PSSA's Testing Information for Parents

Dear 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Grade Parents and Guardians:

The annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) English/Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science assessments will be administered at Apollo-Ridge Middle School from April 15^th – May 2^nd.  The testing schedule is as follows: 

These assessments are very important to the students, parents, and the Apollo-Ridge School District community.  These assessments will measure your child’s skills in English/Language Arts, Math, and Science.  They will also measure how well our school is performing academically.  The overall performance will factor into our annual PA Future Ready Index Report.  The PA Future Ready Index is one way the state measures the performance and overall effectiveness of our middle school.  The Future Ready Index Report is available online at:  https://futurereadypa.org/Performance/171083066053136051073114235002212220005159145170/019071058185070051204060159191107205213122085172#

During the assessment week, we are asking the parents and guardians to assist us in conveying the importance of these tests.  Here are some of the things that you can do as a parent to support your child during this assessment window:

• Ensure that your child eats a nutritious breakfast and dinner
• Encourage them to read, follow all of the directions, and take the assessments seriously
• Reinforce the test taking strategies that they learned this year:
  • Highlight and underline important words
  • Use a graphic organizer to organize their thoughts
  • Show all of their work on math questions
  • Reread everything / Check and double check their answers for accuracy
• Don’t “over pack” the family schedule and allow your child(ren) some time to relax
• Ensure that your child leaves ALL electronic devices at home during the entire testing window
• Allow your child to have some free time to blow off some extra energy
• Encourage them to do their best
• Ensure that your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep

Additional parent information regarding the PSSA is on the back of this letter.  As always, if you have any additional questions regarding the PSSA’s please feel free to contact the Middle School Guidance Office at (724) 478-6000  ext:  2020.