Hillcrest Elementary Monthly Newsletter

March 2007 -- Things parents can do to improve your child's chances of testing success

*  Provide a good breakfast on each day of testing.  Plan on having such things as eggs, whole grain cereal, or toast.  High sugar cereals do not help your child maintain concentration and your child may not have the long-term energy needed to complete the tests.

*  A good night’s sleep before the test is essential.  However, students do not need to be overstressed which often leads to a loss of sleep.  Try to have  a quiet evening immediately before bedtime, and consider having your child go to bed earlier than usual.

*  Let your child know that they are not expected to know every answer.  However, please make sure your child understands that they should give the test their best effort.  Too much pressure often interferes with their best performance.

*  Try to keep the mood light and offer encouragement after each day of testing.  Try to do something fun after each day of testing such as going to the park, playing a game, etc.

*  Make sure your child wears comfortable clothing.  Also make sure that your child has their eyeglasses clean and ready to wear.

*  Encourage your child to follow all directions.  In order for students to be successful, they must listen attentively to the directions and they must read every question and all possible responses carefully.  Your child needs to work at a pace that is comfortable for them, and they should not worry if other students finish before they complete the tests.

*  Pack your child’s backpack the night before, and make sure that all papers and books are packed before your child goes to bed.

*  Try to have a calm and encouraging morning before each day of testing.  Leave plenty of  time to arrive at school  on time.    Do not rush around late in the mornings as your child will probably feel stressed before starting the tests.  Also, please make every effort for your child to attend school each day of the testing!

John Clawson, Principal

***************************************************************************************************************************

IMPORTANT DATES for March and April

March 1 --- Read Across America Day at Morristown Library from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
March 6 --- Parent Teacher Conferences
March 9 --- Mid term progress reports go home.
March 11 --- Daylight Savings Time begins...set your clocks ahead one hour.
March 12 --- "Building Responsible Families" with Dr. Josh Booher from Cherokee Health Systems in the Hillcrest cafeteria at 5:30 pm.    
March 30 --- End of fifth weeks grading period
April 2 - 6  --- Spring break.
April 16 - 21 --- TCAP testing

***************************************************************************************************************************      

For more information on ways to help promote success in school, please visit:

http://www.parent-institute.com

****************************************************************************************************************************

This page last updated on March 7, 2007