Students will be taking their ELA MCAS next Tuesday and Wednesday.  Please reassure them that they are ready since all of the reading and writing they have done all year has been preparing them- for the test, yes- but more importantly for their next years of school and ultimately, whatever path they choose in life.  The reading and writing they have done has improved their skills, but also has introduced them to new times in history and to people of different backgrounds, and in doing so has cultivated empathy in them and an approach to understanding the neighbors that share this earth with them.  Everyone grows and grasps knowledge at their own unique pace, but all of our kiddos have grown and I am very proud of them for their efforts.  Tuesday and Wednesday, let them show off all that they are capable of, and then I look forward to getting back to exploring great books with them afterwards.  🙂