North Jefferson News, Gardendale, AL

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March 5, 2010

NJMS prepares for crucial exams

By Melanie Patterson The North Jefferson News

KIMBERLY — North Jefferson Middle School had an all-star cast on hand Friday.

The University of Alabama’s Big Al, NCB 13’s Lisa Crane, Mortimer Jordan High School’s mascot MoJo, and 95.7 Jamz’ B. Money were all guests at a pep rally to motivate students to do their best on some upcoming tests

Students will be taking the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) on March 23-34.

North Jefferson Middle School principal Mary Beth Blankenship said it is crucial that students do their best on the exams because they impact the school’s annual yearly progress (AYP) report.

AYP is a major component of the federal No Child Left Behind act. Schools must make AYP in order to remain in compliance with the act.

In addition to the ARMT, students in the next few weeks are taking other important tests, including the SAT (March 30-31), Alabama Science Assessment (April 7) and the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing (April 8).

“We’re just trying to encourage the kids to give their very best effort,” Blankenship said.

During the pep rally, students saw a DVD packed with encouraging words from Gov. Bob Riley, State Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Joseph B. Morton, Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Phil Hammonds, Rick and Bubba of WZZK, B. Money, Auburn University mascot Aubie and Alabama’s Big Al.

The DVD also showed the photos of all students who scored a four - the top score - last year on both the math and reading sections of the ARMT.

Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Briana Morton created the DVD.

“By highlighting our level four students, we were able to give them credit but also provide examples of what four looks like,” Morton said. “Each student at our school could relate to at least one of our level four students.”

Morton said No Child Left Behind requires schools to reach 100-percent proficiency by 2014.

The pep rally kicked off a 10-day blitz leading up to the ARMT.

Teachers are helping students stay focused and sharpen their skills by having “bell-ringers” every day. In these events, teachers pose a math or reading question to the students every morning.

Teachers also give “Blue Devil test-taking tips” throughout the day.

“They hear them eight or nine times a day,” Blankenship said. “It really helps the students focus.”

Also helping in the effort are the school’s art and business tech departments, which have produced posters which hang throughout the school campus.

Blankenship said parents also have a tremendous role to play - making sure their children show up for school.

“It’s really important for kids to be in school the day of the test,” Blankenship said. She added that schools can fail AYP because of attendance.

“It’s critical for kids to be here on test day,” she said. “Not just here, but at all of the schools.”

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