Frequently Asked Questions: The following are answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What is a Take Home folder?
- What is the best way to contact Miss Wilcox?
- What are the MCAS Exams?
- What MCAS tests are administered in third grade?
- When are the MCAS taken?
- Where can I learn more about the MCAS exams?
- What is Study Island?
- What is eharcourtschool?
What is a Take Home folder?
Each afternoon, your student should arrive home with a take-home
folder containing any school notices, corrected tests, quizzes
and papers, as well as homework assignments for that day. Third
graders are responsible for arriving to school every morning with
their folders. In it, they must have all completed homework
assignments and any communication from home (notes, permission
slips, lunch money etc.).
This system helps ensure that no important documents are
misplaced and that all forms of communication between school and
home are viewed.
What is the best way to contact Miss Wilcox?
A partnership between home and school is important, and I
encourage you to keep the lines of communication open. Should
you need to contact me, please call the Winthrop School main
office or access my email address via our classroom website.
PLEASE NOTE: Calling and/or scheduling a conference is
best when dealing with sensitive issues involving students
(academic as well as social).
What are the MCAS Exams?
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests
all public school students across the Commonwealth. Administered
annually in select grades, the tests measure performance based on
the learning standards in the Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks. Results serve as one basis of accountability for
students, schools and districts.
What MCAS tests are administered in third grade?
During the 2011-2012 school year, the following MCAS tests will
be administered:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
When are the MCAS taken?
The exams are administered during the Spring. Specific dates
will be announced during the school year.
Where can I learn more about the MCAS exams?
You may visit the Department of Education website for additional
information at http://www.doe.mass.edu.
What is Study Island?
Study Island is an online test program, designed to help students
prepare for the MCAS exams. Usernames and passwords will be
designated to students during the school year.
What is eharcourtschool?
Harcourt School Publishers offers an online assessment component
to our math curriculum. Students may visit
www.eharcourtschool.com, access assignments and practice their
math skills. Usernames and passwords for this tool will be
provided during the school year.
