[NWEA Assessment]: Assessment Taking Strategies





Feeling nervous about taking the NWEA Assessment?


Here are a few tips and information that can help you do your best while completing the assessment.
  • This assessment is not timed
  • Take your time
  • Read each question carefully
  • Pay attention to detail
  • Always read the whole question-don’t assume what the question might be
  • Read all possible answers
  • Follow directions carefully
  • When choosing a multiple choice answer, eliminate answers you know are incorrect first
  • Focus on the question in front of you
  • Keep a positive attitude
  • Try to stay relaxed
  • If you feel yourself getting nervous or anxious, take a few deep breaths
  • Finally, Do your best!

Follow these assessment taking strategies and you will do great!

Confused about what the NWEA MAP Test is? Check out this post to learn more!
[NWEA Assessment]: The Basics- What is the NWEA MAP Assessment?

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[NWEA Assessment]: The Basics - What is the NWEA Map Assessment?



The NWEA Assessment is coming...

 The Student Services Advisor team wants to help you prepare for the NWEA Assessment with a 3 part blog series. Here is the first installment, written by Student Services Advisor April Scharnberg.

Between March 3rd and the 13th, students in grades 7 - 11 at BlueSky Online School will take the NWEA MAP Math and Reading tests. This is required of all 7th through 11th grade students.


These tests are designed to see where students are at in both reading and math. 

Each test takes about 45 - 60 minutes to complete. The tests are progressive, so the test gets more difficult with each correct answer, and easier with each incorrect answer. Students are only expected to get about 50% of the questions correct. 

Simply complete the tests and give it your best effort!

Have you signed up for the NWEA Assessment yet?


If you haven't signed up yet, please do so right away! 
Go to the following link: http://goo.gl/forms/jw0w61NifV


Please write down the time and date you select as a reminder to you. You will get an email on the day of the test with the link to the testing site, testing session ID, and password.





Where do I take these tests? 

The tests can all be taken from your computer at home! 
You are encouraged to download Chrome 23 or Safari 6 or above as a browser for testing since these browsers have proven to run the testing without problems.  It only takes a minute to install the browser. 
The tests must be done on your computer, you cannot use your smartphone .
BlueSky Staff will be available during MAP testing to help with any technical difficulties

The NWEA Test is important, but so are your classes!

You will receive some attendance credit for testing; however, completing less assignments for the week will put you behind in your classes, and not count towards any class work. Please continue to work in your classes on a testing day, or put in extra work another day of the week.

Have questions?
Please contact Testing Coordinator Dawn Mensing. She can be reached at 651-202-2005 or dmensing@blueskyschool.org

Check back here for more [NWEA Assessment] tips!

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SYS: Share Your Story!


Calling all BlueSky Students, Parents, and Guardians:

BlueSky wants YOU to share your story!! 


Each of you have an amazing story that led you to attending BlueSky Online....and we want to hear it! 

BlueSky Online is collecting your stories for use on our Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ accounts. 

Take this opportunity to show the world what BlueSky means to you! 





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BlueSky Earth Science Students - Virtual Reading with Barbara Bush



A virtual reading experience with Barbara Bush


A handful of Earth Science students and BlueSky Online Science teacher, Julie Johnson, had the opportunity to participate in listening to former First Lady Barbara Bush read the book “Rushmore” by Lynn Curlee.   

Students learned the story behind this national treasure, from the engineering feat of building the landmark to its historical significance.

Schools from all 50 states, Ghana and Canada participated in this event and select schools were chosen to ask questions of the former First Lady.




Mr. Hall Davidson of Discovery Education demonstrated how to use computer-generated, augmented reality to bring books to “life” using a free downloadable app called Aurasma.


If you would like to view the archive of this event, click on:  DiscoveryEducation.com/Reading-Discovery.






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[Re-Post]: Scheduling Your Schoolwork



A few months back (actually, October to be specific!), I posted a 'Bag of Tricks' to help you schedule your schoolwork.

Week 4 of the semester seems like a good time to remind you of all of the ways you can (and should!) create a schedule for yourself.

Here is the Re-Post! Enjoy :)
_______
In honor of Halloween...


A "Bag of Tricks" to help you schedule your Work Time!

I know...it's a bit corny. But I was trying to tie into one of my favorite holidays coming up this week! Did you know that your Student Services Advisor has a Bag of Tricks for you to try, when scheduling your work time with school?

Every student has a different pace that works for them. And sometimes, the key to success is simply finding the way that works best for you!

