Dear Performers,

We’ve spent the last three weeks learning about factors, prime and composite numbers, and exponential notation. We’ve spent tons of time woodshedding our multiplication and division facts.  We’ve become expert strategists at the game Factor Captor. Now, I think we’re ready to do our best on our first unit math assessment. Remember, there is a bonus for those who score a four on this test. This is not a “bribe.” It’s a reminder that in this life, excellence is rewarded.

When you take this assessment, I want you to be focused, careful, and confident. Much of how well we do on tests depends on how we approach them. If we think of the test as a chance to show all that we know, then we’ll lick that thing. If we’re afraid the test will reveal all that we do not know, we will fail.

So be confident. You’ve done the hard work of preparing for excellence; now, you must grab that excellence by the scruff of the neck and make it your own.

Good luck,

Mr. Heimbuck