Here is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions that had been raised during the November, 2011 Parent Teacher Conferences.

1. 1. When are the state tests for this school year, 2011-2012?

The English state tests will be administered during the week of April 16-19, 2012.  The Mathematics state tests will be given during the week of April 23-26, 2012. Grades 4 and 8 Science state tests are broken down into two main components: the Written and the Performance parts. Grades 4 & 8 Performance will be administered during the week of May 23-May 1. **NOTE: No Make up dates are available for the performance test. Grades 4 & 8 written tests will be administered on June 4, 2012. The make up dates have been included in the abovementioned dates. Please note that make up dates are available to those students who could not participate during the main testing periods due to illness. A medical note must accompany each child taking the state tests as make up.

1. 2. What subject areas offer state-level and/or national-level competitions?

Our students participate in Olympiads in English, Mathematics, as well as natural and social sciences. All of the Olympiad results are officially recorded by the organizations that curate the competitions.

1. 3. Which Regents exams at the Big Apple Academy?

In the 8th grade, each student is given an opportunity to take the following Regents exams: Integrated Algebra, Living Environment, American History, Geometry and the English regents. The Geometry and English regents exams are only offered to those students who pass a diagnostic exam in May with a grade of 80% or higher. The Regents exam weeks are January 24-27,2012 and June 13-19, 2012.

1. 4. How does the school prepare students for the OLSAT and SHSAT exams?

The OLSAT and SHSAT exams and therefore the types of questions that appear on them are substantially different from the regular subject-based curricula and  assignments. In order to pass these exams successfully, a student must at least be proficient in the subject matter (usually English and Math), but that alone many not be sufficient. In order to further prepare students for these exams, the school offers a range of afterschool clubs which, on the one hand, develop the students and expand their range of knowledge, and on the other, teach them methods and strategies of problem-solving applicable specifically to the types of questions that appear on these exams.

1. 5. What is an academic subject week?

The academic subject week is an old tradition at our school. During a few times in the year, the school dedicates an entire week to the celebration of a specific academic subject. During that week, the teachers, along with their students devote a greater amount of time to a particular subject area by doing more creative, unorthodox projects and assignments, by encouraging students to see that subject area through a different lens to renew the students’ interest in the subject. During this time, the school holds various contests of projects in the subject, showcases scientific research performed by students, composition of poems about the subject, creation of drawings, newsletters and magazines, Olympiads, and other types of contests. During this week, other subject area teachers demonstrate the connections of the chosen subject to theirs. During these times, students participate in a school-wide celebration of academic subjects.

1. 6. How does the school regulate the amount of homework?

The curricula at our school are quite rigorous and extensive. During classes, teachers explain the content of the subject in great detail and demonstrate examples of solved problems; however, independent reinforcement of the learning materials plays an equally important part in the students’ education. Homework serves as that reinforcement and develops skills for applying the studied content. Students who regularly complete their homework are much more likely to greatly succeed in the subject, because they practice the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well on the exams.

1. 7. How important is it to read books at home? What’s the best way to organize reading with your child?

Teachers at every grade level give students reading lists of books that they must read during the school year as part of the curriculum, and books they can read beyond the classroom. Certain books are absolutely required for class preparation.

Reading should never be used as a form of punishment for the child. Every parent’s task is to create a situation, where your child shows a desire to read. To achieve that, read something interesting together. Discuss the books you’ve read. Ask questions and show interest in what your child is reading. Retell what you’ve read to each other. Read yourself, so that your child can often observe you reading. Put at least two or three bookshelves into the child’s room. Remember Cicero’s ageless words: ‘A room without books is like a body without a soul.’ More reading leads your child to a greater development, wider worldview, deeper understanding of texts, richer speech, stronger academic progress and a much more successful educational experience.

1. 8. What can parents do to help their child succeed in school?

Thoughtful and interested parents can do a great deal. Remember, however, that your involvement should not exceed the boundaries where you are doing the work for your child. Rather your involvement should be dictated by your genuine support in helping your child to correctly organize their time, prioritize work, neatly prepare their school bag in the evening, and check that everything is in order. You don’t need to help your child with the homework – the teacher will answer the questions they may have. However, you can verify that the work is done neatly, help your child look up unfamiliar words, show them how to use commonly accessible sources of information for doing independent work on their own.

1. 9. How does the school use new technologies in education?

The school classrooms have been outfitted with computerized Smart Boards, which have made the teachers’ jobs significantly easier and made presentations of visual material more effective for students. Our school’s science labs are equipped with modern microscopes, measurement devices and sets of scientific equipment necessary for successful study of foundations of biology and other natural sciences. Our computer classrooms hold the latest models of computer and display equipment. The school’s computers run on a high-speed Internet connection, which allows students to use them effectively and quickly.