Dreaded PSSAs

Well, unfortunately (imho), it's time for the PSSAs in western PA schools. All kids in grades 3-8 and 11 are subject to this week long battery of assessment.

Here is some basic info on the tests for those interested-
There are three sections of items for each of the reading and mathematics assessments.
There are multiple choice questions and open-ended questions.
The reading assessment requires responses to fiction and non-fiction passages to evaluate comprehension and reading skills.
The math section assesses five categories, which vary according to grade level.

Students should follow all good test taking behavior - go to bed on time, eat a healthy breakfast, use the process of elimination in multiple choice questions... So, keep up the good work - review those ETS study packets, and call us if you think you need specific help with your test taking. Most importantly - relax!

So go forth and be proficient!
-Rhonda

April Fools!

As April Fools fast approaches (less than six hours away) - I decided to do a little quick research and see what I could find out about this day.

It seems the history of April Fools Day is in question, but it is believed to have begun in Europe. Check out this site for a number of theories and some interesting stories - http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/aforigin.html.

But the neatest information I found just may be this blog entry from a tech blog I monitor. Josh Cadone's entry is the Top 10 Places to Get Fooled on April 1st. I know what I'll be checking in the morning - Google and then NASA for sure!

-Rhonda

Looking for Fun on Saturday

We have a great workshop planned for this Saturday and still have room for a few more students! So, grab the phone and call our toll free and sign up for Extreme Makeover - Self-Improvement Edition. We have some great things going on from lunch (I know you like food) to Zoomba, to Twister, to a local doctor talking about skin care. We'll be at the Health Science Center from 9-2 and have a treat bag with your name on it! I'll be there - hope you will too!
-Rhonda

Readergirlz

Hey Reader Girls - here is a site for you. Read about and join others in discussing favorite books and authors - this issue talks about and with author Sarah Dessen. If you liked "Just Listen" or any of her other books, check out the link:

http://www.readergirlz.com/issue.html

It's Pi Day

Any other math lovers out there? Ok, anyone like math or just curious? Today is Pi Day, March 14, 2008. Check out the site to find out more!
http://www.piday.org/

Youth Radio - Election 2008

I'm home on a short medical leave and was spending some time searching the Internet and catching up on a couple blogs that I "attempt" to monitor. I thought this might be of interest -it's certainly current and produced by teens from a teen perspective.

Here's the blurb from the website and the link:

Youth Radio is following Election 2008 around the country, through the perspectives of young people who are getting a close-up view of the process. Check out their thoughts, and watch for more to come.

www.youthradio.org/election2008/