Students in Richardson ISD and all across the nation have been standardized testing this week, taking the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness – or STAAR tests. Scores won’t be known for awhile, but after visiting the Merriman Park Elementary campus Tuesday and witnessing the teachers perform a Flash Mob to help get the kids motivated, I’m pretty sure the Panthers will hit the ball out of the park.
First at the Pride Rally, the kids from each grade shared the cheers they created to stay pumped up about the test, critical to each school’s academic ratings. With chants like “Hey, ho, we’re gonna rock the test,” and “Get your breakfast on!,” the children cheered and applauded each other. My favorite was a rap, “Pencil to the paper, point number two, just use your strategies, that’s all you gotta do!”
Emcees for the day were sixth grade triplets Mason, Garrett and Jackson Yarbrough and their buddy, Taylor Crow. Sparky the School Mascot added to the fun.
Principal Laurie Taylor reminded students that their teachers had equipped them with knowledge and strategies to conquer the test, and fifth grade teacher Christopher Smith, a clear favorite of the kids, gave them a last-minute pep talk.
“We have confidence in you,” Smith told them. “We love you guys.”
Finally, wearing star-shaped glasses (get it?) and hip-hopping to a dance choreographed by teacher Brenda Marr, the educators took the stage of the school’s Outdoor Learning Center.
And the crowd went wild.
