Don’t forget, there will be a S.L.O.T. quiz this Wednesday, April 13th.  It will cover the equations we have been solving since spring break.  Each equation will have at least four terms and variables on both sides of the equal sign.  Take you math notebook home and study what we have done together in class!

Yours in S.L.O.T.,

Mr. Zimmer

M-STEP Practice Tools

M-STEP testing will be on Monday, April 11, 2016. Please discuss with your child the importance of practicing and doing their best on the assessment. Our teachers will be working with students on testing taking strategies during school hours but we’re asking for parents to also work with students at home (especially over Spring Break) to increase student readiness using the online practice tests listed below:

2016 Testing Schedule for Online and Paper/Pencil Assessments ONLINE Test Administration Dates*

• Grades 8 : the online tests may be administered on any instructional day April 11 – April 29, 2016

• Grades 6: the online tests may be administered on any instructional day April 25 – May 13, 2016

• Grades 7: the online tests may be administered on any instructional day May 9 – May 27, 2016 •

MI-Access Alternate Assessments—Grades 3–8: the online tests may be administered on any instructional day April 11 – May 27, 2016 *

Online Practice for M-STEP ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies

• The preview is intended to provide students and teachers with a brief look at the English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies technology-enhanced item types.  The M-STEP Spring 2016 Preview must be used in Google Chrome. Copy and paste this link into Google Chrome https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1. Click on the 2016 Preview Link, you will then need to click to sign on. Once on the sign in page, use the username and password displayed on the screen to log in.

Parents and Students,

7th graders will begin the state mandated M-STEP test in early May.  This seems like the distant future, but it will be here before we know it.  The entire test will be taken online this year, so students will need to adjust to a test that is very different from what they have seen before.  The resources below are being shared around the district to give students and parents an idea of what to expect this year.  We will get practice using these tools during class on Thursday, March 24th.

M-STEP Practice Tools

Take some time to have a look around.  You can find sample test questions for each grade level and subject, and practice with the online calculator.

Yours in Standardized Testing,

Mr. Zimmer

Parents and Students,

If you have a cell phone, tablet, or any other portable device that is wifi capable, please bring it to class with you on Friday, March 18th.  We will be using them to play a review game through kahoot.it to prepare for our upcoming quiz.  The more devices we can bring to class, the better our participation will be.  Students will still need to keep their devices power off and put away before and after class.  Thanks!

Mr. Zimmer

Mr. Fisher has requested the link to the parent survey be posted.

Parent Survey

Dear Parents/Guardians:

It’s Parent Teacher Conference Time, and we are excited about sharing information with you about your child. Conferences will take place in classrooms on Tuesday, March 15^th from 4:30-7:30 pm. We look forward to meeting you on Tuesday and have a few reminders:

• Pick up your child’s report card in the atrium.

• Proceed to your child’s classroom for 5 minute conferences. If you wish to spend more time with a teacher, please make an appointment for another time.

• We are asking you to take a Parent Survey either in the Media Center (library) or on Chrome books which will be available in the hallways as you are waiting for teachers. Students will be on hand to help you with a computer. Once you are finished you will receive a raffle ticket to be entered  for gift cards.

Parents and Students,

The last day of the 4th marking period is this Friday, March 11th.  If you have any missing or unfinished work please turn it in by this Thursday, the 10th.  I will finalize all grades on Friday.

If not, do so!  Check your grade, and check it often!  The fourth marking period ends next week.  Don’t miss an assignment just because you forgot to turn it in.  Get on the connect portal, and make sure all of your work is turned in.  If you have any questions or need any old assignments see Mr. Zimmer.  Ask questions if you don’t understand something.  I hope everyone earns the highest grade possible.