With less than two months remaining in the school year, April brings an important focus for our students and educators—state testing. While standardized tests are often viewed as just another requirement, they serve a vital role in shaping the future of our schools and students.
State testing provides valuable insight into our academic progress, highlighting where we excel and where we can continue to grow. These assessments help us measure our success, show us how our students are progressing, and allow us to adjust our approach to better support their learning.
Just as we celebrate athletic achievements, we believe in recognizing and rewarding academic success. Our district takes pride in celebrating students’ hard work across the district. We believe that motivation and encouragement play a key role in academic achievement. That’s why we host special celebrations for students who reach important milestones:
C2 & C3 Essay Writing Contest – Winners from three rounds are honored at a special Writer’s Luncheon, complete with pizza, cake, and even a bounce house.
ACAP Growth Incentives – Students who show strong performance or improvement on their ACAP assessments at the intermediate level are rewarded with a special extra recess, movie, and snack. Students at the Jr. High level enjoy a hot dog picnic the following year.
Junior High Honor Roll Recognition – Students who make the honor roll for the first semester enjoy a donut breakfast in the spring.
Advanced Placement Success – Thanks to grants and donations, every student who earned a qualifying score on an AP exam this year received a $100 gift card.
ACT Achievements – Juniors who benchmark on one or more areas of the ACT are celebrated with a special breakfast and the opportunity to earn e-learning days. Students who score a 30 or higher have their picture placed on our prestigious “30+ Wall.”
At Pike Road Schools, we know that success in the classroom deserves recognition just as much as success on the field or stage. Our students work hard, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements. As we enter this important testing season, we ask parents to support their students by helping them get plenty of sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days. We encourage our students to do their best—not just for a score, but to showcase their growth, potential, and the bright futures ahead of them.
Superintendent, Dr. Keith Lankford has a wealth of experience in public education in Alabama. Before earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, Education Specialist, and Doctorate, Dr. Lankford served several years in the Army and the National Guard. He has worked at almost every level of education, including paraprofessional, teacher, principal, and superintendent.
