TJ Administration works hard to provide students with a carnival to celebrate hard work during CSAP week.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
As spring draws near, so does the annual CSAP testing for freshmen and sophomores here at TJ.
CSAP stands for the Colorado Student Assessment Program, and is required for all Colorado Public School students in the 3rd through 10th grade to take. Usually, as the second semester begins, the freshman and sophomore classes begin preparation for CSAP’s, working on problems they may see on the test, and getting motivated to do well.
The TJ staff is doing as much as possible to make sure students are confident and prepared for CSAP week. TJ Cafeteria Manager, Dave Rickert will provide free breakfast for the kids each morning in the cafeteria, so students will be well fed and energized. “I’ve put together testing groups so that students can prepare and practice with their own teachers. That way they won’t be surprised or thrown into a brand new environment when it comes time for testing,” said Administrator JoAnne Moreno.
This year, CSAP testing begins early on February 28th and continues through March 4th. High CSAP scores are vital to TJ as a school, so motivation is tremendously important for students to do well.
In order to motivate students to achieve to their greatest potential, Moreno – as well as other members of the administration – have put together a carnival for students on March 4th, the Friday after the last day of testing. Freshmen and Sophomores will be released early at 1:30 p.m. to head for the carnival, where there will be tables set up with plenty of food and entertaining games, including Walk The Plank and a Dodge Ball tournament in the gym. Upperclassmen are also encouraged to attend; however, they must buy a $1.00 ticket the week before in order to ensure a pass out of class.
The carnival was set up in hopes that it will provide sophomores and freshmen with a little motivation, and something to look forward to at the end of their CSAP tests. “Even though CSAP is something we are required to do, I know TJ students will do their best on it. I’m sure that the students will take it seriously, and prove to everyone that TJ is a great school,” said Moreno. If students are disappointed with the fact that there was no Renaissance Festival this year, they most certainly would not want to miss this year’s CSAP carnival.
CSAP testing has become exceedingly important to TJ as a school; therefore, quality effort is highly encouraged by every student taking the test. The administration has worked especially hard this year to provide test takers with a carnival in recognition of all the hard work that will occur the week of CSAPs, so be sure to do your best and come prepared, Spartans!
