Dear Central Families,

                  Is it really our last newsletter for the school year?  Is it possible that in eight weeks your students will begin their summer breaks?  The answer is yes and while we have combined our April- May newsletter we still have much to accomplish in the next eight weeks of school.  For continued up-dates over the next few weeks, please check our web site and Channel 18.  We will also keep you informed through our telephone broadcasting system.   

This month your students will once again take the state standardized test. The Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test (OCCT) requires that all students meet very rigorous standards.  The Administrative staff and teachers of Central have spent a great deal of time analyzing a variety of data to seek ways to improve our teaching and student learning.  Two of the continued areas of focus are in the areas of reading and math.  

It may be a reflection of our times, but many students do not seem to have the basic skills and abilities to assure they progress at the rigors expected.  We are in a technological era.  While this has simplified our lives and provided a wealth of resources at our fingertips, it may also be enabling our students.  With TV, Play stations, computer games and the numerous other activities, students seem to read less.  Literacy is such a key factor to success in school and life.  To become proficient readers, of course one must read, read, read.  Calculators have provided simplified ways to calculate, yet students seem to be less likely to put into their long-term memory basic facts and problem solving techniques.

As parents there are many ways you can insure your students are continually improving their reading and math skills.  You will find suggestions on page 8 of this newsletter.   We appreciate your efforts in working with us to help our students reach their full potential.

This year sixth grade students will take pencil-paper tests in both math and reading.  Seventh grade students will take pencil-paper tests in reading and math, but take their geography test on-line.  Eighth grade students will have pencil-paper testing in science and history while their reading and Pre – Algebra or Algebra I will be on-line.

  All students will be required to pass their Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test in both reading and math to avoid losing an elective and being placed in FOCUS.  Students in the eighth grade will also be required to pass these tests to avoid being required to take summer school, or lose an elective and be double blocked in math or reading remediation class.  Another motivating factor for eighth graders in passing their reading test is that they cannot get their drivers license until they pass.  As high school students all of our students will be required to pass their end of instruction test in English, Science, History and Algebra II.  

This month is the month for assessing our students’ learning.  The OCCT test will be given during the week of April 10-25 (see grade level testing schedule on this page of the newsletter).  It is important for all students to arrive on time and not be absent during their testing.  We also would ask that you not schedule any appointments that will remove students from school during the day.  Be sure to have your student get a good night of sleep,  eat a good breakfast and send them to school with lots of encouragement to do their very best. 

Testing is a real part of life.  It is important that we help our students understand the importance of doing their best in taking tests.  They will be faced with testing throughout their education and in many cases, their jobs.  Regardless, reading and math will be vitally important throughout your students’ lives.   Look for test taking strategies and tips in this newsletter.

“The more help a person has in his garden, the less it belongs to him.”  This quote by William Davis so eloquently reflects how important it is for each of us to remember that the young adolescents attending Central are a part of a Central family.  Much like a blended family, the ole saying, “yours, mine and ours,” is the attitude we have taken together throughout this school year.  As community, parents, volunteers, faculty and staff we have worked together and shared the joys that come with educating and raising the youth that will be in charge of our future tomorrows. 

Our year has been filled with many ambitions for our students.  Just as soon as they have attained one ambition, we have seen another one shining a little higher for them to reach.  It has been our goal to motivate and challenge them to continue to reach higher, stay the course and finish the tasks at hand.  Without ambition life certainly would be dull. 

As we close with this last newsletter of the year, we can celebrate an exciting and eventful year filled with numerous blessings and accomplishments.  These accomplishments are reflections of a community of people who together have shared a common goal and contributed to a standard of excellence.  They are a reflection of continued hope and belief that together, we do make a difference!

It is a pleasure and an honor to have the opportunity to serve you and your children.  Our students truly are awesome!

Tara Fair, Principal

Brandon Kysar and Deby McWatters,

Assistant Principals