• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Identify challenges for students
• Identify trends in the data
• Identify learning styles of students

How students can do their best on the ITBS:

• Plan ahead for a peaceful, unhurried evening and morning before the test.
• Make sure you sleep well, eat a healthy breakfast, and get enough water to drink.
• Be on time for school.
• Be sure you are prepared with necessary tools such as extra pencils.
• Give an honest effort; take pride in yourself.
• Never leave an answer blank!
• DO YOUR BEST.

Talking to kids about the h1n1 flu virus: Here are a few tips: 

• Initiate the conversation. Left to their own devices, children can come up with stories more frightening than the reality. Help to reassure them with facts.
• Keep explanations very simple for younger children.
• Assure your children that there is no need to be afraid.
• You can tell your kids that this new virus causes a sickness that is a lot like the flu that we see every year, but that more people may get sick because the virus is new.
• If children inquire, let them know that even the most serious pandemic happened almost 100 years ago and, even then, almost everyone who became sick recovered. That was before people had access to the medical knowledge, care and medications that we have today. 
• Remind your kids of ways to avoid getting sick:
  Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing;
  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
  Don't share the same cup or share utensils with other people; Cough or sneeze into a tissue instead of your hands and then throw the tissue away or cough into your sleeve rather than your bare hands; and
  that they can tell you if they don't feel well.
• Be a role model! Adults should make sure they wash their hands properly and sneeze into a tissue or their elbow to set a good example for kids. 
  

Annual Education Appeal: I'll be speaking at the masses next weekend in support of the Diocese's Annual Education Appeal. The money raised goes in support of financial assistance. The need is great, even at our school. In the Diocese last year, elementary students requesting aide numbered 1,231 with a need of $3,817,378. The Diocese was only able to fund 375 students with a total of $199,000. Please be generous.
 

See you at the Parish Festival this weekend.
Tom Pulchny