This year, Lowellville Schools decided to adjust the Ohio standardized testing days for high school students. The administration created a new testing schedule after hearing from staff who said other schools nearby have tried it and that it helped students perform better on their tests. The school had only adjusted the schedule for ELA, math, and government state tests because there were multiple grades testing.
Students who were taking the Ohio standardized test arrived at school normally at 7:40 a.m. and at 8:10 a.m. were sent from homeroom into the cafeteria for breakfast. The students were then sent to their assigned testing classrooms after given instructions by the principal, Mrs. Parry or Vice Principal, Mr. Hammond. After the students were done with testing, at 10:30 a.m. they were given the option to stay at the school and each lunch or to go home before lunch.
The students who were not testing were required to job shadow or volunteer for community service for a total of three hours each day. Mrs. Parry said they had decided to mandate job shadowing or community service because it is important for students’ futures.
She said, “We wanted students to explore more secondary career options for their future.”
Freshman Katelynn Okular thinks that this new state test schedule will improve her test scores. She said, “There will be more time to study and calm down before the test.” Katelynn’s advice to students taking the state test is to “do your best but do not stress yourself out too much.”
Junior Josh Pazel is expecting a rise in his test scores because he did not have to worry about going to class after the test. On days Josh did not test, he shadowed at the CCW Academy, which is where his mom works.
All of the students enjoyed this new schedule and felt it was beneficial to their tests. The students received their results recently to see if they passed their goal to earn a spot in the Lowellville Olympics day organized by Mr. Grow. The Lowellville Olympics Day is a day full of fun with different games. Cornhole, kickball, and a variety of board games will all be part of the activities and a great way to end the school year. The students are very excited for the Olympics and are looking forward to competing with their friends. Good Luck!
