Testing, Testing...

Can you hear me? Can you read this? GOOD! Because I have an important announcement! It's testing season! Today kicks off CBAS week, which means I have some advice for you childrens about what to do to maximize brain strength during this time of showin' what you know.

1. GET SOME SLEEP. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

-I'm hoping you all are getting about 8 hours every night so that you come to school alert and ready to do your best on these tests!

2. Drink lots of water.

-Sugary drinks might taste good and give you energy for a little bit, but cold water will get your metabolism moving and keep your body functioning the way it should.

3. Eat breakfast!

-If you don't want to eat breakfast here at school, please make sure you're eating something at home. Something substantial is especially good, so you don't feel like you're crashing and burning half way through our testing session. Like breakfast burritos? How about an omelet? A bagel or waffle? Cereal with a banana? Take your pick of something hearty please.

4. Show your work!

-We collect your scratch paper, and if it looks like the abominable snowman taking a nap in the arctic during a blizzard, we've got a problem. We want to know how you got to the answers you put, to better help us instruct you in the future! So show what you know - say it with me now, "show what you know!" Otherwise I'll cry :'(

5. Pace yourself and work S-I-L-E-N-T-L-Y.

-Parents! Encourage your children to come to school ready to do their 100% absolute best. There is time to talk to their friends at lunch and at recess. We have had a huge problem in our class with nonstop whispering. Some students have a difficult time remembering when to just stop. Testing is the NUMBER ONE TIME TO STOP.

-Rushing is also a big no-no. If we don't take our time to read each and every individual item, then we aren't doing our best.

Make me proud, but most importantly - make yourselves proud and show how much growth you've made since the beginning of the year!