March 5, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is time to begin another PSSA spring testing schedule. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires
all school districts to administer the ​Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)​ in English
Language Arts, Math and Science according to the following schedule:

Assessment Dates Grades

PSSA English/Language Arts April 10-12, 2018 6-8

PSSA Math April 17-19, 2018 6-8

PSSA Science May 24-25, 2018 8

PSSA Make Ups April 30 - May 4, 2018 As needed

The PSSA Assessments are based on the English Language Arts, Math and Science Standards. The
assessments are designed to assist school districts in determining the quality of their educational
programs. The PSSA results provide our school district with an objective measure of its educational
program. In addition to district-based assessments, the PSSA also assists you in gaining a better
understanding of your child’s ability and performance based on state standards. The goal of all staff in
Eastern York Middle School is to help your child meet with success on the PSSA. We ask for your
support to make the PSSA testing experience a positive one for your student. Each of these small things
help students do their best in school, especially on days when they are taking assessments such as the
PSSA.
● Avoid making any appointments or vacation plans during the testing windows that would
require your child’s absence from school.
● Make sure your child has adequate rest on the nights before testing and a good breakfast on
testing days.
● Encourage your child to dress comfortably on testing days.
● Make sure that your child arrives at school on time so that any preparations or instructions
will not be missed.
● Encourage your child to have a confident and positive attitude toward this testing. Please do
not over-stress the importance of test results; students who are tense often do not perform
at their true ability level.

Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), there are rules and policies regarding electronic
devices (cell phones, smart phones, and other prohibited devices) during the administration of the PSSA
Exams. Therefore, the following will take place during the testing window:
 ● All cell phones, smart phones, and other prohibited electronic devices are to be collected as
students enter the testing site.
● The consequence for using and/or having a cell phone or other electronic device during the
test administration will result in the application of a "Do Not Score" label on his/her test
booklet, and the student will not receive a score.
● If the student uses a cell phone or electronic device in any manner during the
administration of the test, the phone or electronic device will be confiscated until such time
that the parent/guardian can come to the school. In the presence of the parent/guardian, the
cell phone or other electronic device will be viewed to ensure that no information or
material regarding the assessment is present.
● Violation of the no cell phone or other electronic device rule will result in discipline.
Discipline will vary depending on whether test material has been compromised.

Additional information on the Grade 6, 7, and 8 PSSA can be found at the middle school’s website
http://www.easternyork.com/buildings.php?id=middleschool​ or at the Pennsylvania State Department of
Education’s website at​ ​www.pde.state.pa.us​.

We want all of our students to achieve at their maximum potential. Please feel free to contact our school
counseling office or me should you have any questions relative to this communication or any other
question.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students!

Sincerely,

Dr. Keith A. Shoemaker

Principal