Message from the Principal

Dear Southside Parents and Guardians, 

As we step into the month of April, we are excited to share with you some important updates regarding upcoming assessments that will take place at our school. This month marks a significant period for our students as they prepare to participate in the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) and the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI). These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating our students' academic progress and guiding our instructional practices to better meet their needs.

Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT)

The ISAT is a state-mandated assessment designed to measure students' proficiency in key subjects such as English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. This assessment provides valuable insights into our students' understanding of grade-level content standards and helps us identify areas of strength and areas that may require additional support.

Our students have been diligently preparing for the ISAT through engaging classroom instruction and targeted review sessions. As parents and guardians, your support in encouraging your child to approach these assessments with a positive mindset and readiness to do their best is invaluable. We believe that with your encouragement and their hard work, our students will showcase their learning effectively during the testing period.

Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)

In addition to the ISAT, our elementary students will also be participating in the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI). The IRI is specifically focused on assessing students' reading skills and fluency, providing valuable data to inform our literacy instruction and intervention strategies. By closely monitoring our students' progress in reading, we can better tailor our instructional approaches to ensure that every child receives the support they need to become proficient readers.

We recognize that assessments can sometimes be daunting for students, but it's essential to emphasize to them that these tests are simply one measure of their progress and growth throughout the school year. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to demonstrate their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments.

As we approach the testing period, we encourage you to maintain open communication with your child's teacher and to reinforce the importance of these assessments as a tool for continuous improvement. Together, we can work towards helping every student reach their full potential.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming assessments, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Warm regards,

Principal Jennifer Smith