The halls of Bastrop Middle have been bustling on Saturday mornings this month. Students are gearing up for STAAR tests that started this week across the District.

“We feel like it is important for students to attend our camps so that they can have exposure to academic content that has been taught throughout the school year in a welcoming and engaging learning environment,” said Tiffany Peirson, Bastrop Middle School Principal.

Bastrop Middle School initiated Saturday morning STAAR Boot Camp to help students sharpen their test-taking strategies. Students had fun reviewing STAAR concepts through activities like integer basketball, building their own ANGLE amusement park, inference scavenger hunts, a mock trial of SpongeBob SquarePants–where they defended and prosecuted the loud yellow sponge–and more!

“The success of students attending these boot camps lies in the fact that they are having fun while learning. They participate in hands-on activities that we aren't necessarily able to do within the regular curriculum,” said Morgan Mimms, 8th Grade Reading Language Arts Teacher. “It was crucial for students to show up, as each session helped close the gaps in their understanding and build their confidence. The interactive activities and collaborative spirit foster a love for learning, making complex concepts more accessible.”

Students from all test-taking levels were invited to attend. And when invited, students showed up! Weekend after weekend, the campus had over 100 students in attendance. The main goals of the camps included improving student confidence, offering additional personalized and targeted academic support, and creating an interactive and supportive environment to engage and motivate students.

“We are very proud of the partnership between our teachers, students, and parents to make these camps a success!” added Peirson.

Bastrop Middle School isn’t the only campus going the extra mile to support students during STAAR season. Cedar Creek Middle School also hosted a successful STAAR boot camp to help nearly 200 students that attended build confidence and reinforce key academic skills ahead of testing. Elementary campuses across Bastrop ISD have stepped up as well, hosting STAAR pep rallies and offering targeted tutoring sessions. At Bluebonnet and Colony Oaks Elementary, the younger grade levels showed their support for their 3rd through 5th grade peers by cheering them on and creating encouraging cards and signs. Cedar Creek Elementary got students excited for the STAAR by inviting the Cedar Creek High School drumline, dancers, and cheerleaders to cheer them on.

Teachers and staff across Bastrop ISD are working hard to ensure every student feels prepared, supported, and motivated to do their best, not just on test day, but every day.