I know how hard you have worked this year, but there is something very important you must know:
The Georgia Milestones tests do not assess all of what makes each of you special and unique. The people who create these tests and score them do not know each of you the way I do, and certainly not the way your families do.
They do not know that some of you speak two languages or that you love to sing or draw. They do not know that you were new to our school and you miss your old friends. They have not seen your natural talent for dancing, acting, playing an instrument, creating websites, or building things.
They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them, that your laughter can brighten the darkest day, or that your face turns red when you feel shy. They do not know that you are a Girl/Cub Scout, a history buff, a scientist, participate in sports, wonder about the future, or sometimes you help with your brother or sister after school.
They do not know that sometimes you have to work hard to concentrate because of your learning disability or because you miss your dad or because you are worried about your friend, grandparent, or pet. They did not see the joy in your eyes when you donated a toy to a needy child or donated your ice cream money to charity. They do not know that you are kind, trustworthy, giving, helpful, and thoughtful…and every day you try to be your very best.
The scores you will get from these tests will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything. There are many ways of being smart. You are smart! You are enough! You are the light that brightens my day! So while you are preparing for the tests and in the midst of it all, remember that there is no way to “test” all of the amazing and awesome things that make you, YOU! I love you and I am proud of you!
Love,
Mrs. Nowicki
"If you can dream it, you CAN do it!"