MCAS at Pierce School

March 13, 2007

Dear Pierce Families,

We want to be sure that you know we will begin administering the MCAS tests next week. Grades 3-8 will take the English/Language Arts Reading Comprehension test in three one-hour sessions over three days. Fourth and seventh graders will also take a two-hour Long Composition test next Tuesday, March 20th. If your child is sick on the Long Composition day, they will make the test up on Monday, April 2nd. If your child misses any other portion of the test, they will make it up on April 3rd-4th.

We have administered these MCAS tests before so staff and students in grades 3-8 are very familiar with the format. The tests sessions will begin at 8:30 am each morning of the testing dates. Because all students are required by the state Department of Education to take the test at the same time, it is critical that all students arrive at school on time. Though the tests are untimed, most students are able to complete the tests before their lunch period. We provide additional time for those who need it. In addition, special accommodations are made according to individual student’s needs for those that receive special education services or have 504 plans.

The second and final round of testing for spring 2007 begins in mid-May. At that time all students in grades 3-8 will be tested in Math. Fifth and eighth graders will also take a Science test. In addition, fifth and seventh graders will take a pilot History/Social Science test. Please look for a complete calendar of MCAS testing on the Pierce website in the coming days.

It is important that your child be well rested, arrive to school on time and have a good breakfast. Please feel free to contact me, your child’s teacher, and advisor or guidance counselor if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Pipier Smith-Mumford