JOHN READ MIDDLE SCHOOL 486 Redding Road, Redding, CT 06896 OFFICE: 203-938-2533 FAX: 203-938-8667 Jennifer Desmarais, Principal Kyla Dunn, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hankla, Supervisor of Special Education

October 22, 2025

Dear JRMS Community,

In a recent communication, we shared that JRMS students participate in benchmark assessments in language arts and mathematics. These assessments play an important role in monitoring student progress, guiding instruction, and identifying individual learning needs. At JRMS, we are committed to using this data to support each child’s academic growth.

Recently, students completed the i-Ready Diagnostic for both mathematics (grades 5–8) and reading (grades 6–8). This adaptive assessment, used in mathematics, adjusts its difficulty based on students' responses. The goal is not to assign a score or grade, but to pinpoint your child’s individual instructional needs. Like DIBELS, i-Ready helps teachers tailor instruction and monitor growth over time.

For more information about i-Ready, you can view an overview by watching this video or viewing the 2-page guide. i-Ready is used as a mathematics assessment in the fifth grade. 

For students in 5th Grade ILA, your child participated in the mClass Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment. This state-mandated universal screener measures key components of early literacy, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, spelling, rapid automatic naming (RAN), and comprehension. The DIBELS assessment is administered three times per year—in the fall, winter, and spring.

Your child’s mClass Home Connect report will come home today in backpacks.  These reports include:

• A summary of your child’s DIBELS results.

• A review of assessed literacy skills.

• Activities you can use at home to support development in these areas.

You can also explore additional resources at https://mclasshome.com/homeconnect.

Both DIBELS and i-Ready are aligned with grade-level standards and provide valuable insights into your child’s foundational skills and academic readiness. While DIBELS focuses specifically on early reading development, i-Ready gives us a broader view of your child’s math skills. Together, these assessments guide instruction, provide early identification of learning gaps, and help ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed.

Family reports for i-Ready are available through PowerSchool. We will review and discuss your child’s benchmark assessment data—including DIBELS and i-Ready—during parent-teacher conferences in November. If your child’s performance indicates a need for additional support, your child’s teacher will contact you prior to that conference. Further diagnostic assessments may be given to help better understand your child’s needs and adjust instruction accordingly.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Sincerely, 

Jennifer C. Desmarais   

Jennifer C.  Desmarais, Principal of JRMS