Upcoming NWEA

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Next week, the fifth graders will be taking the NWEA.  In preparation for this, I will send you a series of informational emails. The subject line will give you a hint as to what the action is that I will need you to take.  It’s important that you read through these emails and complete the “tasks” so your child will be set up for success.

Checking Your Computer for NWEA Readiness

Most students have completed the computer check in class. However, I’d like to have you re-check your child’s computer/ipad. They may use either. 

  • Make sure they are logged in with their school login/password on the device
  • If your child would like to use headphones, please check that they are in good working order.
  • Please click on the link to check for Device Readiness
  • Device Readiness Check
  • Please send me an email with your child’s name in the subject line with the following information
    • If your child’s device passes, please send me an email saying “Yes! It passed!” You do not need to do anything further at this time.
    • If your child’s device doesn’t pass, please send me the email saying “No! It didn’t pass!” I will inform you of next steps.

Test Information

You will need to help your child sign in on the Zoom link correctly on their testing day/time. This information is in Schoology.

  • Our students will be testing on Tuesday and Thursday next week.  
    • Your child will be assigned to group A or group B. 
    •  I will let you and your child know their group assignment on Monday
  • There will be TWO testing sessions EACH day for EVERY student.
  • When your child is NOT testing, your child will have activities to complete.
  • Testing times/Testing Group Assignments are also available in Schoology under the orange folder for Weekly Schedule. 
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Weekly Schedule on Schoology with NWEA testing times.
  • All Testing Materials (and activities for non-testing students) will be in Schoology in the Black NWEA folder.
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NWEA folder on Schoology with information for testing links and work for Non-Testers

Video and Tips for Success on NWEA

Many parents and students have questions about what the NWEA is about.  Please watch the video that has an explanation of the NWEA test (what it is, and also what it isn’t), how students take it, and why we take it.

NWEA Video


Mrs. Joachim’s Test Tips:

  1. It’s very important that your child understands that there WILL be questions on the test that are hard and that they won’t be able to answer. 
    • I always tell my students, the test’s objective is to make the questions hard enough so that they get half right and half wrong. While this is not entirely what happens, it gives them a good idea for what to expect.
    • When they start to get answers wrong, the program adapts and provides easier questions until they start getting correct answers. This helps us to know where the “sweet spot” is for their learning goals.
  2. Helping your child to answer any question is not a good idea.  It will not help your child at all.
  3. If your child asks questions, tell them to do their best and eliminate the answers that seem “crazy” and choose from what is left. No one is grading them on this test.
  4. Create a quiet space for testing. Be available, but don’t hover over your child.
  5. Make sure your child has had a good night’s sleep and has eaten breakfast, used the bathroom and is ready to show how smart they are!

Welcome Back!

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Greetings!

It was nice to meet with the students this morning!  Tomorrow, I look forward to “zooming” again with them! I have set up the Zoom link in my Schoology course.  All you need to do is go to Schoology (on a computer) and click the link.  It will direct your student to the zoom meeting. I’ve attached directions for how to access Schoology.

​Schoology Instructions

​On Tuesday and Wednesday, the fifth grade teachers will be passing out supplies to students and welcoming them in a drive through on Coburn from 10-11:30. Please watch the video below for a description of what your fifth grader will be receiving. Also, we’d like each student to have a box, basket, or bin that will be used as a place to store their student
Welcome To 5th Grade: Supplies Edition

Big Changes!

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Greetings Friends, Parents and Students!

Well, as you can see from the updated title of my blog, I have moved to 5th grade. I am excited about the curriculum and the new ways we will be learning together this year. It will be fun, creative, and challenging! We will make mistakes together and learn from them! We will celebrate successes and milestones together and grow as a community of learners. It’s going to be a great year to be in 5th grade!

Please make sure you subscribe to this blog so you can keep updated on all of the good things that will be happening in our virtual classroom and (fingers crossed) in Room 44!

–Mrs. Joachim

Report Cards

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Report cards will be mailed to your homes, not delivered on Thursday. Sorry for the misinformation! Here is a final note from Mr. Short!

Evening Haigh Community,

Please do not forget to join us for our “Haigh Last Day of School Drive-Thru”!!! This final chance to see your Haigh classroom , specials, and support teachers is taking place this Thursday from 10:00am-11:30am. We have definitely missed our owls and hope that you are able to come by to see us before Summer officially begins! K-2 families please use the Silvery Lane Drop Off Lane, 3rd-5th grade families please use the Coburn Drop Off Lane. Families that need to pick up medication, please stop by the staff parking lot behind Haigh. Please see the link below that provides more details about the event. For everyone’s safety we do ask that you stay in your car during the drive-thru. We look forward to seeing those that can make it!

Mr. Short

Click here for Drive-Thru Details