Superintendent's Article
Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to think about Kindergarten Round Up! Marcellus Elementary will host Kindergarten Round Up on April 20, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Those parents and guardians who have a child that will be age 5 by September 1, 2023 are invited to attend. The event is open for Marcellus residents as well as school of choice applicants.
Parents who attend the event can expect to meet Kindergarten teachers, tour the school, and learn about Marcellus Elementary and the programs available for students. Attendees are asked to bring the child’s certified birth certificate, immunization record, as well as photo identification for the adult registering the child. Please contact the elementary school office at 646-9209 with any questions about Kindergarten Round Up. Those parents and guardians who are unable to attend the April 20 event may contact Principal Bischoff to arrange an appointment.
Other important upcoming events include state testing. After a well-deserved spring break, students, parents and staff are now preparing for these important assessments. The Michigan Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) will be given over the next several weeks for students in grades three through eight. In addition, the PSAT will be administered to all students in grades eight through ten and the MME to all students in grade eleven. Seniors who have not previously taken the MME are required to take the test as well.
An overview of grade level testing is below. Specific M-STEP grade and subject level testing schedules are available at each school office.
- Grades 3, 4, 6, 7- M-STEP English language arts and mathematics
- Grade 5- M-STEP English language arts, math, social studies and science
- Grade 8- M-STEP science and social studies and PSAT 8/9
- Grade 9- PSAT 8/9
- Grade 10- PSAT 10
- Grade 11- MME
On April 11-13, juniors will sit for the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) which has three required components.
- SAT with Essay college entrance exam that also measures student knowledge of Michigan's ELA and mathematics standards
- ACT WorkKeys work skills assessment
- M-STEP science and social studies
Parents are encouraged to talk to their students about state testing, its importance and purpose. Testing is a regular part of learning and the results provide an important snapshot of student achievement and progress. The resulting data is also helpful for schools and districts to evaluate curriculum and programming effectiveness. For juniors, the SAT test results may be used for college admission decisions. Thus, it is important that students take the tests seriously and perform at their best.
Parents can help reduce student anxiety by explaining that the test is just one measure of student achievement and can help identify strengths and areas that may need additional attention and effort. Students should get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast and put forth their best effort.
Just before spring break, Marcellus Elementary and Marcellus High School were recognized as Reward Schools. The designation is based on student achievement measures, including the prior year’s state testing results. The district is incredibly proud of the honor and salutes the teachers, principals, students and parents for the accomplishment!
Great Things are happening at Marcellus Community Schools!
Upcoming Dates to Note:
April 20- Kindergarten Round Up- 5:30 -6:30 p.m.
April 22- Middle School Solo & Ensemble
May 9- ½ day of school or students
May 24- Spring Band Concert at 7:00 p.m.
May 25- Senior Awards Night- 7:00
May 26- Last day for seniors
