Statewide Standardized Testing and Reporting Program

Transcripción

1 Statewide Standardized Testing and Reporting Program This Spring Fremont Unified School District will participate in the California STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) Program using the California State Standards. Students in grades 2-11 will take tests aligned with the state language arts and math content standards. Students in grades 8,10 and 11 take tests aligned with social science. Students in grades 5, 9, 10 and 11 take tests aligned with science. Once again students in grades 3 and 7 will take the California Achievement Test (CAT/6) and will be compared with the performance of thousands of other children in the same grades who took the CAT/6. Students in grades 4 and 7 will take a state standards test in writing on March 4 th and 5 th. The district will administer all other tests to students in grades 2-11 from April 28 th May 9 th. Testing results for all these assessments will be posted by the State Department of Education on the Internet next summer by state, county, district, school, and grade level (but not individual class or student) at the following website address: Results will also be sent to districts by that date and mailed to parents. If a parent wishes their child to be excluded from all or part of the test, they may submit a written request to their school principal. Following state guidelines, all limited English proficient (LEP) students in the district will be given the STAR Test, and will also take a primary language test (if one is available) if less than 12 months has passed since their initial enrollment in any public school in California. New this year is the Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS). It will be given to Spanish-speaking English Learners in grade 2-7 who are receiving instruction in Spanish or will have been enrolled in a U. S. school less than 12 months. Spanish speakers in grade 8-11 will take the Aprenda 3 national standardized test from April 7 th to April 17 th. No other second language tests are available. In general, all special education students are included in the testing program. Some special education students will be taking the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) test from April 29th May 9 th. Only the most severely disabled should be exempt. These include students with the most significant disabilities and who are generally not working toward a regular high school diploma. To be excluded a student s individual education plan (IEP) must specify the rational; alternative testing measures, and include a parent signature. If a student s Section 504 plan or IEP specifies a testing accommodation, such as extended time, that accommodation may be used. Braille and large print tests have been ordered for students who need them. New this year some Special Ed. students in grades 3-5 will take the California Modified Assessment (CMA). This test, while based on grade level content, is less rigorous than the CST. Parents wishing to know more about the STAR program should contact the principal. It is important that schools and parents work together to ensure that students will be as well prepared as possible for this assessment. Schools are addressing test prep skills, standards aligned curriculum, and are projecting a positive attitude toward the testing program, and teaching the curriculum addressed in each grade level test. Parents can help by making sure that students do the following: Be at school. Please avoid scheduling medical and other appointments, which would have your child away from class during this time. Get plenty of sleep. A well-rested child will perform better Eat a nutritious breakfast. Well-fed brain cells function best. IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL VIKING EXPLORER A 1994, 1995 and 2005 California Distinguished High School Be positive and do not apply too much pressure. Students will perform better if they feel self confident and supported by their families and schools. They need to know that we feel they Principal, Pete Murchison

2 IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING TRY-OUTS Clinics Held June 2nd June 5th Try Outs Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 a.m. All students are welcome, including in-coming 9th grades (no experience needed) Contact coach, Sheri Mejia at with any questions. Did you know there s lots of information at Irvington.org? Bell schedules Staff directory Benchmark Project information Link to FUSD Link to TeacherWeb Daily Bulletin Announcements Student Calendar Service Learning information And much, much more!!! Log in and take a look School Communication for Parents and the Irvington Community We have several ways we communicate information to the Irvington Community to keep the community informed about activities here at Irvington. I.H.S. Phone Master this is an automated phone calling system which is used to inform parents of students unexcused absences, and to share relative and timely information about school activities. Please don t hang up when you hear a recorded message from Irvington H.S. I.H.S. Marquee be sure to catch the messages posted on our electronic marquee located at the entrance to the large parking lot. You ll see information regarding all the diverse and pertinent activities scheduled here at Irvington. Irvington Web Site visit the school web site at There is information regarding bell schedules, school activities, special announcements, contact information for staff, link to F.U.S.D. and SchoolWires, and more. Take the time to view the various sections. You ll be surprised at how much you can learn about Irvington High School and all the programs available to students. Irvington Explorer this is our bi-monthly newsletter that is mailed home. We share information regarding upcoming items, news about our school, and general information. The newsletter is also posted on the website. Fremont Unified School District visit the district website for resource links for parents and students. Keep informed on School Board activity, and find answers to many of your questions regarding our schools and district.

