Due to an influx of students unable to take standardized tests such as SAT and PSAT, administration organized on-campus testing days to give students the chance to take them. With COVID-19 still going strong, the school had to set social distancing rules to make sure students and faculty stay safe.
“We did have students spread out in the classroom, (right after school on the 13th, Mrs. Blum and I measured and labeled the desks so the students knew exactly where to sit) and we also did two different arrival times,” Testing Coordinator Mrs. Stephani Moore said.
Administration gave students specific arrival times, either 8 a.m. or 8:30 a.m., to come to school. The staggered arrival times allowed students to keep a safe distance when entering the school and signing in for testing. The two testing days offered for students included Oct. 14. and Oct. 17.
91 juniors took the PSAT Oct. 14. along with 125 seniors who took the SAT the same day. “I am so happy we were able to offer an SAT for our seniors because so many of them had tests cancelled multiple times,” Mrs. Blum said. “I am grateful to the College Board for providing us with multiple test days and options to stagger start time so we could keep our kids and teachers safe.”
Additionally, 230 sophomores took the PSAT Oct. 17., following the same setup and rules from Oct. 14. “The students did an amazing job following the rules and guidelines we gave them. I was really proud of them, “ Mrs. Moore said.
Although, Mrs. Moore had an increased workload, she handled the matter well. “I am grateful that Mrs. Moore did not complain when her job tripled, she just doubled down and got organized and made both days very successful,” said Mrs. Blum.
The testing days allowed students to take their tests in a familiar environment and gave students who had their tests cancelled, the chance to still take them. As a result of the success of both days, the school offered the PSAT to freshmen Jan. 26.
