Many schools across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System are much quieter this week.  That’s because a number of students have rolled up their shirt sleeves and sharpened their No. 2 pencils to take part in iLEAP and LEAP standardized testing the entire week of April 12.

Students and staff prepared for testing with rallies, LEAP Olympics and other events last week, including a visit by LEAP experts – several Fire Belly Frogs -- to Progress Elementary School thanks to friends of the school. 

At Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School, students competed in the LEAP Olympics as individuals and as teams in academics and in games for prizes provided via a donation from Sam’s Club on Siegen Lane.

In addition, Sharon Hills Elementary School held an iLEAP/LEAP Pep Rally.  The Glen Oaks High School band performed for the students, and two inspirational speeches were given by a fourth-grade and a fifth-grade student who scored the highest on LEAP for their grades last year.  Grades K, 1 and 2 students also performed cheers for the students, and there was a dance contest between teachers and other school staff. 

Also, pre-test preparation district wide has included reminders for students to get plenty of rest the night before testing and to eat a nutritious breakfast the morning of testing.