FROM THE OFFICE OF
Christopher Martelli
May Whitney Elementary School
PRINCIPAL
100 CHURCH STREET LAKE ZURICH, ILLINOIS 60047
PHONE: (847) 438-2351 FAX: (847) 438-2696
10.21.15
Dear May Whitney Community,
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test was
developed to create a much-needed alignment of achievement standards across state lines
and between the elementary and high school levels in Illinois.
Later this fall, parents will receive score reports from the first Partnership for
Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exam administration. These
scores will look different than scores from previous state tests and are likely to be lower
than what parents typically expect for their student. This difference does not mean our
students know less or are less capable. The PARCC exam scores reflect different
expectations for what students should know and be able to do to stay on track for college
and careers than in the past.
PARCC exam results cannot be compared to test scores from the state’s previous
assessments (ISAT). The PARCC exam is a drastically different test and uses extended tasks
and technology-enhanced items to more accurately measure students’ critical thinking,
problem solving, and writing skills.
2015 PARCC testing served as a baseline for test scores. The 2016 PARCC test has been
modified in time and design compared to the baseline version. It is hoped that in future
years, scores will be available to educators and parents earlier.
The PARCC score reports will show how a student performed on each portion of the
PARCC assessment as well as your student’s overall score, which will fall within one of five
performance levels that indicate the extent to which your child demonstrated
understanding of grade-level subject standards. Students with scores of level 4 or 5, have
demonstrated that they have a thorough understanding of grade-level content and are on
track to being ready for college-level coursework. Students with level 3 scores are
approaching expectations, but may need additional assistance mastering content. Students
earning level 1 or 2 scores need greater supports and help to master content.
If the PARCC Test results are to be considered valid, the results should fall within the
boundaries documented by college success. In Illinois this is
• 59% of high school graduates in IL attend college
• 47% of high school graduates enrolled at four-year degree-granting institutions return
for their sophomore year
• 35% of IL high school graduates earn a college degree1
PARCC’s conclusion is well below the number of actual students who are accepted into
four-year degree-granting colleges, continue through their second year of college and even
those who actually graduate from college.
PARCC made the promise to develop the next generation of testing to accurately
measure student achievement and college-career readiness. While we support a valid
framework where a connection exists among curriculum, instruction and assessment, the
preliminary state-level PARCC data released recently, provides an inaccurate
representation of student achievement. PARCC's current college-readiness statements
seem to be unsupported by current post-secondary success status.
As educators, we agree the benchmark for academic standards and achievement must
be high. While we support assessment and accountability, the PARCC exam's current
conclusion of what meets educational expectations for success seems to lack transparency.
On Friday, October 30, we will be celebrating Halloween by having our annual Costume
Parade and Halloween Room Parties. If the weather cooperates, the parade will be outside.
In order to ensure the safety of all of our students, we will be using the following guidelines
for our school celebration. In choosing an appropriate costume for your child, please
adhere to the following guidelines:
•
•
•
No costumes depicting excessive violence (no fake blood please)
No weapons of any kind (squirt guns, plastic swords, etc.)
Keep make-up to a minimum (students will be responsible for putting on make-up and
there is only a short time given to students to get into costumes, so save the best for
trick-or-treating)
• NO ONE MAY WEAR MAKE-UP TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING (Kindergarten students
are the exception)
• Be certain that your child can see through his/her mask
Morning Schedule: Early Childhood, Little Leaders, and Kindergarten:
• 9:00 inside school parade begins – you may watch in the front hallway by the office
• 9:30 children return to the classroom and parties begin
Afternoon schedule:
• 1:30 parade begins – The route will begin from the lower parking lot onto Church St.
and we will walk towards the front of the building. We will then return inside through
the Little Leaders doors. Please view from either Church St. or the front parking lot.
• 2:00-2:15 children return to the classroom and parties begin
All afternoon parade spectators are asked to remain outside for the duration of the
parade. All Halloween room parties will begin immediately following the parade. PTO room
parents working in a room are the only guests allowed. If you are volunteering in a
classroom, please sign-in at 1:00. If you are not on the PTO list, we apologize in
advance, but you will not be allowed to your child’s classroom.
Due to various allergies present in our classrooms, we would once again ask you to
please refrain from sending any treats to school for your child to pass out to his/her
classmates. Our PTO’s classroom representatives will have treats planned for students
here at school. In preparation for the parties, classroom representatives are aware of any
allergies and will ensure that whatever is provided for our students will be safe for all of
them. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we hope all our students have a fun
and safe Halloween this year!
Sincerely,
Chris Martelli
Alison Kos
Principal
Assistant Principal
May Whitney
Elementary School
100 CHURCH STREET
LAKE ZURICH, ILLINOIS 60047