Bicycle Safety - Trooper Gary will be talking to the students about bicycle
    safety.  He will be on the Blessing Campus on April 7th and on the
    Markham campus on April 8th.

Testing 

Students will be taking several tests during the month of April and will be a stressful time for parents, teachers, and students.  It is important that we work together to help the students be successful.

Dates for testing 

April 8 - TAKS 5th grade Math
March 31-April 4 - Iowa Test of Basic Skills Test K-2
April 29 - TAKS 3rd and 4th grade Math
April 30 - TAKS 4th grade Reading and 3rd and 5th grade retest

Test Anxiety 

Test anxiety is common for students. It can cause many problems such as upset stomachs, headaches, loss of focus, fear, irritability, anger, and depression. 

Research has shown that providing students with strategies that build emotional and healthy physical habits can help them overcome test anxiety and improve their ability to perform well on the tests.   

Tips for overcoming test anxiety: 

Maintain a positive attitude – Students need to think about doing well and not focus on negative thoughts such as “I am not going to pass. The test is too hard.” Parents just need to encourage their children to do their best and to have positive feelings about the test. 

Get enough sleep - Make sure students get at least eight to ten hours of sleep the night before the test.  Also, do something fun like watch a movie, play a game, or participate in a sports activity to get your mind off the test. 

Eat a hearty breakfast- The brain needs energy to maintain focus for several hours.  Students need to eat foods that hare high in complex carbohydrates and protein such as eggs, cereal, and toast. Stay away from junk foods.  For a snack bring simple foods such as cheese and crackers or peanut butter and crackers to keep up your energy. 

Stay relaxed during the test – Take slow deep breaths and stay focused on positive statements such as “I can do this”. Take your time and do not worry about others who are finished with their test.  

Parents: Please make sure that you do not schedule any appointments during these testing dates.  If at all possible, make sure your child gets to school on time on the day of testing. This will lessen some test anxiety.