Lately a lot of attention has been focused on state-mandated assessments.There is talk about what is being tested, how tests are administered, and how the results are used. The good news is that Penn-Harris-Madison has a long history of doing well on standardized testing, performing in the top 5% of districts statewide on ISTEP. This success depends largely on the Triangle of Success that connects parents, teachers and students working together to accomplish great things.

More good news: Parents can do a lot to help their students do their best when testing!  Know that standardized tests align with learning goals, or standards, that are being taught throughout the school year. Trying to study hard or “cram” at the last minute will not give your student an advantage. Instead, the best test preparation on the home front is your calm attitude and active support. That includes allowing for proper rest and good nutrition, and providing daily encouragement.

Facing challenges and learning to manage stress is a necessary part of growing up to be happy, productive and resilient. Parents can model those qualities for their children – and that’s just as important as any lesson learned in the classroom!

Your child’s health is important to us. It is well known that healthy children are in a better position to take advantage of the educational opportunities presented to them than children who are physically or emotionally struggling.

Immunizations are used to protect your children against certain diseases as well as other children in the school. Under Indiana Public Law, when a child enrolls in school his/her parent/guardian is required to furnish written proof that a child is fully immunized as required by the Indiana State Department of Health. Parents must furnish immunization paperwork to the school health office before the first day of school, which is August 19, 2015.

Immunizations may be obtained from your family doctor, St. Joseph County Health Department, or other area clinics. Please call the school health office for resources.

Minimum Immunization Requirements for 2015-2016 School Year

• 5 doses of DtaP/DTP/DT or 4 doses are acceptable if the fourth dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday

• 4 doses of Polio-the 4th dose must be on or after the fourth birthday and at least 6 months after the previous dose or another dose will be required or 3 doses are acceptable if all are IPV or all are OPV and the 3rd dose was given after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after the previous dose.

• 3 doses of Hepatitis B

• 2 doses of MMR- on or after the first birthday

• 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox)-on or after the first birthday and separated by 3 months or written physician documentation of the month and year of disease.

• 2 doses of Hepatitis A

Questions about immunizations can be directed to the school health office.