Principal's Post 

I want to congratulate our 3rd-grade students for completing the Math MCAS this week!  I am so proud of their hard work and dedication.   As we approach the end of the school year, our Walnut Square Superstars will begin their final Spring assessments, starting with the i-Ready® Diagnostic. This third and final Diagnostic is a vital tool that measures the incredible growth your child has achieved since the beginning of the year.  The results allow us to celebrate their progress and ensure we are meeting their instructional needs as they wrap up the school year.

What is the i-Ready Diagnostic?  i-Ready is an online, adaptive assessment that adjusts to your child’s unique needs.

• How it works: If a student answers a question correctly, the next question becomes a bit harder.  If they answer incorrectly, the next question becomes a bit easier.

• The goal:  Because it adapts, your child will see questions they do not know yet, and that is completely normal!  It is not a graded test.  Instead, it simply pinpoints exactly what your child knows and what they still need to learn so we can better support them.

Please note the following dates for our upcoming assessments:

• Monday, May 18th: i-Ready Reading Diagnostic begins

• Tuesday, May 26th: i-Ready Math Diagnostic begins

• Grade-Specific Windows: Reading Literacy tasks will also be completed during this time (schedules vary by grade).

The most important thing we can do is prepare our Superstars and motivate them to put forth their best effort. Here are a few ways you can support your child:

• Rest and Fuel:  Make sure they get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning (either at home or at school).

• Encourage Progress:  Let them know you are excited to celebrate how much they have learned this year!

• Talk About Effort:  Remind them to try their best and take their time without rushing, but not to get stuck on any single question for too long.

You can tell your Superstar: "This helps your teacher and me see how much you've grown since the fall.  Just do your best, don't worry if a question seems hard, and show off how much you know!"

I am incredibly grateful for your continued partnership, encouragement, and dedication to our school community.  Your involvement plays a crucial role in your child's success, and I cannot wait to celebrate the amazing growth all of our Superstars have made this year!

Sincerely, 
Jen Rubera
Principal

Walnut Square School Alphabet Calendar

Superstar Reading at Home Resources

• https://lote4kids.com/us-haverhill-public-library/  The Haverhill Public Library offers this wonderful resource with books in multiple languages!
• https://storylineonline.net/library/  Storyline Online
• Vooks Storybooks YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@VooksStorybooks
• KidLit TV:  https://www.youtube.com/KidLitTV
• Digital Reading Log:   https://forms.gle/bshU4hcReq2WGJ8r5
• Paper Log Passed out to Students: Traditional Paper Reading Log

Mark Your Calendar!

• Monday, May 18th:  Reading iReady Diagnostic Begins/MCAS Makeups 
• Friday, May 22nd:  K-3 Spring Music Concert 10:15 am
• Tuesday, May 26th:  Math iReady Diagnostic Begins 
• Friday, May 29th:  K-3 Spring Music Concert 10:15 am RAIN DATE
• Monday, May 25th:  Memorial Day- NO SCHOOL

• Tuesday, June 9th:  Field Day
• Thursday, June 11th:  Field Day Rain Date
• Friday, June 12th:  Grade 3 Walk Up Day to Pentucket Lake 9:30 am-11:30 am
• Monday, June 15th:  Kindergarten Teddy Bear Picnic 9:45-10:45 am
• Tuesday, June 16th:  Grade 3 Promotion Ceremony 11:00 am- 12:00 pm
• Tuesday, June 16th:  Grade 3 Luau 1:30-2:30
• Wednesday, June 17th:  Last Day of School *Early Release Day- Dismissal is 11:35 am

• Dismissal time is 11:35 am on the following dates:
  • Wed. 6/17 (Last day of School