February 20, 2014

• STAAR Test calendar: April 1: 7^th grade Writing Day 1, 8^th grade Mathematics; April 2: 7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading; April 22: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics, 8^th Social Studies; April 23: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading, 8^th grade Science. TEA has scheduled the Algebra EOC (End of Course) test for the week of May 5-9. 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.

• Texas Education Agency state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) is more rigorous than previous state tests. It contains more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of the STAAR assessments will test material students studied this year. Also, as it was last year, 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 the test is more rigorous than the previous TAKS test.   Coupled with this test and the increased passing standards, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   8^th grade students who are not successful on the tests will have one additional opportunity before the end of the spring semester (in May) and one last opportunity at the end of June to retest and pass STAAR. 8^th grade students who do not pass STAAR on the second administration, will be required to enroll in summer school to prepare for the 3^rd and final administration of STAAR. If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete this requirement, 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.   

• The teachers are having an extremely difficult time with students not turning in homework assignments. WOMS has implemented a “Lunch Crunch” for students who fail to turn in their homework. When a student fails to turn in an assignment, a letter will be sent home with the student. Our program requires that the paper, with a parent’s signature, and the indicated assignment be completed and returned before 8:00 the next school day. If the assignment and the parent letter is turned in by 8:00, the student will not be assigned a Lunch Crunch. If not, the student will get their lunch and report to a classroom in order to work on the missing assignment and eat lunch. Points will be deducted for each day the assignment is late, for maximum of 3 days late .(70,60,50,0) On the 3^rd day, the assignment must be turned in by 3:30 pm. Also, Texas Education Agency states in order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the state assessments. Our goal is for your child to be successful. Each of our staff works to bring this goal to fruition.

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. Our last staff development day is next Wednesday, February 26. Middle school students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm. Bus transportation will be provided.

• Spring Break is the week of March 10-14

• Spring pictures are scheduled for April 17.

• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from March 17-28. At that time, forms will be available from Mrs. Hamm, Middle School Counselor. Testing will be completed before the end of the spring semester. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact her at 903-291-2032 or [email protected].

• Our Middle School Band will participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest on Wednesday, April 16 at Gladewater ISD Auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley (903-291-2060) for additional information.

• Cheerleader tryouts are scheduled for Friday, March 21. For candidates who returned their packet, there will be an informational meeting for candidates and parents on Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m in the High School Gym. Parent/guardian attendance is mandatory at this meeting.

• Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

• Spring Choir Concert will be Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.