JH & HS Principal - Cherokee ISD By Rebecca Sharkey
Many have heard April showers bring May flowers. And, if you drive down Hwy. 16 right now, I say we got a chance. But, an adage you may not have heard is Spring Break is over. Where did the time go? Testing is almost here. I know. It’s not as catchy, but I promise you it is said over and over again in schools across the state at this very time of year.
The official testing window opens on April 9 and will be open until the first part of May. In between now and then, we have track meets, golf tournaments, UIL competitions, an eclipse, and various other events that will challenge and stretch you as an educator to try to piece together the puzzle of ensuring all students are prepared for their respective tests. The only advice I know to give is the same advice I employed when approaching a big game. And that is this: 1. Don’t play outside yourself. Nothing fancy here. Just continue with what we know works and what works for kids.
2. Rely on your teammates. Though it often doesn’t feel like it, this is a team sport. Reach out when needed. We have great teacher resources on our campus. You do not have to do any of this alone. And… 3. I hesitate in saying this because we all recognize the importance of testing, but I don’t want to lose sight of the big picture. It is a game. It is a snapshot of what we do all year and put on the shoulders of a young kiddo on one day. We are still responsible for the whole student and more than what is on just one test. That does not mean we do not give our best efforts. But, it does mean that we must put things in perspective.
This is not earth shattering, new advice. In fact, I have shared it before. But, it is what I know works.