APRIL Newsletter

We are off to a great start of the final term of sixth grade! The next few months will be busy! The English Language Arts MCAS testing days are April 9th and 10th. The Math MCAS testing days are May 8th and 9th. Students recently participated in an infrastructure trial, which gave them the opportunity to login and navigate through a practice test. Students have also spent time in class discussing strategies that they can use on the test that they have been learning all year long. We are proud the growth we have seen!

In order to for students to feel their best on testing days, it is important for students to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. We also encourage students to leave their phones and other electronic devices (including smart watches) at home on MCAS days if they do not need them, as we will be collecting these for the entire school day per MCAS guidelines. We ask for your help at home to remind students to make sure they come to school with a fully charged chromebook, their chargers, a book to read if they finish early, water, and a snack. They are also allowed to bring mints and/or gum to have during the testing time.

As sixth grade teachers, our goal is to support each student’s academic growth, and to prepare students for the next grade level. Each year, it is our charge to make sure that each student has the strategies and habits necessary to realize his/her full capabilities. In an effort to help prepare students for the transition to seventh grade, we will be increasing our academic expectations during this third term.

As students mature into more independent middle schoolers, we expect them to use their resources to solve problems both in school and at home. Teachers continue to have conversations with students regarding strategies, resources, and tools they can use when stuck on independent work both in class and on homework. Some strategies that have been discussed include: using notes and examples from class, thinking of specific questions to ask rather than just saying, “I don’t get it,” using Flex time wisely to preview assignments and ask for clarification when needed, and checking Google Classroom for homework and resources. We encourage you to discuss other strategies that might help your child at home, not only for school work, but also for other aspects of their lives (i.e. family, friends, sports, clubs). When students build their independence, we see an increase in pride and ownership of their school work.

It is appropriate that the Admirable Attribute for the month of April is: Independent. As a part of our Admirable Attributes program, Team Aspire recognizes two students each month who exemplify positive team attributes. We encourage students to notice peers this month who are using strategies to help them build their independence.

We truly feel that the success of our students depends on clear communication between school and home. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions about your child's progress.

Warm Regards,

Team Aspire Teachers

Admirable Attribute Recipients 

September: Optimistic - Ashley L., Connor T., & Lucy S.

October: Curious - Chloe R. & Finn C.

November: Respectful - Claire B. & Hannah S.

December: Perseverant - Nicole B., Noah B., & Nicole S.

January: Inclusive - Deborah A., James D., & Maeve D.

February: Creative - Emily O. & Harrison W.

March: Resourceful - Holden M. & Emily P.

April: Independent -