want to ensure all students can focus during instruction and testing.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students feel confident and prepared. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!

Best,

Mrs. Callaghan