February 20, 2025 | Volume 43, Issue 23

PLAN FOR IOWA TESTING

Feb. 24-27, M-Th Mornings

NO SCHOOL Fri., Feb. 28

IOWA achievement tests are administered annually to students in grades 3-8. We do not give it to the younger grades because research indicates that the results are not accurate for students below grade 3 and that at younger ages, it creates unnecessary stress which may lead to test anxiety. This test gives us the ability to evaluate our students compared to national norms and confirm the teachers’ assessments of students.

While some low scores may occur in social studies and science because our curriculum does not follow the exact sequence of the public schools, these lower scores usually adjust by 8th grade as the students complete the acquisition of information for the public school K-8 curriculum. Occasionally, a student will have an "off" year due to overconfidence; consequently, students usually take greater care to check their answers the following year, which is a valuable learning experience.

Most students enjoy this week as an opportunity for a change of pace and to prove what they know. We do not study for the test ahead of time, and students should not do any test prep at home so that the experience remains a fun one for them.

Parents, the following are ways you can help your child have a successful test-taking experience:

• Keep a consistent attendance schedule by not missing school the week prior to IOWA testing or any of the days during the test week. Parents, if you didn’t take this into account in your vacation planning, please remember it for the future. If your child is absent from school the week prior to IOWA testing, s/he might not demonstrate his/her skills accurately.

• If your child is sick, please keep him/her home. While there will not be any make-up tests, please remember the scores will not be accurate if your child is not feeling well.

• Get students to bed early the weekend prior to the start of IOWA testing so they are at their best on the first day. Getting to bed early each night during the week will also be helpful.

• Help your child get up early enough to enjoy a leisurely high-protein breakfast — eggs, cheese, milk, and breakfast meats. High-sugar breakfasts and refined carbohydrates will leave students with quick high energy first thing in the morning, but this will be followed by a slump, which will occur around the time they test. Send high-protein snacks for mid-test breaks.



• Reassure students that their best will be good enough for you and assure them that it will be normal to not know the answers to some questions and that they should not worry about it.

STAY INFORMED & INSPIRED:

Check out Steppingstone’s Monthly Blog!

Did you know that Steppingstone School offers a monthly blog filled with insights, updates, and valuable resources for families of gifted learners? Our blog is a great way to stay connected with our school community and explore topics that matter to you.

This month, dive into the exciting details of Steppingstone’s 2025 Summer Camps, where young minds will embark on hands-on learning adventures in science, the arts, and outdoor exploration. Our camps are designed to challenge and inspire gifted students, offering them a summer filled with creativity, critical thinking, and fun! Read the full blog here.

We also invite you to explore highlights from our first SPARCler Parent Support Forum of the school year, where families of gifted children gathered to discuss the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted students. This insightful conversation provided parents with a supportive space to share experiences, gain valuable strategies, and connect with others navigating similar challenges. Check out the key takeaways here.

🌟 Don't miss out on future posts! Bookmark our Steppingstone Blog and visit regularly for fresh updates, expert advice, and stories that celebrate the joy of gifted education.

👉 Stay engaged, stay inspired—start reading today!

PLAN AHEAD TO BID!

Win These Garden Gnomes!

These charming gnomes will be waiting for your bid at our Annual Benefit Auction on April 12, 2025!  Whether they reside indoors or outdoors, they will decorate your lives.

👉 Register Now for an Opportunity to Bid! 👈

UNLOCKING the MEANING of IQ EVALUATIONS:

Join Us for Our Final SPARCler Parent Support Forum

Thursday, February 27th, 7pm

As we approach the end of the school year, we invite you to join us for our final SPARCler Parent Support Forum—a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and support one another on the journey of parenting gifted children.

📅 Date: Thursday, February 27th

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM

📍 Location: Steppingstone School

For our last session, we are excited to welcome guest speaker Kristin Cotts, who will lead a discussion on "Interpreting IQ Evaluations." Understanding IQ scores and assessments can be complex, and Kristin will provide insights into how these evaluations relate to gifted education, learning styles, and your child's unique potential. Whether you're new to the world of gifted education or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will offer practical takeaways to help you advocate for and support your child’s learning journey.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation and connect with fellow parents! RSVP today to reserve your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Newest Donors

Frances Eldis

For a full list of donors, see the Annual Giving page on our website.

Volunteers

Auction Chair

Chris Isberg

Auction Acquisitions

Michelle Belt, Chair

Dena Nehme

Brad Styke

SMART Center Chair

Robert Schiff

SPARC Chair

Michelle Tan

Marketing

Jorge Contreras

Yearbook & Keepsake Editor

Barbara Malnar-Styke