Dear Park Middle School Families,

At the heart of the Kennewick School District is our mission to provide a safe environment where all students reach their highest potential and graduate well-prepared for post-secondary education, work, and life.

This Spring, our students will participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). These assessments are more than just a state requirement; they are a valuable opportunity for your child to showcase the knowledge and skills they have built throughout the year.

Beyond grade-level proficiency, the SBA and WCAS are essential tools for measuring college and career readiness. They provide a clear, objective picture of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills your student will need to thrive in their future endeavors. By participating, your student helps us ensure that our schools are providing the high-quality instruction necessary for them to succeed in whatever path they choose after graduation.

We view these assessments as an opportunity to “show what you know." By participating, every student has the chance to demonstrate their unique progress in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. Full participation is essential because it ensures that every student’s voice and academic journey are represented in our school’s data.

Empowering Our Educators
The insights gained from these assessments provide a clear, accurate picture of our collective strengths. We use this information to:

• Celebrate student achievements and milestones.
• Refine our instruction to better meet individual student needs.
• Tailor our curriculum to ensure every child has the best foundation for future success.

Setting Your Student Up for Success
To help your student feel confident and ready to show what they know, please support them with:

• A restful night’s sleep to keep their mind sharp.
• A balanced breakfast for sustained energy.
• Punctual arrival to ensure a calm, focused start to the day.
• Minimal disruptions, such as avoiding outside appointments during testing windows.
• Positive encouragement—remind them that this is their chance to show how much they’ve grown!

Thank you for being a vital partner in your student’s education. We are excited to see the progress our students have made this year by demonstrating their acquired knowledge and skills. 

Week 1	April 21-May 1	Students who have Math in the morning (1st, 2nd, or 3rd period).
Week 2	May 4-May 8	Math and ELA. Check with teacher to see if your child is testing.
Week 3	May 11-May 15	Math and ELA. Check with teacher to see if your child is testing.
Week 4	May 19th	8th Grade ONLY takes the WCAS Science Test.

 
Please reach out to your child's teacher directly or call our office at 509.222.6900 with any questions.

Sincerely,

Park Middle School Administrators
Shaun Espe-Amaya, Courtney Dallas, and Joel Ledesma