The Riverwalk Roar

The Riverwalk Roar: May 19, 2024

Happy Sunday, Pride!

Welcome to the last five-day week of school! This topic might seem a bit late based on some of our students' reactions last week. In case you weren’t aware, last week marked the beginning of our “testing window” for State assessments (SC Ready, SC PASS, and EOCs). We saw a range of emotions from our students, from excitement and nervousness to full-blown panic.

We understand that not many people enjoy tests. Some see them as tedious, others as anxiety-inducing, and most recognize them as necessary evils. While there’s some truth in these views, assessments are a part of life. So, how can we help our students approach tests with the best mindset?

Firstly, recognize tests for what they are—no more, no less. Assessments provide evidence of learning. We don't know how fast kids can run until we time them (like our very own Emme Herring (8th grader), who placed 8th in the State 1A Track and Field Championships last week). We don't know a golfer's skill until they play at Augusta National Golf Club. We don't know a college basketball team’s strength until they compete in the NCAA Tournament. Tests show us what students know and where they are in their learning journey, allowing us to better support and challenge them.

Secondly, help children understand that the goal is to do their best. It’s easy for adults to focus on grades and scores, but these shouldn’t define a child’s identity. "You scored an A, so you’re really smart." "You scored a D, so you should have tried harder." We’ve seen high-scoring students who don’t put in effort and low-scoring students who work incredibly hard. The real target is how much a child has grown as a student, and for that, we simply want them to do their best. For some, this means raising their level of concern; for others, it means reducing their anxiety. Just as we want our children to do their best in sports or performances, we want them to give their best effort on tests at school.

Tests require attention to several skills: endurance, patience, and attention to detail. State Assessments are untimed, allowing students to take as much time as they need. Encourage your children to read questions and answers carefully. The difference between a right and wrong answer can be one word or a simple mistake, so it’s important to check their work. When unsure, students should eliminate wrong answers first and then make their best guess. Also, make sure your child is well-rested and has no appointments on test days to perform their best in a familiar environment with familiar people.

Tests can be seen as objects of punishment or opportunities for success—it’s up to us to decide. Let’s help our children develop positive attitudes about tests, just as we encourage them to give their best on the soccer field or auditorium stage. This mindset will serve them well now and in the future.

Lions, we’re in the home stretch. Let’s have a great final five-day week of school!

In Strength and Blessings,

~Dr. Compton

The Photo of the Week

This week's Photo of the Week features two of our high school seniors, Carlie Keller and Lily Fite, who graduated from York Technical College with their Associate Degrees a week before receiving their high school diplomas. Standing with them is Ms. Born, our high school college and career counselor. In addition to Carlie and Lily, seniors Jake Matthews and Jazmine Sepulveda also earned their degrees from York Technical College