I cannot believe that it is already May! Below you will find information regarding the end of the year activities as well as some school updates. MAP Week All of our students are taking the MAP test which started April 22 and is continuing through Friday, May 3. The students are taking the test very seriously. I talked with numerous students. They replied that the test was hard, but they felt like they did a really good job. The MAP sacks were a huge success! I thank you for supporting your children by purchasing the sacks but mostly for sending them a written note of encouragement. The building was exceptionally quiet with little movement occurring during testing. We are looking forward to our results in August. EOC New Mark students in 7th and 8th grade who are currently taking Algebra 1 or geometry will be taking the End of Course Exams in these core classes the weeks of April 29 for Algebra 1 and May 5 for geometry. These tests measure and reflect student mastery toward post secondary readiness, identify strengths and weaknesses and are based on course level expectations. We are excited for our students to “show off” their skills in these two areas. Students will be taking the exams online. Renaissance Celebration at AMC Theater (Barrywoods) We are very excited about our end of the year Renaissance celebration. Our Renaissance Action Team, which is comprised of students and teachers, voted on having the end of the celebration and where to have it. The AMC Theater double-header and lunch was the choice. Our trip is from 10:45 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 21. Information has already been sent home regarding this event. End of The Year Activities We have numerous end of the year activities. Our PTSA has updated the calendar of events posted in this newsletter. Our progress reports for the 4th quarter will be sent home Monday, May 6, 2013. You will receive reading and challenge math testing information on your child if they qualify by mid-June. We will be distributing our yearbooks the last week of school. A specific day hasn’t been set yet. Honor’s Night is set for 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 23. Invites will be mailed out soon for students being recognized on this special night. We will also have our first class of AVID students graduate. A celebration will occur at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 21. Our last day of school is Friday, May 31. We dismiss at 11:15 AM. The 4th quarter grade card will be mailed home. We very much look forward to having a great close to this school year. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Terri Stirlen, Principal