Windsor Middle School

It is hard to believe that we are midway through the second quarter of the 2007-08 school year. We have had a great beginning of the school year. The change in calendar year to 2008 marks the kick off of our first round of New York State Assessments, English Language Arts (ELA). Below is a chart outlining the dates of all the upcoming NYS mandated assessments:

Date Assessment Grades Tested

1/14/08 – 1/18/08	NYS ELA Assessment	6 - 8
3/6/08 – 3/12/08	NYS Mathematics Assessment	6 – 8
4/3/08	NYS Science Performance	8
5/6/08	NYS Science Written Assessment	8
6/3/08 – 6/4/08	NYS Social Studies Assessment	8

The purpose of these assessments is to determine whether students have reached the higher learning standards as determined by New York State. On these assessments student demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and apply information related to the core curriculum. The information gathered from these assessments is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs provided at Windsor Middle School and to illustrate whether students are getting the foundation knowledge needed to succeed in later grades. Results of these assessments also help identify students in need of Academic Support Services (AIS) which are aimed to improve specific areas of deficiency.

To help students become familiar with the types of questions that will be asked of them on the assessment Windsor Middle School will conduct one “practice exam” in both ELA and Math. Conducting these two practice exams alleviates student stress, provides a test run of the assessment administration schedule, and compiles student test data which is used to identify areas in the curriculum that need to be adjusted or revisited. Another excellent opportunity available to students are review classes which run during our Mod 11 program throughout the year. This is an excellent place for students to gain supplemental instruction and extra help with various topics.

How Parents Can Help

Ensure your son or daughter is in school on time everyday. The number one factor that contributes to success of a student on these exams is daily attendance. Being in school consistently and on time will ensure exposure to the entire Middle School curriculum, which in turn will prepare them for the NYS assessments.
Ensure your son or daughter eats a good, hardy, daily breakfast. This will allow them to concentrate on their studies. WMS has breakfast available at school daily. Please note all students will be provided a breakfast on days that they take an assessment.
Ensure your son or daughter gets a good night sleep. Obviously this is important everyday, but is especially true during times when they are being assessed.
Encourage your son or daughter to get involved in the many opportunities offered during Mod 11. Studies show students who are connected and actively involved in school are more successful.

Last year Windsor Middle School students scored in the top three in the Broome-Tioga region on 7 of the 8 assessments administered. We were particularly proud that our students ranked number one on both the Social Studies 8 and Science 8 exams. Both the students and staff are working hard to improve upon last year’s solid results.