Tiger Talk
04/07/26
Dear WCHE Tiger Families,
Tomorrow marks an important milestone for our campus as we begin our first official STAAR test of the 2025–2026 school year. These days are an opportunity for our students to show what they know—but even more importantly, this is a chance for them to practice confidence, perseverance, and resilience.
I want you to know how proud we already are of our students. Not only have our teachers poured in so much time, intention, and heart, but our students have also worked incredibly hard throughout this school year. Their growth, determination, and effort have truly been something special to witness—and they are ready.
As we head into testing, our goal is simple: we want every child to feel calm, confident, and supported. The best way we can do that—together—is by keeping the focus on encouragement rather than pressure. Your words, your reassurance, and your belief in them truly make all the difference.
STAAR Testing: Don’t Stress; Just Do Your Best!
To help your child feel their very best, here are a few simple ways to prepare:
- Rest Up: Aim for a full night’s sleep and try to limit screens before bed.
- Keep it Calm: Plan a relaxing evening and have everything ready for the morning to avoid any rush.
- Fuel the Brain: A healthy breakfast goes a long way! If your child eats at school, please be sure they arrive with enough time to enjoy it.
Our goal is for every student to walk into tomorrow feeling empowered—not just for a test, but for all of life’s challenges ahead.
Upcoming STAAR Dates:
- April 8 – RLA (Grades 3–5)
- April 15 – Science (Grade 5)
- April 22 – Math (Grades 3–5)
Thank you for being such an important part of your child’s journey. Together, we will continue to support them as they grow, achieve, and lead with heart.
With pride and gratitude,
Amy Russ
Hey, y'all! Our 3rd-5th graders have been working so hard preparing for their upcoming STAAR exams. In our guidance lessons leading up to STAAR, we focused on strategies to calm our minds, prepare our bodies, and be in the best headspace to do our best on the test.
I wanted to share some strategies we covered in the event that you all would like to reinforce these techniques at home!
1. Start With The Facts: students have had 126 days of school as of March 31st. That is 1,008 minutes of learning time! Not to mention any hours of work students put in after school. When a student is doubting themselves, a reminder that they have spent over 1,000 hours learning and growing can go a long way. That is no small feat! I have spent so much time on these subjects! I have learned so much. Think about where I started and where I am now. I can do this.
2. Breathing Strategies: Focusing on and slowing down one's breath can have a large impact on one's physiological state. Some breathing techniques include: 5 finger breathing; butterfly breathing; box breathing. See more breathing techniques here! I can calm myself down. I am in control of my breath. I can do this.
3. Positive Affirmations: Positive self-talk is a life-long practice that becomes second nature the more a person participates in it! I encourage students to find phrases that really stick with them and help them to feel motivated and encouraged. If saying "I can do this" doesn't shut down negative thoughts, add something to it that does. For example, "I can do this because I know I have worked so hard"; "I can do this. I have done it before, and I can do it again."; "I can do this. I have learned and practiced and reviewed the material.". I encourage students to find a phrase that works for them, write it down somewhere they will see often, and repeat that phrase to themselves over and over. I can be my biggest cheerleader! I will root myself on.
4. Physiological Needs - Sleep: Getting a good night's sleep the night before the test can go a long way. Start conversations about test worries multiple days before the test to avoid feelings coming out at bed time the night before the test. Create a game plan for bed time the night before the test by walking through what the night will look like. I will take a bath. I will brush my teeth. I will read my favorite book. I will go to bed at 8:00. I will sleep so well!
5. Physiological Needs - Food: Eating a nutritious breakfast the day of the test is so important. If your student doesn't love breakfast, or struggles to eat when they feel nervous, a kid-friendly protein beverage can be key here. Having snacks at school for the day is also key to a successful test day. Talk with your student about what snacks or breakfast foods would get them excited to eat that day. I can fuel my brain and body.
Our students truly work so hard every day they come to school. These tests are just one way to show all that they've learned and demonstrate their incredible growth. The cool thing is that we get to witness all they've learned and all the ways they've grown every day at school. We are so proud of them!!!!
With warmest regards,
Bryn Lohrberg, Counselor
West Cypress Hills Elementary
Email: WCHPrincipal@ltisdschools.org
Website: https://wche.ltisdschools.org/
Phone: 512-533-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltisdschools