Clutch the Bear at Keith ES

Keith ES students (L-R) Michaela Brown, Justin Perez, Marcus Moore and McKenzie Diggs display “Shoot For The STAAR” stars as “Rockets Ranger” Dominic Davila prompts the crowd to chant the words prior to Clutch the Bear’s arrival on April 15.

Houston Rockets mascot Clutch the Bear and the Rockets Ranger visited Keith ES on April 15 to give third- through fifth-grade students some motivation for the upcoming STAAR assessments.

Clutch encouraged the students to do their best on the STAAR test and offered the following test-taking suggestions to help them SHOOT FOR THE STAAR:

1. Listen to your teacher and Teamwork.
2. Go to bed early.
3. Eat a good breakfast.
4. Put on your thinking cap.

“Clutch was a great stress-reliever for our kids and staff as STAAR approaches,” said Cheryl Fisher, Keith ES principal. “We wanted our kids to have a lot of laughs, positive energy, encouragement and fun to pump them up, and Clutch definitely provided that for all of us!”

Clutch the Bear kisses Keith ES teacher Crissy Baucom’s hand during his assembly at the school on April 15. 

Clutch teases Keith ES teacher Megan Breidenthal as Principal Cheryl Fisher (standing) and Emily Brien look on. 

Clutch sits on Keith ES instructional specialist Lynlea Dickerson’s lap during the STAAR pep rally as Ashlee Kemp, left, looks on. 

Clutch points to Keith ES students to answer questions about the importance of a good education during his STAAR rally.

Clutch illustrates what it looks like to put his “thinking cap” on for the Keith students. 

Clutch gets silly with the Rockets Ranger at the Keith assembly.

Student Testing

Tips for Parents

Students will be taking the STAAR Test beginning March 30 and parents can help by making sure their child:

• Gets plenty of sleep the night before the test; 
• Has breakfast on the morning of the test; and
• Goes to school on the day of the test. 

No Cell Phones

As a reminder to maintain the best testing environment for students, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has determined that cell phones and electronic devices will not be permitted during any state assessment (STAAR 3-8, EOC and TELPAS). Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off and not visible; therefore, students are not allowed to place or receive cell phone calls or text messages during test administration.

Current Testing Dates

March 30		STAAR Writing (day 1)	Grades 4 and 7
		EOC English I	High School
March 31		STAAR Writing (day 2)	Grades 4 and 7
		STAAR Reading (SSI #1)	Grades 5 and 8
April 1		EOC English II	High School
April 20		STAAR Math	Grades 5 and 8
April 21		STAAR Math	Grades 3-4 and 6-7
		STAAR Social Studies	Grades 8
April 22		STAAR Reading	Grades 3-4 and 6-7
		STAAR Science	Grades 5 and 8
May 4		EOC US History	High School
May 5		EOC Algebra I	Middle School and  High School
May 6		EOC Biology	High School

PSAT Testing

CFISD will administer the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) to 10th - 11th-grade students on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. The fee for registration is $18. Contact the high school counseling office for details. The PSAT provides practice for the SAT, an opportunity to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and access to college and career planning tools.  

As stipulated by TEC 29.916, home-schooled students may attend public school to participate in the PSAT administration. Specific registration information can be obtained by contacting the counseling office at the student's designated high school campus.