3 Programa de Exámenes y Reportes Estandarizados del Estado Esta primavera el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fremont participará en el Programa de Exámenes y Reportes Estandarizados de California (STAR) utilizando los Estándares del Estado de California. Los estudiantes en los grados 2-11 tomarán los exámenes alineados con los estándares estatales de artes del lenguaje y matemáticas. Los estudiantes en los grados 8, 10 y 11 tomarán los exámenes alineados con ciencias sociales. Los estudiantes en los grados 5, 9, 10 y 11 tomarán los exámenes alineados con ciencias. Una vez más, los estudiantes en los grados 3 y 7 tomarán el Examen de Aprovechamiento Académico de California (CAT/6) y se compararán con el desempeño de miles de niños en el mismo nivel que tomaron el CAT/6. Los estudiantes en los grados 4 y 7 tomarán un examen de estándares estatales de escritura el 4 y 5 de marzo. El distrito administrará los otros exámenes a los estudiantes en los grados 2-11 del 28 de abril al 9 de mayo. El próximo verano, el Departamento de Educación del Estado anunciará en el Internet los resultados de todas estas valoraciones por estado, condado, distrito, escuela y grado (pero no por clase individual o alumno) en la siguiente dirección: cde.ca.gov. Para esa fecha también se enviarán los resultados a los distritos y a los padres de familia. Si algún padre de familia desea que su hijo(a) sea excluido(a) de todo o parte de este examen, puede presentar una solicitud por escrito al director de su escuela. Siguiendo las guías del estado, todos los estudiantes del distrito con dominio limitado de inglés (LEP) tomarán el examen STAR y también tomarán un examen en su idioma materno (si está disponible) si han pasado menos de 12 meses desde su inscripción inicial en cualquier escuela pública de California. Este año tenemos nuevo el Examen de Estándares en Español (STS). Lo tomarán los estudiantes hispano parlantes que están aprendiendo inglés que se encuentran en los grados 2-7 y que están recibiendo su instrucción en español o que han estado inscritos en una escuela de Estados Unidos menos de 12 meses. Los estudiantes hispano parlantes en los grados 8-11 tomarán el examen nacional estandarizado Aprenda 3 del 7 al 17 de abril. No hay examen de otro segundo idioma disponible. Generalmente, todos los estudiantes de educación especial son incluidos en el programa de exámenes. Algunos de los estudiantes de educación especial tomarán el Examen Alterno de Rendimiento de California - (CAPA) del 29 de abril al 9 de mayo. Solo los estudiantes que están discapacitados gravemente son exentos. Esto incluye a los estudiantes con discapacidades mayores y que generalmente no es su meta obtener un diploma de la preparatoria. Para ser excluido, el plan de educación individualizado (IEP) del estudiante debe especificar la razón; las medidas alternativas del examen e incluir la firma del padre/madre. Si el plan de la Sección 504 o el IEP especifica modificaciones del examen, tales como extender el tiempo, entonces dicha modificación se debe usar. Se ordenaron exámenes de Braille y de impresión de letra grande para los estudiantes que así lo requieran. Algunos estudiantes de educación especial en los grados 3-5 tomarán este año el examen nuevo Valoración Modificada de California (CMA). Este examen, aunque se basa en el contenido a su nivel de grado, es menos difícil que el CST. Los padres de familia que deseen saber más sobre el programa STAR deben comunicarse con el director. Es importante que las escuelas y los padres trabajen juntos para garantizar que los estudiantes estén tan preparados como sea posible para esta valoración. Las escuelas están trabajando en las destrezas de preparación para el examen, plan de estudios alineados con los estándares y en proyectar una actitud positiva hacia el programa de exámenes y en enseñar el plan de estudios incluido en el examen de cada grado. Los padres pueden ayudar asegurándose que los alumnos hagan lo siguiente: Ir a la escuela. Por favor evite hacer citas ya sean médicas o de cualquier otro tipo, para que su hijo(a) no falte a clase durante este tiempo. Dormir lo suficiente. Un niño que descansa, se desempeña mejor. Comer un desayuno nutritivo. Células cerebrales bien alimentadas, funcionan mejor. Sea positivo y no presione demasiado. Los alumnos se desempeñan mejor si tienen confianza en sí mismos y se sienten apoyados por sus familias y escuelas. Ellos necesitan saber que nosotros pensamos que PUEDEN hacerlo bien.

