St. Thomas-St. John Public School District Prepares for Smarter Balanced and Next Generation Science Assessments and Announces Grade Level Protocols

The St. Thomas-St. John (STTJ) Public School District is preparing for the annual Smarter Balanced and Next Generation Science Assessments, scheduled to take place from April 8^th to 19^th, 2024. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating student proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, while providing invaluable insights into student achievement and readiness for college and careers.

Students in grades 3 - 8, 10, and 11 across the district will participate in the assessments, which measure their knowledge and abilities based on grade-level content standards. Administered in a computer-based format, the assessments aim to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the real world.

To facilitate the testing process, the St. Thomas-St. John Public School District has implemented specific protocols for different grade levels. High schools will adopt a hybrid schedule, with 9th and 12th graders working remotely and with packet from home, while 10th and 11th graders will have an early dismissal at 12:00 pm to complete testing on-site.

Ivanna Eudora Kean will test April 8^th - 12^th, 2024, while Charlotte Amalie High school will test April 15^th - 19^th, 2024. All elementary, middle, and junior high school will operate according to normal hours during the testing period, with comprehensive testing protocols in place to ensure a smooth and efficient process. 

Parents are urged to play a pivotal role in supporting their children during this testing period. We encourage parents to ensure that students are well-rested, nourished, and fully prepared to approach the assessments with dedication and focus. Their unwavering support is crucial in enabling students to showcase their competencies across all tested areas.

“All we can ask of our parents is to send your babies on to school with the best attitude after achieving a good night’s rest.  We ask that the faculty and staff remain upbeat and positive to encourage our precious promises to focus and activate that brain power.  Parents should minimize their interaction with schools during testing unless it is an emergency. The public can help us minimize distractions by not blasting loud music in homes near schools and in cars passing by schools,” said STTJ District Superintendent Stefan Jürgen. 

Superintendent Jürgen further added, “Last year, just under 700 students celebrated proficiency levels in the St. Thomas/St. John District.  As District Superintendent I am extremely proud of those students that achieved proficiency levels last year and look forward to that number growing to reflect a truer picture of how our students are performing. Parents remind your children that we are striving to score in zone 3 or zone 4. I am also proud to acknowledge those students that did not score at proficiency levels but gave it their best shot and demonstrated growth.  Remember whether you think you can or cannot, you are right. I believe you can… and you will!”

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Download press release here:  pdf REVISED PRESS RELEASE 0407 24 STTJ District Smarter Balance Testing (149 KB)