WhiteOakMiddle School

February 23, 2012

• Texas Education Agency new state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS.   The STAAR will be more rigorous than previous state tests. It will contain more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of new STAAR assessments will test material students studied that year. In contrast, TAKS high-school level tests were required by law to test content studied over multiple years. Also, for the first time since the state began its standardized testing program, the tests will have a time limit. Unless a student is eligible for an accommodation, each student will have four hours to complete each assessment.  We have repeatedly spoken with our students about the changes in the state testing and how we will help with this transition.  Coupled with this new test, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   In the past our Grade Level Placement Committee has relied on the state assessment and end of year averages to determine promotion or retention.   Since the passing standards have yet to be set by the state and will not be set until later this summer, our committee will only be able to rely on end of year averages to determine placement for next year.   If your child does not pass the class, he/she may be required to enroll in summer school.  (A fee associated with our summer school has not been determined.)    If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete the requirements of summer school, then they will be retained.  If you would like additional information concerning the STAAR test, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us and click on Testing and Accountability on the left hand side.  Also, you may contact your child’s teacher for more information.  Thank you in advance for your support.   
• STAAR Test calendar:  March 27:  7^th grade Writing Day 1,   8^th grade Mathematics; March 28:  7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading;   April 24:  6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics; April 25: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading;:  April 26:   8^th grade Science; April 27:   8^th grade Social Studies.   Test security measures will be in place on test days to limit student access to cell phones during testing.   It is suggested that students leave cell phones at home on the days of testing.   If you choose to allow your child to bring a phone, students must submit their cell phones that are turned off to their test administrators on the day of testing.   Cell phones will be placed in an individual zip lock bag and returned to each student as soon as all testing has been completed for the day.     You may also go online at www.tea.state.tx.us  Student Assessment Division for additional information.
• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from February 27-March 9.   Forms are available from Mrs. Hamm, Middle School Counselor.  If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact her at 903-291-2032 or [email protected].
• Spring pictures (pre-paid) will be taken next Wednesday, February 29.   Packets will be given to our students on Monday.   
• Spring Break is scheduled for the week of March 12-16.
• E-mail is a great communication tool for both parents/guardians and teachers.  If you are interested in receiving e-mail from our child’s teacher, please take time to visit our website. (www.woisd.net) Click on the middle school link and search the Middle School Main Menu for links for our campus, including teacher lesson plans and assignments.
• Thank you for your assistance in not entering the drive in front of the middle school during the posted times.   It is designated for “Buses Only”.   Also, the drive directly behind the middle school is not an authorize area to pick up your student.   When cars are in these areas, there are potential safety issues.  
• Please continue to monitor your child’s progress through Family Access by Skyward, Inc.  Family Access is a secure Internet based website that will allow you to easily keep track of nearly everything your student(s) does while at school.  Among other things, this service allows you to view your student’s attendance, grades, schedule, progress, assignments, and emergency information.  Family Access is a free service and is available to all parents/guardians with children enrolled in the district.  Please be aware that the posting of your child(s) grades will vary according to the subject area ranging from three (3) days to two (2) weeks determined by the complexity of the assignments. Minor assignments:  1-3 days; Major assignments:  3-5 days; Major writing assignments, major projects:   10 days.  Please check your child’s teacher website for additional information.
• Our first middle school track meet of the year will be Thursday, March 1 at White Oak.