[TNS-list] Dyanthe's Weekly Letter: 3.28.16

[Dyanthe Spielberg]

Dear Neighborhood School Families,

This is the last week to complete the Department of Education (DOE) survey!
 Only 40% of our families have responded so far (compared to almost 70%
last year)!  Not only do your responses count towards our school's rating,
but we are evaluated by the response rate.  You were given a green envelope
which contains directions and your access code.  You can find the DOE
survey at http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/tools/survey/default.htm
 Use the survey access code printed on your individual survey.  If you
don't have the hard copy of the survey, click the link to access your code
or call the Survey Hotline at 1-800-690-8603.

On Wednesday, we had our Test Forum; teachers, members of the Advocacy
Committee and I discussed a variety of issues related to testing, opting
out, test prep, the middle school process and the TNS alternative
assessment.  Please reach out to me if were unable to attend the test forum
and have questions.

Last year 80% of our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students took the TNS
Alternative Assessments. It is important that we know if your child is
taking the TNS Alternative Assessment or the NYS tests this year so we can
organize staffing and materials.  Please let me or your child’s classroom
teacher(s) know so we can plan accordingly.

All over the city, school communities are having conversations about the
tests this year.  Teachers and Principal Liz Phillips of PS 321 in Park
Slope recently held a test forum about the nature of the NY State tests. I
found the slide presentation informative; in particular, the information
about changes in tests this year:



   -

   The state tests that will be administered in April 2016 were created by
   Pearson, as in years past.  There is a new contract with Questar to
   develop tests that can be given on computers. When testing is done on
   computers, third graders will be expected to type multi-paragraph responses
   to essay questions in order to complete the tests. This is already
   happening in other states that do testing on computers.
   -

   This year’s tests are much longer than 6 years ago.  A 5th grader this
   April will be faced with 117 questions (combined math and ELA).  2010’s 5th
   grader? 61. That’s 56 more questions, or an increase of 92%.



Please check it out:
http://ps321.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TTF-Presentation-Short-Version-1-1.pdf

The girls’ bathroom in the main lobby is being renovated!  Construction
will begin this Friday after the building closes and will take place each
weekday from 6pm - 12am, and on weekends.  We anticipate the project
lasting 3 - 4 weeks.  This Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be
asbestos abatement.  Internal testing of asbestos will be done each night
and I will receive the air quality test results to confirm it is safe for
students and teachers to re-enter the building.  During construction, girls
will have to use bathrooms in the basement, and on second and fourth floors.

Mark your Calendars:

   -

   The Diversity Committee meets Tuesday at drop-off in the small cafeteria.
   -

   SING is Wednesday at 8:45 in the auditorium.  Please also join us for
   the bake sale beforehand.
   -

   5th Grade Parent Night with STAR is Tuesday at 6:30pm in the
auditorium! Over
   the past few months, STAR at the Directors Company has explored issues
   around puberty through drama and discussions with our 5th graders.  Now is
   your chance to find out more about what former parent and PTA President,
   Harvey Epstein called a “game changer” for TNS!
   -

   Friday is a TNS half-day!  Dismissal is at 11:35am.

Have a wonderful week,

Dyanthe
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