Here are few suggestions from your Student Services Advisors:

Create a Schedule:

  1. Set aside specific blocks of time to work on your school work. 
  2. Print out a schedule and post it in your workspace. 
  3. Use the Google Calendar with your blueskyschool.org Gmail account to create a schedule. 
  4. Even schedule in a lunch break and a "recess" to your day!


Some Different Scheduling Ideas:

  1. Work on each class for 45 minutes each day. 
  2. Set your week up like a Block Schedule by working on half your classes each day for 90 minutes each. 
  3. Only work in each class once per week, but for a large chunk of time like 4 hours. 
  4. Front load your week by working on your most challenging classes on Monday. 
  5. And leaving your most enjoyable class as an end of the week reward. 


Make a Checklist:

Use the Pacing Guides in each course to create a "To Do" list for your week.
Check off each item as you complete it.

Ah....nothing feels better than a totally checked off To Do list!!  There are a variety of ways that students find to keep themselves on pace.  The best thing you can do is find what works for you and stick to it.  Make sure that you make your school work your number one priority! Scheduling your days will help you with this tremendously.

Most importantly...if you are struggling with creating a schedule for yourself, contact your Student Services Advisor! They can help you create a plan specific to you and your needs. Do you have a scheduling idea in your Bag of Tricks that you would like to share? Please leave a comment below!

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BlueSky Honor Roll Students in the News!


Some of our students have been in the NEWS!!

 Bluesky Online is SO proud of our Honor Roll students! And we are excited to see their accomplishments show up in the newspaper!

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of Honor Roll students in the Fall 2014 semester at BlueSky Online.


The Eden Prairie News featured BlueSky 10th grader Eric Schreier. He earned a 3.9 grade point average in his first semester at BlueSky! 

CLICK HERE to see the article! 


The Prior Lake American feature not only one, but TWO BlueSky students in a recent edition! Twelfth grader Sophia Baker made BlueSky's A Honor Roll will a grade point average earned of 3.7. Prior Lake 11th grader Natalie Ray earned the B Honor Roll with a 3.3 grade point average. 

CLICK HERE to see the article! 

The Hutchinson Leader featured BlueSky 7th grader Aliya Emme. Aliya has made the B Honor Roll with a grade point average of 3.5. Aliya is a very active student and enjoys the flexibility that BlueSky offers. 

CLICK HERE to see the article! 

The Bemidji Pioneer featured Hannah Olson as a Honor Roll student for her 3.1 grade point average! 

CLICK HERE to see the article! 

Mille Lacs County Times featured A Honor Roll student Alexandra Paxton. Alexandra joined BlueSky after suffering some health setbacks. She adds: 

“The (BlueSky) teachers were very helpful. They were contacting me and making me feel supported. They go out of their way to make sure I know what I’m doing and that I understand the assignments. They are very helpful,”

CLICK HERE to see the article! 


Congrats to all of our BlueSky Online Honor Roll students!!!



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[Teacher Tuesday!]: John Mizeur


Last week, we bid a fond farewell to Paul Moore as he heads off to retirement.

So, this week we are going to welcome his successor, John Mizeur!


You may recognize John. He has been in the BlueSky family since 2008, in a few different roles. 

John first joined BlueSky as a counselor. He then moved on to be the Testing Coordinator. And now, he is taking over as the school Registrar! 

John is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. 

When John was asked why he chose BlueSky, he said: 

"I chose to work for BlueSky Online School because of the wonderful staff and the commitment given to students to help them succeed. I have never been part of such a devoted staff that works with students, teachers, other staff members and the community."

John also shared that his favorite food: 

"I  could eat pizza everyday!"


One of the reasons that John enjoys BlueSky the most is: 

"Working with students and seeing them have success when they may have been struggling before."


In his spare time, John enjoys biking, hunting and fishing. He is also a huge Minnesota VIKINGS fan and loves watching football any chance he can get. John also enjoys playing cards, especially poker!

John has two cats...but that was his wife's idea :) 

John was asked what he thinks makes BlueSky so special and he shared: 

"I think what makes BlueSky special is the accommodating staff to student needs. No student at BlueSky is the same. Our staff works with each student to meet his/her individual needs. The flexibility given to students is also quite special. Because of the online environment, students can access their classes 24 hours a day! So, class schedules fit into their own personal schedule. 
BlueSky works well for students who are young parents, work odd hours, or just need a flexible class schedule."


BlueSky is excited to welcome John Mizeur to his new role as school Registrar! 

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