"The direction of the line makes it rather difficult for a child to maintain his balance and therefore it enables him to practice and perfect this ability." 
—Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

Please scroll down for the list of important dates.

M-STEP summative tests for grads 3-8 include:

English Language Arts (ELA):
English language arts (ELA) is assessed in grades 3–8. It covers four claims: reading, writing, listening, and research. The assessments are online computer adaptive tests.

Mathematics:
Mathematics is assessed in grades 3–8. It covers four claims: concepts and procedures, problem solving, communicating reasoning, and modeling and data analysis.

Science:
For Spring 2018, the new Michigan science standards are being assessed in a statewide field test in grades 5, and 8, with a fixed-form online assessment.  

Social Studies:
Social studies is assessed in grades 5 and 8 with a fixed-form online assessment.

Beginning next week the following grades will be testing:

Monday, April 30th-       3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (ELA)
Tuesday, May 1st-          3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (ELA)
Wednesday, May 2nd-   3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (Math)
Thursday, May 3rd-        3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (Math) 

How can I best help my child succeed?
• Try not to schedule any doctor appointments for them on the dates of testing.
• Ensure that they eat breakfast on the days they are testing.
• Try and get them to bed early the night before.
• Have them prepare by taking practice tests ahead of time.

How do we prepare?
The computer assessments have online practice tests that can be taken to prepare for the assessments.
1. Go to https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ (must be taken in Google Chrome).
2. Click on M-STEP Online Tools Training.
3. Click on Sample Item Sets.
4. Click on the grade level.
5. Click on the subject.
6. Sign in with the username and password supplied on the screen.
7. Once signed in, click continue and choose the practice test you want to take.

Student Art Submission

Each student at FCMA will have an art piece, made at school, displayed at the event.  However, if your child would like to create an art piece at home to submit (optional) they may do so by filling out the form provided below. Please contact Ms. Stacy at stacybyrd@choiceschools.com, if you have any questions.  

 Student art pieces will be collected on Friday, April 27th .

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

We are really excited for the 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on May 5th!  Please consider signing up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

Mark your calendars for FMCA’s 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on Saturday, May 5th. 
The proceeds from this event not only help to supplement the school’s art and music programs,
but fund art/musical guests and field trips as well. 

We are looking for adult artists to donate one art piece for the silent auction
portion of the art show.  Please email Mr. Michael, FCMA's Visual Art Teacher at michaelchabot@choiceschools.com if you or someone you know is interested. 

The staff and students thank you for your continued support!    

Friday, April 27th

Walking on the Meandering Line

"Montessori was a careful observer and she noticed that children liked to walk along logs and curbs. She understood that they were mastering their sense of balance. Since the child (3-6 years old) is in a sensitive period for the perfection of movement, she created the Walking on the Line exercises to help children develop coordination, balance, muscular control, and body awareness."