Below is the email sent to WMS families on April 23, 2019, with info on SBA testing this year:
Dear Families/Guardians:
This spring, your child/children will take the Smarter Balanced Assessments in Math and Language Arts. As our most valued partners in the education of your child/children, we want to ensure that you are informed in a timely manner of any required activities that may impact your student/family.
This year, part of the state testing window coincides with the observance of Ramadan. Seattle Public Schools are required to follow the state mandated testing window and cannot change the testing window. Our school’s testing dates within that window will be May 13th to May 21st. Testing sessions will be from 8:55 to 11:25. Make up testing will take place during the days following May 21st. Details of each grade’s testing dates are below:
We want to meet every student’s needs for successful preparation and support them in doing their best as they take the state tests. For families observing Ramadan, please let your advisory teacher/principal know how we can best accommodate your students/family during this time.
More students than ever have been participating in the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Our school does not stand to benefit from any parent or guardian choosing to opt their child out of the Smarter Balance Assessment, however you may opt your child out if you so desire. All opt-out requests must be initiated by the parent/guardian in the form of a signed, written communication and should be directed to the principal. Additionally, you may submit your opt-out request via this form. There is not a student initiated opt-out form or process. If a parent/guardian chooses to opt-out their student, the student is still required to attend school, however we will not be able to offer enrichment activities during the testing times.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in the testing environment. A portion of the test does require the use of headphones. We will provide headphones; however, students may bring headphones or earbuds with a standard 3.55 mm jack if they prefer to use their own.
For more information about the Smarter Balanced tests, visit: www.k12.wa.us/smarter. To try out an online Smarter Balanced practice test, visit: https://wa.portal.airast.org/training-tests.stml
Thank you for continuing to work with us to make sure your child is successful. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your child and your family. We want your child to leave Seattle Public Schools with a strong foundation of skills and a future full of opportunities.
Sincerely,
Devin Murphy
Assistant Principal
Washington Middle School
Washington Middle School PTSA 
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