ROO WAAG #24

Dear Roo FAM,

As we move through the month of April, we know this time of year brings a full schedule of testing alongside all the responsibilities that come with closing out the school year. It’s a demanding stretch, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.

I encourage each of you to remain steadfast and supportive of one another. Your commitment to our students and to excellence continues to make a meaningful difference every single day. Even during the busiest moments, remember that the light at the end of the tunnel is near.

Thank you for your hard work, resilience, and the care you bring to our school community.

With appreciation,

Miguel Timarky

Interim Principal-Killeen HS

Principal-Pathways Academic Campus

Finish Strong. Stay Focused. Be Ready.

As we transition into spring, our focus shifts toward STAAR Readiness and Academic Success. This is the time to lock in, stay consistent, and show the growth you have made all year. Every class, every assignment, and every review matters.

💡 Remember: Preparation today leads to success tomorrow.

By: Melanie Olmstead - April 9, 2025

State testing can be tough—to effectively support students during state assessments, it’s important to move beyond encouragement and provide clear, actionable support they can rely on. Assessment season can heighten anxiety for many students, especially in the upper elementary and middle school years. Instead of platitudes and vague encouragement, students need specific tools and support. Here are five practical, research-backed ways teachers and families can reduce stress and improve performance during testing season.

5 Real Ways to Support Students during State Assessments

1. Schedule mindfulness minutes.
Mindfulness is more than a buzzword—it works. One study found that brief mindfulness training boosted test scores by an average of 16 percentile points and improved working memory. Try a 5-minute guided breathing exercise right before testing each day. Free apps like Smiling Mind or Insight Timer offer child-friendly options.

2. Use “test talk” scripts in class.
Students often misinterpret test instructions. Build in practice with sample questions that mimic state test language. Use anchor charts with key vocabulary (“infer,” “analyze,” “justify”) and model how to approach each type. Find a list of commonly used test words here. Students are bound to get a few questions wrong, but it shouldn’t be because the don’t understand the question itself.

3. Implement low-stakes practice under timed conditions.
Once a week, simulate test conditions with time limits and no help. Then, debrief: ask students what felt difficult, what strategies helped, and what they would do differently next time.

4. Equip students with physical strategies.
Teach and rehearse test-day routines: deep breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4), shoulder rolls to release tension, and even posture tips (sit tall, feet flat). These micro-habits regulate nervous systems and improve focus. In the moments before the test, have students stand in the superhero pose for two minutes or more—it’s been proven to increase confidence and decrease stress hormones.

5. Communicate with families – (We’ll help!)
Send a short handout home with test-day logistics (arrival time, snacks, materials), plus tips for encouraging sleep and limiting screen time the night before. Invite parents to write simple notes of encouragement for their child to read before the test. We’ve already made you a handout, shared below.

Reducing test stress doesn’t require overhauling your curriculum. With a few intentional adjustments, you can help students approach assessments with confidence and clarity.

Cont...

Be sure to share these tips with your peers, and perhaps consider sending a one-pager home for parents as well. (Don’t worry, we’ve made one for you. See below) Supporting students during state assessments requires all hands on deck.*

😂 1.
Teacher: What did the student say to the STAAR test?
Answer: “I’ve been preparing all year… now it’s YOUR turn!”

😂 2.

Teacher: Why did the student bring a ladder to the test?
Answer: Because they heard the test had high stakes!

😂 3.
Teacher: Why did the math book look so stressed during STAAR?
Answer: Because it had too many problems!

😂 4.
Teacher: What’s a student’s favorite type of test question?
Answer: The one they already know the answer too!

😂 5.
Teacher: Why was the computer so good at the test?
Answer: Because it had all the right “bytes”! 💻

😂 6.
Teacher: What’s the best way to eat a big test?
Answer: One question at a time!

Conversation Starter with Students:

"What is something that feels hard right now, but you are not giving up on?”🤟

Conversation Starter with Students:

"What does perseverance look like in a classroom?”🤟

"What is one goal you are working toward before the end of the school year?"🤟

Conversation Starter with Students:

"Who motivates you to keep going when things get tough?”🤟

Actively monitor your students throughout the lesson.
Post the focused skill(s) for the week in a visible location.
Provide support and guidance when students are struggling with skills.

Continue encouraging students as we work toward mastering two skills each week. Let’s keep pushing forward with 15 correct questions per week — we believe in OUR Students, and we are KHS STRONG!

⏳⏳ Timely Grades, Stronger Student Success ⏳⏳

Teachers, please remember to enter grades within five school days of assigning any class assignment, test, or graded task, as timely feedback is essential for student progress, accountability, and clear communication with students and families.