4 QUEST PANELIST NEEDED We are seeking volunteers from the school community to sit as a panelist during Senior QUEST testimonies. The testimonies are scheduled for the afternoon of May 20 and May 21. You would be assigned to a panel with two to three other people and judge the testimonies the Senior students will be presenting as their Senior project. Students put a large part of their Senior year into this project and have some very creative presentations. If you are available to assist us please contact QUEST Coordinator, Cheryl Cook- Kallio at CCook- Kallio@fremont.k12.ca.us. Or volunteer on line at MINIMUM DAY BELL SCHEDULE FOR MAY 20 AND MAY 21 Period 1 7:30 8:10 Period 2 8:15 8:55 Period 3 9:00 9:45 Lunch 9:45 10:15 Period 4 10:20 11:00 Period 5 11:04 11:45 Period 6 11:50 12:30 Grad Night Volunteers Needed The 2009 Grad Night Committee is looking for parent volunteers to help supervise the various activities that will be taking place at Grad Night on Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. at Club Sport in Fremont. The shifts are in two hour increments that start at around 9:30 p.m. Grad Night is a safe and sober celebration that is totally organized and put on by parent volunteers. If anyone is interested in volunteering to work at Grad Night, please contact Kathy Silvernale at c.silvernale@comcast.net or

5 NEWS FROM IRVINGTON A.S.B. Viking Appreciation Irvington s ASB has set itself apart from other schools by instituting Viking Appreciation for the past few years. Viking Appreciation is ASB s way of showing our teachers, staff, sports teams, student clubs, etc that we appreciate what they contribute to campus. This could be through anything from a small party to little gift bags, to baked goods, to little novelties and more. But to continue all of this, we need YOUR help. Any donations would be GREATLY appreciated, as every little bit helps. To do so, simply give your child a check/money filled out to Irvington ASB and they can submit this donation to the Viking Vendor any day it s open. This money will go towards showing everyone at Irvington how important they are to the school, and every little bit counts! Thank you! Service Hours Is your student having trouble finding opportunities for service hours? An easy, fun way to get hours is to help out with school events. There are many events throughout the year such as dances, the special ed ball, and other functions hosted by ASB for which your student can help setup/clean up and earn service hours, so encourage them to come help out! Junior Prom That s right, parents! Junior Prom is rolling around the corner, and it s about time for your students to find their dresses/tuxes, limos, and most importantly, dates! Here are some important information to note as Prom rolls around: Prom is on Saturday, April 25 th, from 8PM to 12 AM at the Canyon View Dining Hall on 680 Bollinger Canyon in San Ramon. If your child would like to take pictures, there will be a pre-shoot at Irvington from 5-7PM, but appointments must be made. Sign ups for pictures will be available at the Viking Vendor when ticket sales begin. Ticket sales begin March 30 th. They will cost anywhere from $70-75 and there are NO couples discounts. If you may not be able to afford the tickets, please talk to Meena (Junior Class President) or Isabella (Junior Class Vice President), as you may be able to get a sponsorship/waiver. Note: Prom may get a little pricey, so here are some tips on saving money: Eat dinner at a friend s house (pot-luck style) instead of at a restaurant Borrow a dress/tux from a senior, good friend, or family member. Drive to prom instead of taking a limo Attend Prom Expo on April 9 th for a change to win Prom discounts! For more information and updates, go to or ihs2010@live.com. Hope to see you there!

