Novato Unified School District VLA K-5 Newsletter For April 22

Press release from the Novato Unified School District:

April 22, 2021

VLA parents please make sure your child’s Chromebook is ready for CAASPP testing: in working order with the camera working.

Student Spotlight

Maylet R. Ms. Johnstone 4/ 5Lynwood Elementary/VLA

Maylet is a curious and inquisitive student. She loves to learn, and she is willing to take on a challenge. She always asks questions whether for clarification or out of curiosity. She is outgoing and is always ready to help others with their work. She has no problem leading the group as needed. Maylet also helps out with and adores her little brother. She is a great older sister. Maylet will achieve great success because of the hard work and dedication she exhibits toward her education.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress

Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments

2020-21 VLA 3rd – 5th Parent and Guardian Notification Letter

April 2021

Dear VLA Parent/Guardian:

Each year, students in grades three through eight and high school participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This year, students in 3rd – 5th grade will take Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are online tests that measure what your child knows and is able to do. Results help identify gaps in knowledge or skills, so your child can get the support needed to be successful in school.

For the 2021 spring administration of the assessments, VLA students will be able to take their tests remotely.

English Language Arts Vary by site

Mathematics Vary by site

This letter provides information about students testing remotely. Students will take the test from the safety of their homes. The test administrator will connect with each child by computer. To make sure that each student receives the most accurate score, we are providing the following guidelines for student testing:

· You may assist your child with setting up the technology used to enter the test session.

· To keep the test fair for all students, we ask that you do not talk about the questions on the test or any materials for the test with anyone before, during, or after the test.

· No one may record the test, or use a camera or another device to take pictures of the test questions or of your child taking the test. This helps to keep the questions confidential.

· We need to know that your child without any help is completing the test. To verify compliance, a web camera and microphone will be used to observe your child while taking the test. The camera is only used to observe your child and the surroundings during the test and will not record the session. If your child cannot use or chooses not to use the computer’s camera, microphone, and speaker or headphone during remote testing, you may contact VLA site principal to arrange for your child to test safely on campus following state, county, and local health and safety requirements.

To learn more about the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, please visit the California Department of Education Parent Guides to Understanding web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.

Opt Out of Testing

Pursuant to California Education Code 60615, parents may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of CAASPP.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Elizabeth Sesma-Olinyk or VLA Site principal eolinyk@nusd.org

Thank you for your support.

Elizabeth Sesma-Olinyk

VLA District Principal

This press release was produced by the Novato Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.