Just two weeks and counting until our students attack the state tests. That is how we need to view this challenge. We need to be offensive and not defensive. Confidence in their ability is the #1 thing students need. They know the material, the teachers have prepared them well and now we beat that test. More later on testing.

Congratulations to Miriam Downing, senior at Zachary High. She is the Student of the Year and a National Merit Finalist. We will honor Miriam with a reception this Tuesday, February 26th at 9 AM at Zachary High.

I am proud of all of the students in the Zachary Community School System. They have helped us achieve the honor of being the #1 school district in the state for two consecutive years. Thank you students and keep up the GREAT WORK!

We are three weeks away from the state accountability tests and there is something for everyone. The high stakes grades are 4th and 8th where a student does not go to the next grade if they do not pass the test. The IOWA test is given in the 1st and 2nd grade and is used as a means of measurement for our younger students. The iLeap is the new test that is taken by the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th grades. Talk about stress on kids but also parents and teachers. Testing is the week of March 10th and students and teachers are anxious as we get near the date. As I visit our students I see a confidence in them which I can only attribute to our teachers for getting them prepared so well. Our teachers are awesome and it shows. The GEE is the graduate exit exam that our 10th and 11th grade students take. Students must pass this test to graduate When students become seniors they are home free on standardized tests except of course the ACT and SAT. Whew! That is the short version of testing in the Zachary School District. As we get closer to the tests I will tell you more. Have a good day. Warren Drake