The actual test will be administered on Monday, April 2 and Tuesday, April 3 at 8:45am. The test is created to take about two hours. (Please note: This is a change from past years where the test was designed to take one hour. I just learned of this change on Tuesday.) Some children will be done sooner, and others will take longer. The test is untimed, so the children can take as long as they need.
I am asking all students to be in bed by 8:00 the nights before the test (Sunday and Monday night). Please help your children follow this guideline. I understand that some of you are celebrating Easter on Sunday, and others are celebrating Passover. I also understand that normally holidays might push bedtimes later. Please do the best you can to stick with the early bedtime. It really does have a positive impact on a student's ability to think and focus.
In addition, all children should eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school each test day.
The children are welcome to bring in an extra healthy snack if they would like to eat before the test begins. They will be encouraged to eat lightly so they don't become sleepy from overeating. After all children have completed the test, they will also be able to eat snack and relax for a short time. The children will get extra recess each test day in order to run off any extra steam.
Children are not responsible for homework this week.
Most importantly, I do not want your children to feel stressed about MCAS. It is important that they know we believe they will do well. Please encourage them to work hard and do their best. However, also remind them that no matter how they do on MCAS, we know they are smart children!
Thanks for your cooperation. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.