Published: April 21, 2008 10:13 am         

Mineral Wells High School to host 'Relax Before TAKS' event

Testing week for the high school level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills runs from April 28 through May 2, with no fewer than 14 different TAKS tests to be given during that week, says principal John Kuhn.

To help students take the edge off before the week, Mineral Wells High School is inviting students to a "Relax Before the TAKS" dance in the MWHS cafeteria on Saturday, April 26, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"We were very fortunate that K&A Entertainment was willing to donate a night's labor to DJ this event," said Kuhn. "I spoke with Kenny Salazar and told him it was for the kids, to help them relax and go into this year's TAKS testing with a positive attitude, and he said he'd do it for free. That's a big savings to us."

Kuhn also noted that several MWHS staff volunteered to chaperone the dance because "they care about our students."

Concessions will be available in the concession stand. Dress is casual cool.

MWHS students may bring dates from other schools provided they are high school students. These students must “provide a letter from their own high school's principal stating that they haven't been in serious trouble,” said Kuhn.

Preparing for TAKS
MWHS students have had many opportunities to prepare for these tests, including benchmark tests to gauge their progress and level of preparation.

In addition to regular classes, students who need extra help have been provided with enrichment classes, pull-out TAKS tutoring and lunchtime TAKS tutoring.

Math and science teachers were given professional leave time to meet as departments and analyze benchmark results. They used these meetings to develop lesson plans that focus on the specific needs of their students.

"Our students and teachers have worked really hard to get ready for these state tests, and we expect to see strong gains in all areas," Kuhn says.

A note to parents
"I would like to ask parents to make sure their students get plenty of rest each night during TAKS week and to make sure they have a good healthy breakfast every morning,” said Kuhn. “They'll need all the energy and encouragement that they can get."