Frequently Asked Questions: The following are answers to common  questions 
of students and parents.

1. What is a "Take Home" folder?
2. What is the best way to contact Miss Wilcox?
3. What are the MCAS Exams?
4. What MCAS tests are administered in third grade?
5. When are the MCAS taken?
6. Where can I learn more about the MCAS exams?
7. What is Study Island?
8. 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.

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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).

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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.

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What MCAS tests are administered in third grade?

During the 2009-2010 school year, the following MCAS tests will 
be administered:

     English Language Arts 
     Mathematics

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When are the MCAS taken?

The exams are administered during the Spring.  Specific dates 
will be announced during the school year.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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