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Star Correspondent

With upbeat music, cheering faculty and even dancing dinosaurs, Carter County schools are rallying behind their students as the 2024-25 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) begins this week.

The statewide testing initiative, in place since 1988, includes assessments in English language arts, math, science and social studies for grades 3-11. It also features alternate assessments for students with special needs. In Carter County, students began testing Tuesday, with six test days scheduled over the next three weeks.

This year’s testing comes after a difficult academic calendar marked by repeated disruptions, most notably from remnants created by Hurricane Helene.

Between inclement weather, flooding and two-hour delays, schools in the county have lost close to 54 instructional days. Yet, school leaders say their students and staff have worked tirelessly to prepare.

To counter the pressure and encourage confidence, several schools hosted pep rallies and spirit events to energize students heading into testing.

At Valley Forge Elementary, students in grades 3 through 5 were treated to a “Rock the Test” pep rally Monday afternoon. The event featured cheers from Hampton High School cheerleaders, a costumed dinosaur dance crew, popcorn and a motivational video.

Valley Forge Principal Amanda Humphrey said the idea came from the school’s community social worker.

“A few months ago, my community and schools partner social worker that works for the school came to me and said, ‘Let’s do a pep rally to get the kids’ spirits lifted up before TCAP,’” Humphrey said. “We wanted to help the kids relax and tell them that we believe in them and they’re gonna rock this test — which is our theme.”

Humphrey said the rally was especially important after such a trying school year.

“It’s been a really hard year in Carter County,” she said. “We just want to lighten the mood and let them know that it is okay, and they’re gonna do their best, and that’s all that matters. We want to support them in whatever way we can.”

She added, “I tell my students every day: ‘You are brave, and you are loved.’ If they walk away with anything today, I want them to know that they can do this.”

Meanwhile, students at Happy Valley Middle School were welcomed Tuesday morning with a red carpet entrance, music, faculty cheering with signs and whistles, and candy to boost their spirits.

Principal Brandon Young emphasized the importance of encouragement and connection during a year where instructional time has been limited.

“Standardized testing is difficult on a good year, but with this year’s challenges, it’s even more difficult,” Young said. “When we look at the school days missed due to Helene and other winter storms, along with two-hour delay days, we’ve missed close to 54 instructional days.”

Despite that, Young praised the staff’s dedication. “Our faculty and staff have done an excellent job trying to make up the lost time,” he said. “They are teaching from bell to bell. This is the case in all of our Carter County schools.”

He added that students have also worked hard to prepare.

“Our students have worked diligently to retain the content,” he said. “Now our hope is they will be able to apply it on the assessments.”

The red carpet welcome, Young said, was a visual message of belief and pride in the students’ efforts.

“This kickoff will allow our students and their families to see their teachers cheering them towards TCAP proficiency,” he said. “Students must know their teachers believe in their abilities. We want Warriors to be encouraged.”

Young said the initiative is about more than just testing. “This kickoff is to allow our students and teachers to celebrate all that we’ve been able to accomplish with such limited time in the classroom,” he said. “We expect to have great results.”

Across the county, similar events are taking place to boost morale, as Carter County Schools emphasize that performance isn’t just about scores, but about perseverance, effort and heart.

“Our educators have once again given 110% to mitigate the learning loss from Helene,” Young said. “They go above and beyond every day.”