Rock That Test!

While the birds are singing, bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming, and the pollen is falling, Blanchard is settling into the week with the CRCT. This is the required Criterion Reference Competency Test given to students in grades 1-5 each spring.

Blanchard students always perform well on this test, but each year teachers, students, and parents approach the testing with a touch of nerves and a little dread. High stakes testing is never easy, and even less so in these days of budget cuts and accountability.

So what can we do? The first thing to do is breathe. Yes, breathe. When we are calm and relaxed, everything seems a little better. Parents can really help by making a special effort to provide healthy, quality food during test time...especially a good breakfast on test days. Set bed times and limit tv and computer/game time during test days too. Providing 8 hours of sleep will go a long way to helping your child perform the best they can on the CRCT.

Are you breathing? Deep breath now. The Blanchard faculty and staff have prepared for this moment all year. Our teachers have taught from day one. Our administration and test coordinator have prepared the building and the testing materials for this important moment in the school year. We all need to remain calm and relaxed too. Our students will take their cue from us.

Students...are you breathing? Be calm, cool, and alert--that's your job. You've worked hard this year and learned a lot! We are so proud of you! During testing days (and all year too), please make a special effort to come to school on time. When you are late, it means that you will miss testing and have to sit around with little to do until it is time to go back to your room. Not fun. It also means that you will have to make up the test at another time. That's right, when your class is celebrating the end of testing, you might be stuck finishing a test. Yuck! Plus, coming in late messes up the whole, "I'm relaxed" thing. Come to school on time so that you can be calm, cool and alert....and ROCK THAT TEST!

The Blanchard Owls will rise to the challenge of the CRCT....never doubt it. Let's SOAR!