March 27, 2012

Dear LA Families:

Spring has “sprung” and we are all so very busy this time of year!  I want to thank you all for making this an amazing year where learning has been on the top of all our minds. The hard work I see from our kids on a daily basis is simply astounding to say the least.

With spring state testing on the horizon I want to compliment you all on the preparation that parents, staff and kids are doing to learn/teach skill sets and knowledge that go way beyond any state testing goals.

This focus on student learning goes to the heart of our mission in the education of our children.  The state testing (MSP/HSP/EOC) and the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) are good tools that give us indicators of our progress as a school and can help us diagnose strengths and weaknesses in order to plan strategic instruction for each individual student.

Please take some time and go to: www.k12.wa.us , second toolbar, family resources, State Testing, test questions, and you will find sample test questions/ released test items from past state tests that show examples of student answers with the how and why in regards to what score each student received. This is a great way to prepare for the upcoming assessments!

These assessments are simply indicators of academic progress and not supposed to “expose failure” or to be a “high stakes do or die” experience!

With two children of my own at LA, (Hope 8^th grade and Maria 6^th grade), I am literally in your shoes and want my children to be successful on any test that they take; however, we as a family have gained a lot from tests that have indicated one of our children had a weak area and was in need of additional strategic and intentional support. 

Thank you for all you are doing with your kids and thank you for your continued support of our school!

Blessings,

Chris Jorgensen

Principal

Lynden Academy

360-354-6675