May SOL Testing at SCMS

April 10^th, 2019

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Students in our school will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests from May 6th, 2019 to June 7th, 2019 with specific dates listed below. It is important that your child attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school during this time period. It is also important that your child have a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing. If you become aware of an unavoidable conflict that could result in your child missing a testing day, please notify your child’s school as soon as possible

The Virginia SOL tests are required of all students in grades 3-8 across the state by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). SOL tests measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills specified in the Virginia SOLs. The purpose of the testing is to provide information about student achievement. Scores from the tests will be used to determine whether students fail to meet standards, are proficient in meeting the standards, or are advanced in the standards. More information about how and when parents will receive their children’s scores will be shared closer to these dates.

VDOE and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have an electronic device policy which is to be followed during all SOL testing. To maintain test security, the possession of these devices (e.g., cell phones/mobile communication devices) in the testing room is prohibited. If a student is discovered with a prohibited electronic device while in a test environment, the student’s test will be stopped, the electronic device will be confiscated, and the student will be removed from the test environment. School administrators, consistent with the Acceptable Use Policy and Student Rights & Responsibilities, have authority to search the “item of personal belonging” (e.g., the cell phone or mobile device) if it is believed to contain evidence of a violation of school regulations (in this case, cheating). School administrators have the right to apply school-based consequences based upon their investigation of the situation. Please talk to your student about the electronic device policy and the serious consequences of violating it.

The Virginia Board of Education is allowing elementary and middle school students who fail SOL tests by a narrow margin (scoring between a 375 and 399) to be retested before the end of the year provided parental permission is obtained. You filled out a permission form at the beginning of the school year regarding this second opportunity to demonstrate proficiency should they be eligible for a second attempt. If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact our Student Services Department at 703-690-5600. A parent decision not to retest will not in any way impact your child’s grade or academic record.

If you would like additional information, you can find it on the VDOE’s website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/test_administration/cat/index.shtml.

Marsha Manning

Principal

South County Middle School

8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079  | Main Office: 703-690-5500
Attendance: 703-690-5555 | Web