If you’re going to spend several hours over several days taking state-mandated tests, you might as well start with a party.
On Monday, the day after a three-day Easter weekend and the day before the start of the bulk of annual state testing, Trimmier and Haynes elementary schools joined peers across the Lone Star State for final preparations for STAAR testing.
At those two Killeen schools, students began the day with rallies. Driving music, colorful themes and scripted skits emphasized the points that teachers make all year – that students are prepared and ready to show off their academic skills.
At Haynes, third-, fourth- and fifth-graders walked through the hallways to the shouts and encouragement of their younger peers and their teachers.
The hallway parade ended in the cafeteria, where a glow party was set up and music blasted a steady beat.
Teachers from each grade level to be tested performed their own skit, drawing laughter and applause from appreciative students as they recognized their own behavior played out in front of them.
Superintendent King Davis got in on the act, leading students in a cheer focusing on test-taking strategies and motivation to do their best.
The Shoemaker High School Silver Stars dance team performed as well, adding to the pep rally flavor.
At Trimmier, teachers dressed in favorite character costumes performed to original lyrics describing test-taking strategies. They appeared as Mario, Black Panther, Minnie Mouse, an LOL doll, a lion, Knuckles and Stich and students guessed their identities.
Trimmier staff members recorded their songs –– Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake if off’, ‘Golden’ from the KPop Demon Hunters movie, ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen and more –– with the original lyrics cleverly changed to inspirational words of encouragement about conquering the STAAR.
“There will be a lot of students who are nervous about the STAAR test, so this is a time to let loose and have fun,” Trimmier counselor Gigi Alvarez said. “These songs are STAAR-themed, so it’s also motivational as we help them understand that they can relax and that they are ready to show off all the hard work they’ve done.”
At Haynes, teachers explained that the rallies provide some needed enjoyment before focusing on bubbling in answers on a test.
“We love a theme,” said Megan Williams, a Haynes third-grade teacher. “We love to dress up. It was a couple of weeks to plan and get our accessories together. Students talk about it all year round and the next year. They come back and say, ‘Remember when we did the STAAR rallly?’”
Heather Gulich, fifth-grade math teacher at Haynes, said the rally is a way for teachers to publicly remind their students that they care about them and that they are ready.
“Fifth-graders are already a little nervous. We test math, science and reading,” she said, explaining that they take just two tests in earlier grade levels.
“They get nervous. The pep rally lets them know this is attainable, this is what we have practiced for, and this is a little boost for them.”
Teachers spent the weekend finalizing their costumes and props to make sure they were ready to take the stage.
“The kids try to act cool, but they like the dress-up and the excitement,” Gulich said. “The look on their faces – they love it. I saw way too much excitement out there. They are ready.”
Trimmier rally photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720332928325
Haynes rally photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720332928615
STAAR testing dates: https://www.killeenisd.org/o/kisd/page/assessment-and-accountability
Josh Weaver contributed to this story