May 1

Another day of testing…..

quiet pleaseDay Two of testing for our students.

Today the students are working on the Ohio Grade 7 Mathematics Achievement Assessment.  So as I sit and type this, the students in my room have their calculators and pencils in hand, mints or gum in their mouths, and appear to be solving math problems that should indicate how well then can do in mathematics.

I hate days like this.  It makes for a long 2 1/2 hours when my classroom is quiet and I cannot interact with my students.  Although I have been kidding with them a lot lately about “evil teenagers”, they are pretty interesting kids and they do make my days interesting!  😉

Now, to just get through this morning…

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April 23

OAA

Today was the day!  All of our 7th and 8th grade students at McDowell took the Ohio Reading Achievement Assessment, the OAA.  For any visitors who are not familiar with the OAA, it is our state-wide, high-stakes assessment.  For 2 and 1/2 hours this morning, all students at McDowell were tested on their reading skills.  I am very proud of the hard work that our students put forth on their Reading test!  I’m sure that effort will continue when the seventh and eighth  graders take the Math OAA on Wednesday and 8th graders will take their Science OAA on Friday.   It is a tough week for students, teachers, and families!

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April 27

Spring!

Teachers and students are getting restless.   Testing is nearly over. The sun is shining.  Trees are beginning to sprout leaves.  Lawn mowers are gassed up and put to use. Mushrooms are being hunted.  Baseball bats are swinging.  The temperature, both outside and in the building, is on the rise.  And flowers are in bloom.   Yeah!  SPRING IS HERE!

Thanks to Andrew Sowers, who brought me a beautiful purple iris this morning for the reminder that spring is really here.  Through all of the preparation and anticipation of the testing, the signs of spring often get overlooked (at least for me).  And a simple flower was just what I needed to remind myself to put all of this testing back in its proper  perspective.  No matter the outcome of the tests, the sun will still rise in the morning, the seasons will continue to change, flowers will continue to bloom in the spring, and children will continue to give their teachers a token of their kind hearts and remind teachers of what they love about teaching.

Enjoy this beautiful weather!

April 20

Sshh. . .Testing in Progress!

Today the students began their fifth grade Achievement tests.  They took the Reading portion of the test this morning.  I am so proud of their efforts!  They took their time and worked very hard on their test.  I am certain that they can go home and say, “I did my best”.  That is all we ask of them and they certainly did.  The next test is the Math test on Wednesday.  I hope they give each of their tests the same effort. 😉

I’d like to welcome Tyler Stout to Laurelville!  Tyler is a new fifth grade student in my homeroom.  Today was his first day (what fun, your first day at a new school and you get to take a test all morning!).  I’m sure he will get settled in quickly with the help of his classmates.  Welcome to our school, Tyler.  I hope you and your family enjoy the Laurelville community.  I personally think you will love it here!

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