STAAR Testing week of April 1

Students across the state in grades 4-10 will be taking the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) the week of April 1. This week of testing includes English End of Course Exams for 9th and 10th graders. Please make sure your student is fully rested and comes to school prepared for testing. Students will be expected to have a sack lunch on testing days. No outside food deliveries will be allowed. Students may purchase a sack lunch from the cafeteria. Please also note our state testing/cell phone guidelines [PDF] and the security oath signed by high school students.

Schedule of Testing:  Week of April 1

Monday, April 1	English I Writing
Tuesday, April 2	Grade 4 Writing Day 1
	Grade 7 Writing Day 1
	Grade 5 Math
	Grade 8 Math
	English I Reading
Wednesday, April 3	Grade 4 Writing Day 2
	Grade 7 Writing Day 2
	Grade 5 Reading
	Grade 8 Reading
	English II Writing
Thursday, April 4	English II Reading

 

Campus Closed During Testing Week

STAAR assessment days are upon us! The first round of tests will be given April 1-5 and the second round on April 22-26. Because of required testing security, please note our school will be closed to all visitors, observers, volunteers, and guests throughout each week.

Important: No lunch or deliveries of any kind will be allowed for any grade level during these closed campus days (including birthday treats; please make other arrangements with your child's teacher for a day after testing week). Please provide a lunch from home each day or plan to have your child purchase a prepared lunch from the café at the assigned time (for those who are testing, an additional letter was sent home last week with instructions for ordering test lunches with your homeroom teacher).

We appreciate everyone's assistance and cooperation as we work in the best interest of all learners, their classroom leaders, and those involved in the testing process to maintain a safe, productive, non-interrupted, secure, campus testing environment.

Hammons Named Finalist for 2013 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award

Congratulations to Midlothian High School Steven Hammons who was named a finalist for a 2013 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, spotlighting him as one of the best educators in Texas. He was nominated for the “Lifetime Achievement, Secondary” category, which recognizes teachers with more than 20 years of classroom experience.

“Steve definitely excels at being a WOW teacher and role model among all of our great teachers at MHS,” said MHS principal Dr. Al Hemmle.

On March 6, Hammons was surprised when H-E-B representatives entered his classroom with balloons, cookies, and presented him with a $1,000 check for himself and a second $1,000 check for his school.

“I am truly honored to receive this special recognition for doing what I have enjoyed for the past 24 years, which is helping students excel in their learning process,” said Hammons, US history and dual credit/AP history teacher.

Assistant principal Zac Oldham emphasized that Hammons is a National Board Certified Teacher who uses technology and engaging lessons to facilitate and motivate his 21st century learners.
All H-E-B award finalists are invited to compete against other educators for the chance to win greater cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Overall statewide winners will be announced in May.