2016

From Mrs. Matz: Ohios New Testing Information

Ohios State Tests measure student progress toward Ohios Learning Standards. They help ensure every Ohio student
receives a high-quality education. Student test results show that students have the knowledge and skills they need to
move successfully to their next steps in education. Federal and state laws require state testing for specific grades and
subjects. As part of the current law, the Ohio Department of Education is developing new tests in Mathematics and
English Language Arts with the assistance of Ohio educators. To build these new tests, the department will use its
existing contract with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), a well-known test vendor. AIR currently provides
Ohios science and social studies tests. In comparison to last years assessments, the new tests will be: 1. Shorter than
those given last school year; 2. Given during one testing window; and 3. Given during the second half of the school
year, close to the end of the school year. Each test will be approximately three hours and will be divided into two parts.
All students will take these tests on the computer.

WHICH GRADES AND SUBJECTS TAKE STATE TESTS?

Grades 3-6
English Language Arts and Mathematics
Grades 4 and 6 Social studies
Grades 5 and 8 Science
HOW CAN I STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW STATE TESTS?
Please visit the State Tests Updates website education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing/2015_2016-State-Tests-Updates
and register to receive updates when they are posted.
Please continue to watch for more information coming home regarding these important tests. If you have any
questions regarding these tests please do not hesitate to contact me.

Important Dates
January 22-February 5 McDonalds Peeler Fundraiser
February 2Quiz Bowl Away @ Eastwood
February 12Midterms Home
February 12 Donuts With Dads
February 15No School, Presidents Day
February 16BOE Meeting 6pm/PTO Meeting 6:45pm
February 17Quiz Bowl HOME vs. Gibsonburg 3:45
February 23Quiz Bowl Home vs. Elmwood 3:30
February 29Spring Pictures
March 1-3 CogAt Testing, grade 5 Only

Heating Help

Anyone needing support heating their home

may contact the WSOS HEAP Program
1-888-441-4327. If you do not qualify for this
program, families residing in Seneca County
can contact Seneca County's PRC
department (but only if you do not qualify for
WSOS).

Reminders

Leaders of the Month

As we begin the second semester here

at Fostoria Intermediate School, we
would like to take a moment to remind
parents of a few key policies/procedures
that we need your help with:
1. If your child will be going home
differently than they typically do, please
be sure to send a note with your child in
the morning. If there is a need to change
transportation arrangements during the
day, you need to call the office before
2:30pm to ensure we have time to notify
your childs teacher.
2. If you would like to have someone
new pick your child up from school, you
will need to add this person to your
childs EMA. These changes must be
done in person and cannot be done over
the phone. Please be sure to bring in a
photo ID.
3. Please be sure to have a photo ID on
you at all times when coming to pick up
a child. Even if our office staff knows
you, there may be someone covering the
office who does not. Children will not be
allowed to leave with anyone we cannot
verify is on their list.
Please remember that these policies are
in place for the safety of your child and
for all of our students. We appreciate
your understanding and willingness to
work with us!

McDonalds Peelers
Students received a packet to sell McDonalds Peeler Cards on Friday, Jan. 22. This fundraiser will
end on Feb. 5. Cards are $10 each and are valid at several locaFons in Fostoria and surrounding
communiFes. Students who sell cards and choose to go to Camp Willson as a 6th grader will earn
$4.50 from each card sold that will be applied to the cost of camp. Any addiFonal monies raised will
go to the PTO to help pay for acFviFes and equipment for our school. Money is due at the Fme you
turn in your order. Checks should be made payable to FIES PTO. Thank you for your help!

Give Kids A Smile Day

Tri-County Dental Center, LLC will be hosting a Give Kids a Smile Day on
Friday, February 5, 2016. Dr. Thomas Guernsey and Dr. Steve Geroski will
be providing free dental treatment to children up to age 18 if they are not
covered by insurance or Medicaid. Appointments are required. Call today
to schedule your appointment 419-435-3255.

Conference Date
Please mark your calendar for
Thursday March 17th for Parent
Teacher Conferences from
3:30-7:30pm. More information
will be coming home with
students in early March.