Happy February!

This month I wanted to take a few moments to discuss standardized testing and the

required state test called the Georgia Milestones Assessment System.

In Georgia, the required assessment is the Georgia Milestones Assessment System for

students in grades 3-8. Georgia law, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015,

requires that all students in grades three through eight take the Milestones in the content areas of Reading/English language arts and mathematics. The state of Georgia also requires that we test all students in grades 5 and 8 in the subject of science.

At West Side Elementary, we have been working extremely hard for the past few months

to prepare your child to master the Georgia Standards of Excellence that will be evaluated on the Milestones test in April. You can help your child do their best on these tests by ensuring

that they continue to be at school on time each day, complete class work and homework

assignments, and is well-rested and ready to learn each morning. During the testing week in April, please help your child by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and have

a good, stress-free morning. If you have questions or concerns about the Milestones test and

promotion requirements, please make an appointment to discuss them with your child’s teacher

at a mutually convenient time. As always, my door is open to you as well.

As a former coach, I think of Milestones week as the championship tournament

our students have been preparing for over eight months. While some students will be more

nervous than others (Being nervous is good!), all of our students deserve the opportunity to show their best on the test! I am excited about this year’s chance for our students to display their academic excellence.

Robert Mountjoy

Principal