March is Youth Arts Month
CogAT Testing- Grades Three and Five
To parents with children in grades 3 and/or 5,
During the dates of February 28th-March 2nd, students in grades 3 and 5 will be taking the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). This is a three part test that assesses a student's Quantitative, Verbal and Nonverbal aptitude.
There are multiple uses of the CogAT at Oak Grove School. CogAT scores can assist teachers with planning instruction and support opportunities for differentiation in the classroom. In addition, the scores from this assessment will help determine students who are eligible for the Talented And Gifted program (TAG) in math and English language arts. All students, including 5th graders currently in the TAG program, are reviewed for placement. Please, see the link below for the TAG Handbook, which outlines additional information about the TAG program.
In addition to the CogAT, other scores that are reviewed for TAG placement include: STAR, a math problem solving assessment, teacher recommendations and a writing sample, which are administered based on the CogAT results. Please, see page 10 of the TAG Handbook for additional details.
Scores from the CogAT will be made available to parents after the district receives them from the scoring company.
Students will be taking these assessments on February 28th, March 1st, and March 2nd. On these days, please ensure your child gets a good night's rest, eats a good breakfast, and attends school.
Thank you for your help. If you have any additional questions, please contact Michelle Jackson, at jackson@ogschool.org.
Link to our TAG Handbook:
PTO News
Recycling Volunteers Needed for the Elementary and Junior High cafeterias. Please click on the link below to sign up.
Box Tops - It's time for our 2nd Box Top collection and count! Please send them in by Friday. Can't wait to see which classes will be in the lead for our contest! Stay tuned and thanks for your support!
Meet the Candidate Night - Save the Date:
The PTO will be hosting a Meet the Board of Education Candidates night on Thursday, March 16th, at 7PM in the Elementary gym. More information on how to submit questions for the candidates will follow, as we get closer to the date .
Mother/Son Night - Saturday, February 25th 6:30-8:30PM
Don't forget to your tickets to the first Oak Grove Mother/Son dance. This is open to all K-8 boys. Festivities include DJ, games, snacks, photo booth & raffle prizes. The event will be located in the Junior High gym. Come dressed in your favorite TEAM attire.
Curriculum Corner
Hello Oak Grove Community,
Oak Grove 3rd-8th grade students will be taking part in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing from April 10th-21st with make-up testing occurring April 24th-28th. Throughout the PARCC testing window, students will continue taking their devices home each night for charging purposes. Students will also need a working pair of headphones. We are asking parents to please assist their 3rd-8th grade students in nightly device charging, reminding students to bring their devices to school daily throughout the testing window, and to please make sure each student has a working set of headphones.
PARCC preparation is important. The computer interface is more complex than other digital tests students have done during NWEA and STAR testing. For practice with this more complex interface, students can take the PARCC practice tests for both ELA and Math at https://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests. The purpose of the practice tests are not what score a student obtains, but more for gaining a better understanding of the more complex PARRC testing interface as well as the test taking tools that are offered on the tests. Students are encouraged to take the tests at and around their grade level.
Lastly, we encourage students to get a good night's sleep prior to their testing dates, eat a nutritious breakfast, and to get to school on time! A more detailed testing schedule will be available closer to the PARCC testing window.
STEM for Girls in Seventh Grade
STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) for Girls is a free event for girls in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in STEM topics. The vision of the program is to motivate middle school and high school girls interested in STEM careers to become innovative and creative thinkers. The day will include hands-on sessions, career advice from successful scientists and engineers, and presentations on many different fields. The event will take place at the College of Lake County on Saturday, February 25th from 8:45 am to 3 pm and will include lunch. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the event, including registration information, please click the link: http://www.clcillinois.edu/events/stem-for-girls
Oak Grove School Board of Education
Click HERE to view Board Agenda and Minutes
Email: boe@ogschool.org
Website: www.ogschool.org
Location: 1700 S. O'Plaine Rd. Green Oaks, IL 60048
Phone: 847.367.4120
