East campus teachers spoke directly to parents Jan. 27 to encourage them to help their children in literacy and the upcoming STAAR test for 3rd through 5th graders.
About 90 parents came to the campus to listen to tips and recommendations on the challenges facing students today and in the future. “We talked to them about how they can support us by ensuring their children use the strategies that we teach them,” said Ms. Gayle Voltz, the East Campus director.
Parents of young children were asked to take them to a library at least once a week and to take books home for them to read. They were also encouraged to ask their children what they read to measure their ability to comprehend and increase their reading fluency. Teachers and the curriculum coordinators provided key websites that kindergarten through second grade students could access for literacy exercises.
Ms. Voltz said personnel from the Houston Public Library will soon come to the school to hand out library cards that parents can fill out at home. For the first time, the parents of PreK students were asked to attend, and about 15 did.
The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test was the focus for parents of 3rd through 5th grade students. The crucial test that could determine whether students move onto the next grade starts March 30 and ends April 22. The areas for testing include math, writing, reading and science. The Stanford 10 test for kindergartners through second-graders is April 21-24.
Ms. Voltz said the parents had lots of questions before they broke up into groups in various classrooms divided by grade levels. There, teachers focused on the key subject areas.
Parents were given free books, backpacks, t-shirts, pencils and bookmarks. Students were provided materials to “Build a Book” and do some writing. Scholastic Book Fairs provided the Klutz: Build a Book kits that included a wire-o-bound blank book, a package of assorted foam shapes, seven sheets of assorted designed and textured paper, a mini pen and glue stick. The Scholastic website said teachers love the books because they provide “a world of opportunities for creative and academic expression by reinforcing early literacy skills, encouraging collaboration and instilling in children a strong sense of accomplishment.”