East Elementary students attend school on Saturdays

School on a Saturday? That’s exactly what is happening at East Elementary as third-and fourth-grade students volunteer to attend classes on Saturdays as the school prepares for the upcoming PARCC assessment this spring.
Over 55 third-and fourth-grade students attended the first of five PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) PASS SATURDAYS on Jan. 24.
The students spend an hour each of both Math and Reading. The school’s principal, Dwanetta Scott, says that these extra hours are helpful as this will be Louisiana’s first year taking the PARCC test. She credits the PARCC PASS Saturday’s success to volunteerism by the school’s faculty and staff.
Scott added, “It’s all made possible on a volunteer basis. The teachers put in extra time planning PARCC related activities and willingly sacrifice their free time preparing students.”
“To encourage student participation, students have a chance to win door prizes from local restaurants and businesses.
There are friendly competition of attendance between the two grades. At the end of each session, students receive a snack bag along with helpful testing strategies to review at home with their parents.
Scott said, “Students are provided with fun, hands-on activities in reading and math as they work in cooperative groups.”
The group of students met Feb. 7. And the next Saturday PARCC sessions are scheduled for Feb. 21, March 7 & 14.