From the Principal - October 2, 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Michigan Educational Assessment Program commonly referred to as the MEAP tests, will be administered to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in the morning, during the weeks of October 13—22, 2009. If you would like to view a calendar of specific testing information, please access this “link.”

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/MEAP_Schedule_Fall_2009_through_Fall_2013_Revised_4-8-09_282525_7.pdf

The MEAP tests, which are mandated by the Michigan Department of Education, assess essential skill development in Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. These tests are significant indicators of students’ progress in these areas.

During the two week testing schedule, we are asking students to be present with limited appointments and/or interruptions. It is imperative that students report to school promptly by 8:00 A.M., or alternate testing arrangements must be made. We will maintain a consistent, yet lighter, homework load to ensure our students are continuing their current learning process. In order to help students perform at their very best, please encourage them to have plenty of rest and a nutritional breakfast.

New changes to the MEAP for 2009:

* Only reading and math will be reported to the federal government in this and future years.

* The State of Michigan has also decided which days a student will complete their make-up testing should they be absent. Students may only test on designated “make-up” days.

* Assessments have been shortened to coincide with the new time line of testing.

Michigan school districts are required to adhere to a strict timeline for testing. Please assist us by avoiding appointments during the morning MEAP testing blocks (8:00 – 10:00). If you need further information regarding the MEAP testing, please feel free to call Lisa Healey, M.S. Counselor, or myself at 235-7551.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of our students.

Sincerely,

J. Peter Stuursma

Principal

Parking Lot Safety!

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS PLEASE READ AND ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING DROP-OFFAND PICK-UP PROCEDURES:

1. Have your child “Drop-off ready” for a speedy exit from the vehicle to keep traffic moving smoothly.

2. Drop off beyond the curve or main entrance crosswalk, where there is a longer curb area which will help alleviate back ups onto Lake Drive.

3. Never drop off from the left lane. Students then must cut across the driveway and risk being hit by other cars pulling in.

4. Do not allow student to exit the vehicle into the center lane of traffic. Again, a very dangerous situation as other cars pull in or try to find a path to exit.

5. Do not park in the driveway during drop off or pick up times. It creates a very dangerous situation and slows the flow of traffic.

6. Remind your children to use the crosswalks and sidewalks. Cutting through the middle of the parking lot is not safe.

7. Please be conscientious of the designated handicap parking areas in our parking lot and driveway. These parking areas are needed for a number of our students.

Safety First!