STAAR testing season has officially arrived in El Paso, and classrooms across the city are preparing for the big day. From elementary to high school campuses, students are reviewing, practicing, and doing everything they can to feel confident heading into test day. It’s one of the most important times of the school year, and you can feel the mix of nerves and determination from students.
For those who need a quick refresher, the STAAR test (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) measures how well students have learned the state-required curriculum in subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies. It’s designed to make sure students are on track for the next grade level.
And it’s not just students feeling it. Teachers and school staff are right there with them, putting in extra hours, offering support, and doing everything possible to set their students up for success. That’s exactly why many schools are bringing the energy with STAAR pep rallies, because sometimes, a little fun and encouragement goes a long way.
From Tests to Slime: El Paso School Hypes STAAR Season
I’ve been to plenty of STAAR pep rallies and I have loved all of them! It is so fun to see how creative teachers and administrators get when planning these pep rallies. However, my most recent STAAR pep rally let me live out my Nickelodeon dreams!!
Capistrano Elementary invited me and Grizz to be their pep rally hosts for the day and let’s just say, it was anything but boring. The pep rally kicked off with a full-on dance-off between students and the Ysleta High School cheerleaders and student council.
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Then came the main event: Sliming the teachers
Students with perfect attendance earned the power to vote for which teachers would take the ultimate gooey hit. When the moment finally came, two “lucky” teachers stepped up to the stage and got completely slimed by cheering students who did not hold back.
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Then, Iris & Grizz jumped into the mix, keeping the energy going. I grew up watching Nickelodeon so it is safe to say that I was so excited for this moment because I felt like my Nickelodeon dreams were coming true!
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
But the students absolutely lost it when Capistrano Principal Ms. Holguin surprised everyone by stepping onto the stage. Within seconds, she was covered in slime, and students cheered in excitement.
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary/Iris Lopez
Moments like this are what make STAAR season a little easier to handle. Seeing students laugh, cheer, and connect with their teachers outside of the classroom is a reminder that school is more than just tests.
Pep rallies like these give students a boost of confidence and show them that their teachers are right there beside them rooting for them every step of the way.
El Paso Students Slime Teachers Ahead of STAAR Tests
El Paso students gear up for STAAR testing with a fun pep rally featuring dance-offs, teacher sliming, and a surprise moment that had the whole school cheering.
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Capistrano Elementary School/Iris Lopez
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We’ve sorted each of the show’s 23 champions in order of who is most famous to country fans. No. 1 may be predictable but a thorough scroll may trigger voting memories from seasons past, plus an update on who is still active in music today.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes