Tensions have been very high at Lakeland Elementary for the past couple of months in preparation for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests. I have noticed more behavior issues, and everyone has been counting down the days for school to be out (more out of exhaustion, instead of excitement for those warm summer days!).
When the STAAR results came in, I watched as teachers took their students individually, one by one, into the hallway to privately reveal their scores. Teachers had to let their students know if their efforts resulted in them a passing or failing this critical test.
I just happened to be working nearby in the hallway as I watched a group of 5th grade girls become very emotional after receiving their STAAR scores. Some of the girls were disappointed in their results. They would go to the restroom to wipe away their tears and gather their emotions. Before they headed back to their classroom, Mrs. Shuster made sure to greet them in the hallway to provide emotional support and reassure them. I watched as she spoke with one of my girls who is involved in the Communities In Schools Lunch with a Leader mentor program, who was still emotional.
After the student went on into the classroom, I turned to see that Mrs. Shuster was now emotional and had been brought to tears. She had asked the student if she was ok, but the student was too emotional to answer. Mrs. Shuster asked her again, “Are you upset”. The student said “No…Happy!” She had passed her STAAR test, and was so happy and proud of herself that she became emotional! Hearing this brought Mrs. Shuster to tears as she cares so deeply for her students.
It was a wonderful sight to see their connection!
