March 24, 2016

• 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.

• STAAR Test calendar: March 29: 7^th grade Writing and 8^th grade Math; March 30: 8^th grade Reading; May 9: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics; May 10: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading, May 11: 8^th Science; May 12: 8^th grade Social Studies. TEA has scheduled the Algebra EOC (End of Course) test for the week of May 2-6. 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. Also, due to the security measures in place on test days, we will not allow any guests on campus. 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 March 14-April 1. Forms are available from Mrs. Van Camp, 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]

• Please 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. For additional information related to Skyward, if you are having difficulties signing in to Skyward, or if you do not have Internet access and are requesting a hard copy of your child’s progress report/report card for each marking period, please call Ms. Cowart at 903-291-2085 or email her at [email protected].

• Majorette, Flag, and Drum Major tryouts for both Middle School and High School will be on Saturday, April 16th.  Packets will be available from Mr. Steele or Mr. Whatley.  Be sure you read everything in the packet, including meeting dates prior to tryouts.  If you have any questions ,please contact Mr. Steele, Mr. Whatley, Mrs. Jennings, or Michele Richards. (MS Bandhall: 903-291-2060 or Mr. Whatley at [email protected])

• Parents of 8th graders are invited to attend a meeting with Donna Jennings, Director of Student Services at WOHS, on either Monday, April 11, or Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 6:30pm to learn about current graduation requirements for their students.  She will discuss the development of personal graduation plans for each student under HB5 guidelines, and answer any questions you may have as your student prepares to enter high school. Meetings will be held at White Oak High School in the Lecture Hall.  We encourage the parents of all 8th graders to attend one of these two meetings. Mrs. Jennings will be meeting with the 8^th grade students as well.

• District Track meet will be held on Monday, April 4 (Boys) and Tuesday, April 5     (Girls) after school at Sabine.  Contact your child’s coach for additional information. 

• Spring Band Concert is scheduled for Monday, May 16 (6^th grade and High School) and Tuesday, May 17 (7^th and 8th grade) at  6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

Spring pictures will be taken Thursday, March 24. Your child has received the order form and if you wish to have your child’s picture taken, the form must be completed and returned on Thursday. You may also order online by going to mylifetouch.com and use the picture day ID number on the order form. (You will still need to return the form on picture day).