April 16, 2014

• 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.   

• Remainder of the STAAR Test calendar: 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 guests on campus and student access to cell phones during testing. Guest will not be allowed on campus on either test days, including the lunch time. In regards to cell phones, 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.

• In emergency situations when a student must ride a different bus or be let off at another stop, parents/guardians must call the Transportation Department, (903-291-2149) as early in the day as possible. When calling, please inform the Transportation Supervisor, Mr. Stagner, of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only), phone number, reason for change in ridership for that day, and drop off location. All changes must originate from the child’s parent or legal guardian and include the above information. A callback may be initiated. To ensure the safety of our students, notes will not be accepted for this special arrangement.

• Thank you for your assistance with 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.

• All White Oak Middle School students (whether in extracurricular activities or not) will be held accountable for their grades and will follow the same eligibility requirements as participants. Eligibility can be maintained by making grades of 70 or above in all academic classes. Beginning at the end of the first six weeks, if a student’s average in one or more academic classes is below 70 for a six weeks period, that student will be ineligible to participate in or attend any extracurricular activities (games, contests, dances, trips, etc) for the next three-week period. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse. After the three-week period, eligibility will be determined.

• 6^th grade band contest/ trip to Canton will be Thursday, May 1. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

• 7^th grade band competition at Canton will be Friday, May 2. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Athletic physicals for 6^th and 8^th graders interested in participating in athletics next year is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Contact Coach Iske, WOISD Athletic Director at 903-291-2212 or [email protected] for more information.

• Algebra End of Course (EOC) Assessment is scheduled for Thursday, May 8.

• Student Council Spring Forum scheduled for Tuesday, May 6. Contact Mrs. Coones at 903-291-2089 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Spring Choir Concert will be Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Ms. Hughes at 903-291-2051 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.