Students in Grades 5-8 Take MidTerms
Middle-school students continue to take midterm exams. At SJB, students in grades 5-8 take midterm exams in January and final exams in May. The experience prepares our students for the challenge of taking exams when they attend Catholic high schools. Montgomery County public high schools stopped giving their students mid-terms and finals a few years ago. The intensity of the exams is phased in. Fifth grade students take mid-term exams in language arts and math, but the exams cover several weeks of content and are not fully cumulative. In 6th grade, science and social studies mid-terms are added. In 7th and 8th grades, religion, science, and Spanish midterms are added, and the exams cover the content for the year.
Create, Craft, Construct
Cardboard Challenge is Friday
Our third annual Cardboard Challenge, a design-and-build experience for upper-grade students, will take place on Friday. Students are invited to come to school out of uniform.
Tag Day Friday
Athletic Ministry Hoodies May Be Worn in January
SJB hoodies may be worn for the rest of January instead of navy sweaters.
Half-Day on Friday
Reminder: Friday is a half-day. Dismissal is at 12 noon.
Holy Family To Remain Open
Thank you, SJB, for dedicating tag-day money to Holy Family, a Catholic school in Hillcrest Heights that’s been struggling financially. We raised $385 for Holy Family School in December. The good news is that Holy Family will not close at the end of the school year. The school received enough financial support to stay open. Holy Family Principal Michelle Taylor personally thanked St. John the Baptist students for their response and generosity.
HSA & School Board Meet Monday Night
The School Advisory Board and Home School Association will meet on Monday at 7:30 pm in the Library. Among the items on the agenda: the school’s annual fundraising gala and the school’s emergency response plan.
Classes Begin Mid-Year Scantron Tests
Mid-year Scantron tests are administered to grades 1-8 over the next two weeks. Students take the computer-adaptive assessments in reading and mathematics three times during the school year: September, January, and May. The results help us analyze class progression during the year by identifying strengths and targeting the most challenging learning objectives with instruction adjustments. The scaled scores allow us to measure proficiency without regard to grade level. After the tests are scored in May, we send parents a portfolio of each student's scores in math and reading for the school year. The results are nationally-normed.
Here is the Scantron mid-year test schedule:
|
Date Monday, Jan. 7 |
Grade Subject 2 Math |
Test Time 8:30-9:30 |
|
|
4 Reading |
9:45-10:45 |
|
Tuesday, Jan. 8 |
3 Reading |
8:30-9:30 |
|
|
1 Math |
9:45-10:45 |
|
Wednesday, Jan. 9 |
4 Math |
9:40-10:40 |
|
|
3 Math |
1:00-2:00 |
|
Monday, Jan. 14 |
6 Reading |
8:20-9:40 |
|
|
8 Reading |
9:40-11:00 |
|
Tuesday, Jan. 15 |
7 Math |
8:20-9:40 |
|
|
6 Math |
10:20-11:40 |
|
|
5 Reading |
1:25-2:05 |
|
Wednesday, Jan. 16 |
5 Math |
9:00-10:20 |
|
Friday, Jan. 18 |
7 Reading |
8:20-9:40 |
|
|
8 Math |
10:20-11:40 |
Register Now for After School Science Club
See the flyer for information on after-school science clubs.
Kids Night Bingo is Coming
See the flyer for Jan. 28 Bingo.
Yearbook Recognition Ads - Due Feb. 16
If you'd like to purchase a yearbook ad to congratulate your future graduate, acknowledge your child's achievements, or advertise your business, please see flyer with instructions. Ads can be purchased and designed online through Jostens. Full page($50), half page ($30), quarter page ($20). Orders due 2/16/19. Questions? Contact Mrs. Leishear at Chrissy.Leishear@sjbsilverspring.org
Sign Up for Chess Club
Please Tell Your Friends About SJB's Open House
It Begins At 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 9
Career Day is March 22
We'll be looking for parents interested in talking to students about their interesting careers. More information will be coming soon.
Catholic Schools Week Begins Jan. 27
We promote and celebrate Catholic schools all week.
Look for some of our 8th grade students to speak about Catholic schools at Mass on Sunday, Jan. 20.
On Thursday, Jan. 31, we have our annual Family Day, when we show special appreciation for our school families.
Family Day is Thursday, Jan. 31
The day begins with an open house for our school families from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. During the open house, parents are invited into the classroom with their children. At 10:45 am, we will have a family Mass together in the Church, followed by a family lunch together in the gym. It is a great tradition for school parents to come to school for Family Day.
Here are the order forms for Family Day Lunch and for Third Quarter Thursday Hot Lunch.
Order forms also went home in the Gold Folders.
French Club Begins At SJB
See the flyer for information.
Family Looking for Ride for Kids
One of our school parents, Mrs. Anthony, is seeking a ride home for her children, Adrian (8th), Amanda (6th), and Adam (3rd). Please contact Mrs. Anthony at adamanthony2010@yahoo.com if you are able to give their three children a ride home at dismissal on school days. The family leaves off of Old Columbia Road near Tech Road.