How PTOs Can Help on Testing Days
Seven ideas to help support students before, during, and after big tests.
A Week Ahead
Sponsor an information night about ways parents can help kids be prepared on test day.
A Week Ahead
Plan a family game night that incorporates test questions into games.
A Day Ahead
Work with administrators to plan a pep rally or testing kickoff assembly.
Ask parents to write an encouraging note to their child, either on paper or on their child's desk using a dry erase marker, if allowed. Plan to write some extra notes for students whose parents don't participate.
All Day
Provide volunteer test proctors if needed.
In the Morning
Provide a free nutritious breakfast before testing begins or a protein-packed snack to be eaten during a break in testing. If you serve bananas, you can print short notes of encouragement, like "do your best," on mailing labels and stick them on to the banana peel.
In the Morning
Write encouraging messages in sidewalk chalk to greet students as they arrive at school.
In the Afternoon
Hand out a treat with an upbeat note after testing is complete for the day.
Originally posted in 2014 and updated regularly.
