Dear Parents,

Miss Debbie Ginnetti

Spring is the time of growth, flowers, sunshine—and “testing season”. Your child will be taking a variety of tests, required by the state and the district. These tests are designed to measure either ability or achievement. Most teacher-developed tests, California Standards Test (CST), and District writing and multiple measures tests are achievement tests. These tests help measure what the student has learned in one subject or many. Please take note of important test dates and write them down on the calendar:

• April 15-May 8 CST for students in Grades 2-5
• Week of May 11 End of the year writing prompts for all students (K-5)
• May 11-May 22 End of the year assessments for reading and math for all students (K-5)

Why do schools give children so many tests? Tests help teachers, parents, and students know more about what children have learned and what they need to work on. The tests help the school take a critical look at what is being taught and how it is being taught. The teachers and I use the results to make improvements in the areas of materials and instruction. Throughout the year, teachers provide practice for your children in test taking skills and have an awareness and timeline of the content that needs to be covered.

What can I do to help my child do better on tests? It is important that your child comes to school on time each day, listens in class, gets a good night’s sleep, and eats a healthy breakfast before coming to school. THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR SUCCESSFUL TEST-TAKING IS THE ATTITUDE OF THE STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND SCHOOL STAFF. If the child knows that taking the test and doing their very best is considered really important by the adults in their lives, their effort becomes sharper and more focused.

I also ask you to avoid making morning appointments during the testing period and make sure your child is at school ON TIME. Teachers will post TESTING signs on their doors to eliminate interruptions. If you have any questions about the CST or test procedures, I will be glad to discuss it with you.

Thank you for continued support of your child’s education.

Sincerely,
Miss Ginnetti

I hope everyone had an opportunity to attend our Talent Show this year. It was so inspiring to see our kids come to life on the stage. As a parent of a 5th grader, I couldn’t keep from getting teary-eyed as I sat there and reflected on all of the talent shows we have produced in our six years at Stevenson. I must thank Jessica Good and her incredible committee for producing the best show we’ve ever had. (I’m certainly not alone in this assessment as numerous other parents have said the same thing!)

More importantly, I want to thank our students for their courage, their strength, their creativity, and their spirit. Yes, we saw a well-produced, exciting show, but, more importantly, we also saw our kids come to life on that stage. They overcame nerves and stage fright and performed like professionals. Their love of music; their desire to have fun; and their brilliant smiles inspired everyone in the audience. They reminded us of the value of the arts and creative expression, as well as the power of hard work and determination. These are experiences and lessons they will carry with them throughout their life – and they are moments that we, as parents, will never forget. Simply put, Stevenson kids rock!

Carrie Brown, FFS President

Save BIG on Books During Our March Dollar Days Sale!
View this ad online.

• Great books for $1 and $2! Nothing over $3! (Sale applies to items previously marked down for clearance.)
• Register online and receive a coupon to save $10 OFF a purchase of $50 or more.
• Limited time only – Find great deals on quality books for home, school, and classroom libraries.
• Dollar Days are exclusive sales for educators and Book Fair chairpeople / volunteers

At scholastic Book Fairs Warehouses. Find a Sale Near You

Hi Burbank Council PTA,

Thanks to those of you who signed up to help with the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival in partnership with the Burbank Arts Education Foundation.  We would be most grateful if you would sign up for this event at the  next PTA meeting.  It’s going to be a fun weekend.  The Festival is on April 25th and 26th from 10 am – 5 pm.  We’ll need help both days and with setting up on Saturday morning and wrapping out on Sunday afternoon.  Students volunteers will receive service hours.

The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival will include a block of arts experiences for students of all ages on San Fernando between Olive and Angelino. Make-Up Designory, Garri Dance, Burbank Music Academy, Crayola, Freshi Films, Kids at Play and other organizations will be there to provide exciting opportunities for participation in art, filmmaking, music, animation and dance.  Performances by Burbank Unified School District students will take place through out the weekend.  A silent auction and raffle will benefit the Burbank Arts Education Foundation.  Mark their calendars and to be sure to stop by with your kids, even if they can’t help out.  Additional information will be sent to every student as we get closer to the date.

Thank you very much for everything you do to support arts education in our schools.

Alexandra Helfrich
Burbank Council PTA

Burning MOM March on Sacramento
June 23rd
More info to come!

Tuesday April 7th 7:00pm
Children Welcome!
FREE
Speaker: Dr. Jim Sears
Educate your kids about nutrition, foods to eat to avoid becoming over weight.
Learn how to make better choices on what to eat.