TIGER TALK
JAMES MONROE MIDDLE SCHOOL
340 West Church Street
Ridgecrest , CA 93555
760.375.1301
http://monroe.ssusd.org
April 2008
Mr. Dave Ostash |
Ms. Bonnie Kaufman |
Ms. Kerri Graves |
From the Principal's Desk:
Greetings Monroe family! As you know, the school year is speeding along more quickly than ever! Third quarter grades are around the corner, 8 th graders have already registered for classes at BHS next year, and STAR testing begins on April 14.
Time spent as a student at James Monroe Middle School is so very important! Right now, your student is developing life-long habits in countless areas, including:
- work ethic
- study habits
- sense of personal responsibility
- sense of citizenship
- communication skills
- respect for authority
I believe that right now, your student is operating in and among some of his/her most impressionable years. Together, we can give your student tools for successful teenage living and, of course, adult living. Encourage your student to study , even if (s)he says, "But I finished my homework." Studying is a concept that goes beyond "completing homework." And, studying is a lifelong skill that will prove useful in college and in the workforce. Studying can involve re-reading notes that were taken in class, or reviewing vocabulary words for 10 minutes every evening, or looking over a graded quiz to identify misunderstandings.
As I've mentioned, STAR testing begins on April 14. Healthy snacks (apples, bananas, string cheese) will be offered to your student during the English and mathematics portion of testing. Please talk with your student about the importance of taking this State testing seriously, and to work to the best of his/her ability from beginning to end. STAR testing is linked with the California High School Exit Exam, and performance results on the STAR are used heavily when identifying proper placement in course selections here and then at BHS.
There is a lot going on during these last couple months of school. Please be sure to, once again, review the academic/behavioral criteria expected for student eligibility to participate in promotion and/or end-of-year activities. Thank you for all your support and happy spring!
Sincerely,
Dave Ostash