The SMS Pep Rally for Testing

By the time most of you read this article, one week of CATS testing in our local schools, including Sebastian Middle School will be over with. This is a time that students and teacher alike dread and look forward to. We dread the two weeks that we test because we know that the test will be challenging and we will have to work hard to do our best. We look forward to it because it means that the end of school is almost here. We spend lots of time getting ready for the test, so it is a pretty big deal.

The past two weeks for SMS students were spent in a block schedule, where we attended classes for subjects that our grade would be tested on. We stayed in each class about an hour and a half. Most people were not excited about the schedule with the long classes, to say the least. I didn’t really mind it, because the classes were used to help us review.

Last Thursday, we had what we called a Pep Rally for Testing. The students were invited to stay after school and enjoy free food and activities. Almost 100 SMS students and teachers took part in this special afternoon. The event began with all the kids going to the cafeteria where we received blue and white spirit beads and a ticket for prizes that would be given to some lucky students. We were treated to free pizza, snacks and drinks. While the students ate, we were able to view some displays that showed negative affects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. There were also a couple of pairs of glasses that the kids could put on to make you see what it is like if you have been drinking. Watching some of the kids wear those and then try to walk a straight line that had been taped on the floor was really funny. It also made you think, and that’s what it was all about. This part of the event was sponsored by Breathitt County KY-ASAP, who my mom works for.

After we ate, the students went in several directions to play the games that had been set up. Corn Hole was set up in the gym and “Madden Football” was set up in one of the rooms. Some did Karaoke while others played “Deal or No Deal” and “Rock Band”. Mrs. Combs, our YSC director, organized a group scavenger hunt. The students received a ticket for the prize drawing every time they did an activity. After the games ended, all the students gathered back in the gym where some lucky people won gift cards and I-tunes cards. This event was a good way to celebrate the end of test preparation and get ready for the test to come.

All in all, I feel pretty confident about testing. SMS teachers and students have been working hard and I know that if our school tries its best, we can make our goal.