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Third-graders encouraged to conquer OAA tests
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .A group of Lynn Kirk students held up the encouraging signs that they made for their third-grade friends on April 20 to cheer them on for their Ohio Achievement Assessment tests.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Lynn Kirk second-graders spelled out "good luck" for their third-grade peers on April 20 during a pep assembly for the third-graders preparing for their OAA tests.
By SARAH FOOR
Lynn Kirk Elementary third-graders were treated like superstars on April 20 during a parade and school assembly to encourage them to perform well on their Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) tests.
The show of support from students throughout the school was part of an effort by third-grade teachers to make the tests a stress-free endeavor.
The celebration began with music being piped over the loudspeakers. Third-graders toured each classroom and were given treats and toys that helped each student create a “survival pack.”
Third-grade teacher Ashley Wallace explained how each gift given by classmates was also encouragement for the OAA test.
“You have a pack of Smarties in your survival pack so that you can have brain power. Starburst will give you energy to do what you need. Stickers will help you stick to the test and a highlighter will help you highlight your success,” she told the students.
Students in kindergarten through second-grade then gathered in the school’s activity room to cheer on their third-grade friends. Each grade held up signs encouraging the third-graders to work hard and show what they know.
The third-grade superstars sang songs for their classmates and gave everyone that cheered them on a big “thank you.” Fellow third-grade teacher Stacy Banko is confident students are ready to conquer their test.
“We’ve worked in many small groups throughout the year and created ‘the crew,’ an after-school program for extra practice. Parents have done an amazing job with offering further help for their students. There’s no dread or fear for the test here — just positivity and support from everyone here at Lynn Kirk,” she said.