Hi Colts!

Spring has sprung - and we are sneezing our way through the end of the year! I hope you are enjoying the longer days and warmer weather.

We're only 2 months away from the finish line, but these next two months are pretty hectic. Let's stay focused and try to put our best work out there. But, make sure to enjoy the time also.

It's testing season, so I wanted to be sure to inform you all of how testing works in high school. Please read through this carefully, and I hope it will help with your questions.

STAAR EOC Testing

Yes, we have STAAR in high school. You may hear it called EOC (End of Course) testing. They are the same thing. I'll always call it STAAR EOC to help with confusion.

Students have to pass 5 STAAR tests to graduate:

• Algebra 1
• English 1
• English 2
• Biology
• US History 

First-time Testers and Re-testers

Students will take these tests for the first time when they are in the actual class. If they fail the test, they will continue to be offered re-test opportunities each semester. Students who re-test will be notified by their counselor and pulled from class to test. If your student passes all tests on the first try, they should be done with STAAR EOC testing FOREVER after their junior year!

April 2025 Testing Dates

• 4/8: English 2 STAAR EOC
• 4/9: English 1 STAAR EOC
• 4/16: US History STAAR EOC
• 4/17: Biology STAAR EOC
• 4/23: Algebra 1 STAAR EOC

Upon arrival to campus on testing days, all students will scan a QR code that will tell testers their testing room or non-testers their new classroom locations (since many rooms will have shifted due to testing).

Make-up Testing Dates

If your student is absent for any of their tests, they will be pulled during class for their test. Students going to UIL contests will test on the make-up days. Students who know of an absence ahead of time can work out a make-up plan with our testing coordinator or their counselor.

• 4/10: English 1, English 2
• 4/11: English 1, English 2
• 4/15: English 1, English 2
• 4/22: US History, Biology
• 4/24: US History, Biology, Algebra 1
• 4/25: US History, Biology, Algebra 1
• 4/29: Algebra 1
• 4/30: Algebra 1

You can do it!

Seniors and senior parents, we're so close to the end, but this is such an important time. I encourage you all to try to stay present in what you are doing each day. I am finding it harder and harder to stop myself from drifting in and out of conversations with my family as the amount of work gets bigger and more complicated. But, I force myself to recognize when I'm not fully committing to my family and give myself a swift kick in the tail! Your future self would be very mad at your current self if you spend these precious last months of school planning, worrying, and stressing.

And, KEEP PARENTING. I know they are 18. They tell me every day. They like to say they are grown. They are not. They are still our children. Help them. Discipline them. Teach them. They will be gone from your grasp in just a few short months. Then, set them free. But until then, keep parenting.

Let's get this testing season handled and enjoy our last months of school. We can do it!

Take care, everyone.

Sincerely,

Stacie Humbles, Principala

Arlington High School

First here. Best here.