Toppenish School District families,

State testing begins this Thursday, April 30th, and we want to thank you for helping our students get ready.

Each spring, students across Washington take state tests, including the Smarter Balanced assessments (SBA) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). These tests are important because they help our schools understand how students are learning and where they may need more support. The results also help guide our instruction, staff training, student support, and use of resources. These tests are a chance for students to show what they have learned this year. We are proud of the hard work our students and staff have put in, and this is a chance for students to show off their growth. These test results are also shared on our district’s state report card, so it is important that every student does their best.

Testing dates are listed below:

• Thursday, April 30th: WCAS for all students in grades 5, 8, and 11

• Tuesday, May 5th and Thursday, May 7th: Smarter Balanced English Language Arts for students in grades 3-8 and 10

• Tuesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 14th: Smarter Balanced Math for students in grades 3-8 and 10

It is very important that students are at school and on time on testing days. Any student absent on district-wide testing dates will have a later opportunity to test during the school day. 

Here are some ways families can help:

• Make sure your student is at school and on time on testing days.

• Please avoid picking your student up early on those days.

• Help your student get a good night’s sleep before each testing day.

• Make sure your student eats a healthy breakfast or gets to school early enough to eat.

• Encourage your student and remind them to try their best.

• Talk with your student about how they are feeling and help them feel calm and confident.

Thank you for working with us to support our students. We know our Wildcats are ready to shine!

We are Greater Together