March is quickly approaching, and each year in March our students in grades 1 through 7 take a standardized test, the Terra Novas. Terra Novas are used by the Archdiocese to assess student achievement in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.

Terra Nova testing will take place this year from March 1st through the 5th. The best way to prepare for the test is for your student to study diligently throughout the school year. Students in grades 1 through 7 took the Terra Nova 3rd Edition practice tests in class and the teachers have been working with the students on similar practice materials. There are a few things you can do as a parent to ensure your student performs at his or her best on the test days:

• Please make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and has a nutritious breakfast during the week of testing.
• Leave a little extra time for drop-off to prevent your child from rushing into school in a frenzied state.
• Remind your child of the importance of reading the directions thoroughly, listening to teachers, and carefully recording their answers on the answer sheet or booklet.
• Bring several sharpened #2 pencils.

I would like to thank you for your continued generosity toward those in need. Our Out-of-Uniform day for the families in Haiti garnered $833. Many thanks also for superceding our Pennies for Haiti goal of $1,200 by amassing $1,701.30. In early February, the Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society raised $3,118, You and your children's care and compassion are greatly appreciated.

Prior to December, our 4th Grade Girl Scout troop began a collection of soda pop tabs. They plan to donate them to Ronald McDonald House. Once the pop tabs are brought to Ronald McDonald House, their representatives bring them to the recycling center to be weighed and to determine their value. The local Ronald McDonald House will then receive a check for the total value. Please drop off your tabs in the large container in the back of the cafeteria.

Once again, thank you for all your support.

P. S. The March 2010 Lunch Menu is now available on the St. Michael's website. Just click on the Lunch Menu link in the right column of the homepage. .