6 NEW DRESS CODE POLICY APPROVED In February of this year, the school board amended the dress code to include/update some specific gang related apparel. In addition to those changes, and in response to concerns brought forth by secondary administrators, the dress code regarding hats was also amended. AR 5132 of the FUSD Board Policy now reads: "Clothing which has been deemed by local law enforcement or other experts to be gang related is prohibited, such as...bandanas...gang associated red or blue belts and jackets...red or blue shoe laces, and solid red or blue oversized T-shirts unless it includes school insignia/logo." "Student may not wear hats in class" has been, and continues to be school board policy. The amendment to the dress code reads: "Students may only wear hats outdoors with their school insignia/logo. This applies to all secondary schools." students become aware of the policy, they may ask questions. Please explain that this is a district-wide School Board policy, and that we have an obligation to enforce it. We will enforce in the same way we do cell phones: 1st offense- a parent must come pick up the hat and sign a copy of the policy. 2nd offense- administration keeps the hat for 30 days. 3 or more offenses- administration keeps hats for the rest of the school year WE WILL BEGIN ENFORCEMENT OF THE DRESS CODE April 6TH. More clearly stated, the ONLY acceptable hats are those with the IHS insignia/logo on it, in school colors. ASB and department chairs have been advised of this new policy. ASB is going to help publicize the policy in the most positive way they can. As VOLUNTEERS are need to help administer the AP Exams, May 4 May 13. Parents who have students taking the exam are not eligible to assist in the exam their student is taking, however, may assist in the subject area exams. If you are interested please contact Mrs. Kimmel in the Career Center at x46377.

7 STAR Test Schedule for Double Block (Test given in 4 days) The state Testing Window runs from 4/27/08 to 4/30/09 Students always test with their regular 3rd period class. Parent, it s important that your students attends all 4 test days. Day 1 Monday (4/27/09) Period 1 7:30 8:24 Break 8:24 8:29 Testing Period #1 8:34 10:14 Period 3 10:19 11:13 Lunch 11:13 11:51 Testing Period #2 11:56 1:36 Period 5 1:41 2::35 Day 2 Tuesday (4/28/09) Period 2 7:30 8:24 Break 8:24 8:29 Testing Period #1 8:34 10:17 Period 4 10:22 11:16 Lunch 11:16 11:51 Testing Period #2 11:56 1:36 Period 6 1:41 2:35 Day 3 Wednesday (4/29/09) Period 1 7:30 8:24 Break 8:24 8:29 Testing Period #1 8:34 10:06 Period 3 10:11 11:05 Lunch 11:05 11:44 Testing Period #2 11:49 1:36 Period 5 1:41 2:35 Day 4 Thursday (4/30/09) Period 2 7:30 8:24 Break 8:24 8:29 Testing Period #1 8:34 9:34 Advisory 9:39 10:52 Period 4 10:57 11:51 Lunch 11:51 12:31 Testing Period #2 12:36 1:36 Period 6 1:41 2:35 NOTE: Friday, 5/1/09, will be a regular 6 period day.

