Students fire up for big state test

Fourth-graders at Bauder Elementary use a pep rally to get ready for today's Florida Writes! assessment tests.

By JULIANNE WU

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 21, 2001

SEMINOLE -- Fourth-graders at Bauder Elementary School held a pep rally Tuesday morning. But it wasn't for a sporting event.

They were getting psyched for today's Florida Writes! tests.

Implemented statewide in 1995, the Florida Writing Assessment tests measure the writing skills of students in grades 4, 8 and 10.

"This is our first pep rally," said fourth-grade teacher Linda Buxton, the event organizer. "We just wanted to put a different spin on it."

The purpose was simple: to allay the fears of some of the school's 159 fourth-graders who are taking the tests along with their elementary school counterparts throughout the state.

Teachers turned into cheerleaders, with pompoms and the like. Kids carried "Test-Busters" signs. And spirited songs, such as We Will Rock You and Reach, helped create the mood.

"If you think you can do it, you can," said principal Jan Johnston. "Tomorrow, you'll have a 45-minute test. We expect you to be a little nervous. But, nervous is good. It motivates you."

After a song, four Bauder fifth-graders gave testimonials about taking the test last year.

"Last year, I was as nervous as a turkey before Thanksgiving Day," said Kristyn Healy. "Just be confident and be yourself and do the test. Shut out everything around you. And it's okay to be a little afraid."

Besides Kristyn, Matt Jones, Michael Pskowski and Cassie Soffos also spoke.

Last year, six fourth-graders at Bauder achieved a 6, the test's highest score. Bauder's class average was a 4.

"We set our goal pretty high," said Buxton. "Our kids want to bust a 4 this year. They're aiming for a 5 or 6."

Then, each of of the school's seven fourth-grade classes shouted homemade cheers.

Judith Moody's class, for example, rapped and chanted "Go Moo . . . dy. Go Moo . . . dy. Go Moo . . . dy," every time their teacher struck a dance move.

The pep rally ended with representatives from each class taking turns throwing a football to Mrs. Johnston, who was still on the stage.

Afterward, two of the "rappers" in Ms. Moody's class, Eric Minnix and Doug Fritts, were enthusiastic about what awaits them today.

"I was a little nervous, but this helped me out," said Eric, 9. "I knew the teachers were behind us, but when the fifth-graders talked, that helped. I thought the pep rally was cool."

Doug, 9, agreed. "I loved the pep rally. I'll do my best and work my hardest. I am hoping to score a 6."

Their principal ended the rally, saying, "We're going to lock those fears outside the building. Tonight, get a good night's sleep and tomorrow morning, have a good breakfast. Good luck."

Students also hung paper chains -- on which they had written their fears about the tests -- around the school.

- Contact Julianne Wu at 445-4221 or by e-mail at wu@sptimes.com.

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