RE: Stanford 10 Dakota STEP

During the weeks of April 2-11, the Vermillion School District will be assessing grades three through eight and 11 with the Stanford 10 Dakota STEP.

These assessments inform parents, students, the Vermillion School District and the state of South Dakota how groups and individuals are progressing educationally. All students in grades three through eight and 11 must be assessed as mandated by the "No Child Left Behind" federal law. Students, parents, teachers, administrators and South Dakota DECA (Department of Education and Cultural Affairs) will receive results for analysis.

The test results are expected by the end of May and will be mailed to parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the grade appropriate counselor with questions: Barb Schwartz, counselor, Jolley School, 677-7015; Ginnie Talley, counselor, middle school, 677-7025; Lea Gustad, counselor, high school, 677-7033; Patty Larsen, counselor, high school, 677-7033; Len Griffith, testing coordinator, high school, 677-7033.

For more information on the dates the different grades will be tested and how to prepare your child to take a test, go to the Vermillion School District Web page. Click on Guidance, then Dakota STEP Test information.

Parents! In preparation for these testing days, please encourage your student to:

1. Get a good night's sleep.

2. Eat breakfast.

3. Have two sharpened #2 lead pencils with erasers.

4. Bring calculator for math assessment (grades 3 through 8 and 11).

5. Bring book to read or homework to do/if student completes a test section early.