Dear Parent/Guardian,

The remainder of the school year involves several assessments.  We are confident our students have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform well.  The teachers and the students have worked hard this year to prove to Buffalo and New York State that School 18 has the best and brightest students.

 A written and performance Science Assessment will be administered to our 4th and 8th grade students and our 8th graders will take a State Social Studies exam. For the first time we have 8th grade students taking the Regents Algebra exam, which will provide them with high school credit if they do well. Our 8th graders will also take the Spanish proficiency exam. The NYSESLAT assessments will be administered throughout the month of May for our English Language Learners.

I am requesting that you to  talk with your son/daughter every day about how the testing went, and what strategies they used. No matter how much assurance we give them about their ability to do well, nothing means more than your belief and interest in them. Also, please make sure your child is getting enough sleep, especially the older students who actually need more than 8 hours of sleep. Their bodies are growing and changing rapidly at this time and the body needs rest to adjust.

We held our Math night in April, and had a great turn out and a lot of fun Math activities for the family. We also held a Book Fair which was successful. One thing that has proven to help children achieve is reading or being read to, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to just be with your child.

If you have not been in this year please make it a point to join us for a Parent Meeting.

Sincerely,

Valarie Kent
Principal