RCMS students will begin their first round of ISTEP testing the week of March 5th. Students are strongly encouraged to do their very best on the exam. Student performance on the ISTEP in the middle grades is a good indicator of how successful students will be at the high school level. As many have heard from the faculty and staff at RCMS, students will be required to pass the end of course assessments in Algebra I and English 10 in order to receive a diploma. Therefore, we consistently strive to prepare students for this requrement at the middle school level. If you have further questions regarding this information, please feel free to give us a call!
Parents Often Ask...
How can I help prepare my child for the ISTEP test? Here are some pre-test tips!
Express confidence in him/her. Reassure him that he's learned what he needs to know. Tell him the test is a great opportunity for him to show the world what he's learned.
BUT, at the same time, don't scare him! Your child should be encouraged to do his best, but not to live in fear of the test.
Be sure your children are present every day and all day for ISTEP testing. Students do not do as well on the assessment when they have to make up the exam.
As with any other night...make sure he gets enough sleep. Children need at least eight-ten hours of sleep each night. So whether it's the night before ISTEP or the night before a regular school day, make sure your young students get to bed at a regular bed time.
Eat a healthy breakfast--cereal, toast, juice is great! But please...no bags of chips or Twinkies....or worse yet, nothing at all. Breakfast is the fuel that gets our bodies going in the morning.
Limit TV and video games---not just on the nights before tests, but all nights. Family time is valuable time--minus the distractions of TV and video games.
Encourage play outside. Running around, playing outdoor games, and natural excercise are healthy for body and mind.
And always, always, always: talk with your child. Parents are their children's greatest advocates and also should be their best listeners.
A Note From The Principal...
Welcome to RensselaerCentralMiddle School!As time passes, you will find that our school program focuses on YOU as an individual.
We intend to assist you in achieving a strong desire for learning and in the development of self-worth.To accomplish these goals we make specific demands of our students.These are self-control, self-reliance, courtesy, integrity, and most of all…respect for others.
This school is YOUR school and its success is largely determined by the amount of pride, dedication, and interest you take in your work here.We intend to provide you with a great deal of individual assistance as you progress through the middle school years and ask that you take advantage of this assistance as necessary, directing your total energies toward making your schooling a most rewarding experience.
We shall continue our efforts to provide the best kind of educational opportunities and learning experiences possible.To assist us, we ask the cooperation of parents in promoting the expression of positive educational attitudes at home – realizing that what is learned and practiced at home is carried over into the school setting and can be invaluable in our working with this age group.Students are to conduct themselves as young ladies and gentlemen at all times. Through our combined efforts, we trust that all Rensselaer Central Middle School students will experience a successful and rewarding school year.
