​WE DID IT! #BRCVPA HAS JUST BEEN NAMED THE #1 ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN THE NATION! We could not be prouder of our students, our faculty and staff, our parents, and our district! We are also so incredibly proud of #BRFLAIM, who joins us in the Top 10.

​More details to come! Please spread the word and BRAG ON OUR AMAZING SCHOOL! #MSAVirtual 

The Magnet Schools of America National (Virtual) Conference kicked off this morning with a the U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, as the keynote speaker. Before he spoke we were pleasantly surprised that the finale of the BRCVPA K-2 Mini-Production was chosen to open the conference! Our students received many cheers and compliments from the audience. We are so grateful to #MSA for giving our students this moment in the spotlight, and to Secretary Cardona for his support of Magnet Programs, and his inspirational words today!

#MagnetSchoolsofAmerica #MSAVirtual #BRCVPA 

Testing day has begun! BRCVPA welcomed students in style this morning and pumped them up with chalk drawings of inspirational sayings. Good luck, superstars! 

Say Yes to Positive Self-Talk
During tests, positive self-talk can build confidence and decrease your child’s test anxiety. Using positive self-talk before a test also can help reduce test anxiety and improve your child’s grades. Examples of positive self-talk follow.
• I went blank on the last question, but I now know how to reduce test anxiety.
• I know that with hard work, I will become a better writer.
• I prepared for this test and will do the best I can.
• I feel good about my self and my abilities. I am not going to worry about that one difficult problem. I’m going to use all my test time and check for careless errors. Even if I don’t get the grade I want on this test, it is not the end of the world. 

Make Mornings Pleasant!
Make the mornings of testing week pleasant ones. Do not add to your child's stress. Do not argue with your child or bring up a touchy subject. Instead, try to do extra things that make them laugh, smile, and relax.

Need some jokes? Check out these 20 Cheesy Jokes such as: 

Q: Why did Johnny throw the clock out of the window?
A: Because he wanted to see time fly!

On May 2, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., EBR Fine Arts Department and EBR Magnet Programs present ART, JAZZ, and PIZZAZZ!

This event is a showcase of the best of the best art and music in EBR Schools! BRCVPA has entered 12-15 art pieces into the showcase, so be sure to check it out!

Remember to practice Time Management!
Remind your children to practice good time management skills when taking tests. Tell them to make sure that they answer every question but flag ones they want to come back to if time permits. Students need to monitor their time and stay focused on completing the test. 

​Reassure your child that he or she does not have to answer all the questions correctly to pass. It is not expected that students answer every question correctly. There is always room for error. Knowing that they do not have to be perfect will help eliminate some of the stress that comes with testing.

​Don't spend too much time on a question that may be challenging you. Mark it or flag it, and come back when you finish the other questions. Sometimes a moment away can unlock something you didn't see before! 

Monday              Meatsauce with Spaghetti
Tuesday               Breaded Chicken Pattie or Hamburger on Bun
Wednesday        Deli Turkey & Cheese on Bun
Thursday             Turkey Roast with Rice and Gravy
Friday                  Pizza

Remain Positive!
Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If he or she gets nervous about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, your child practice some relaxation techniques that he or she can try once they are taking the test. 

Some relaxation techniques include: 
Deep Breathing
1. Sit straight up in your chair.
2. Slowly inhale through your nose. First fill the lower section of your lungs and work your way up to the upper part of your lungs.
3. Hold your breath for a few seconds then exhale slowly through your mouth.
4. Wait a few seconds and repeat the cycle. 

The Palming Method
1. Cup your palms over your closed eyes so there is no pressure on your eyeball.
2. Think of a real or imaginary relaxing scene. Mentally visualize this scene. Picture the scene as if you were actually there, looking through your own eyes.
3. Visualize this relaxing scene for one to two minutes. 

The Releasing Tension Method
1. Put your feet flat on the floor.
2. With your hands, grab underneath the chair.
3. Push down with your feet and pull up on your chair at the same time for about five seconds.
4. Relax for five to ten seconds.
5. Repeat the procedure two or three times then relax all your muscles except the ones that are actually used to take the test. 

It's here! The LEAP test is upon us next week and we are ready to tackle it. Teachers and students have been busy preparing their minds and now we get to show off our knowledge. Each day, we will share a bit of testing tips to help you reduce your child's worries and anxieties about the test.

Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep every night and eats a healthy breakfast!
​
Sleep is super important for everyone! Especially our kiddos. It helps our minds and bodies reset each and every day.

​We offer a balanced breakfast every morning in the cafeteria for free! Every student can receive a breakfast and will have plenty of time to eat it in the morning. Make sure to get to school on time and grab a bag on your way through the cafeteria! 

Last night, the school board approved a new calendar for the 2021-2022 School Year. Please save this for your records! The first day of school will be August 11, 2021. We look forward to seeing you then!