8 A letter to Parents about Assets Building from Your School Psychologist Dear Parents, Have you heard about the 40 Developmental Assets? The 40 Developmental Assets are a research product by the Search Institute in Minneapolis. These 40 assets are considered building blocks that young people need to become healthy, caring and responsible citizens. Among the 40 assets, 20 are external assets, which are relationships and opportunities that are provided to young people, and 20 are internal assets, which are values and skills that young people develop to guide themselves. Does your child need a certain number of developmental assets to graduate from high school and get to college? Not really. But does your child need developmental assets to be successful in life? The answer is yes. Research shows that students with more assets (i.e., 30 or more assets) are more likely to have higher GPA, better physical and mental health, more leadership skills and more resilience. On the other hand, students with fewer assets (i.e., 10 or less assets) are more likely to experience lower motivation, school failure and dropout, more drug abuse, teen pregnancy and other negative outcomes. Youth with fewer assets miss a tremendous opportunity to reach their potential. While many things are beyond our control (e.g., the economic crisis, negative life events such as loss of a family member, etc), there are small positive things we can do that influence the lives of young people. That is why Irvington High School has joined many other schools nationwide in working on building assets in our students. Our teachers have all had trainings in asset building. Irvington students also participate in asset building activities during advisory. As a parent, you can have a tremendous impact on building assets in your children. You are your child s assets. Below is a list of things that you can do to build assets. Build your own assets: You ll be better able to love and support your child if your take care of yourself. Building relationship with your child: your relationship with your child is the vehicle by which other assets can be built, and the relationship itself is also an asset for both you and your child. Find out what your child cares about and advocate for their causes. Ask your child for their opinion or advice. Encourage your child to think about his/her goals for the future and what kind of boundaries they will need to meet them. Have boundaries for appropriate behaviors and consequences for violating those boundaries. Encourage your child to be involved in at least one activity that may continue into their adult years. Help your child to think about how the time they spend on different activities, think about their goals and the discipline required to reach them. Place emphasis on lifelong learning and not just on graduation, pursuit of learning for its own sake. Encourage your child to volunteer with at least one organization Spend time with your child at least 20 minutes a day, do family activities together, eat dinner as a family at least 5 times a week. Talk with your child about life when you were a teenage and share stories about family history. Tell your child that you love them, tell them often, and show them in many ways. Keep in regular contact with your child s teachers, and don t wait for problems to arise before talking with them. Talk with your children about what they are learning at school. Model reading. Provide a place for them at home to do homework. Learn the names of your child s friends and learn something about their lives. Building assets is something parents and teachers already do to some extent, before we ever heard of the 40 Assets. Doing it more intentionally and systematically is the key to increase the scope and effectiveness of your effort. We want to work together in helping all the children to become who they want to be. Be creative and you will reap the benefits of this strength-based approach. Ying Lu, Ph.D. School Psychologist Irvington High School Blacow Road, Fremont, CA Principal, Pete Murchison

9 Grad Nite 09 WHO: Irvington H.S. Graduating Class of 2009 WHAT: Food, GoKarts, DJ, Hypnotist, Prizes, Casino, Swimming, Air Hockey, Pool, Foosball, Inflatables and much more WHERE: Club Sport, Fremont WHEN: June 18, 2009 (10:00 PM 4:00 AM) COST: $ (Price increases to $ starting on May 8 th ) ** FREE with purchase Grad Nite t-shirt and 3 months membership to Fitness 19 ** HOW: Complete this form & drop it off with a check for $135 in the Grad Nite Box in the school office (or mail to school ATTN: GRAD NITE) OR Pay online at - click on Viking Web Store then click on Grad Nite (Online payment may incur a service charge) ORDER A GRAD NITE 2009 TICKET Senior s Name Parent s Name: Parent Signature: Parent s Home Phone: Other Phone: T-shirt size: (Circle One) Small Med Large x-large xx-large Make Checks Payable to Irvington Grad Nite No Refunds on Tickets -

10 Fremont Unified School District 4210 Technology Drive Fremont, CA Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fremont, CA Permit #18 (Address Correction Requested) Check us out at Home of the Vikings NOTEABLE DATES: April 27 April 30 STAR Testing (see modified bell schedule inside) May 20 & 21 Senior QUEST Testimonies June 15, 16 and 17 FINALS, Minimum Days students attend from 8:00 12:30 June 17 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL June 18 Graduation Ceremony, 4:00 p.m. at TAK