Surviving the NJ ASK

Editor's Note: This piece was written by seventh grade students Isabelle Carrillo and Owen Abbott about the week of NJ ASK testing, May 3-6.

The Infamous NJ ASK

“Beep, beep, beep.” I awaken to the sound of my shrill alarm clock. I rub the sleep out of my eyes with no compassion. I put my clothes on and eat breakfast as if I am being forced. I even sharpen my brand new No. 2 pencils unwillingly. As I leave the house, I drag myself to school, only to be bombarded by the memories of test booklets and questions. The stark silence in Westwood Regional Middle School, you could almost hear all the minds buzzing in contemplation. The pressure of how much time there is, the anxiety you feel, the preparation for weeks, it all leads up to this moment and yet, that pencil barely budges. It was that time of year again; it was time for the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge. The NJ ASK this year was different; those memories are part of the past. We are about to tell you, things have most definitely changed; and for the better in fact.

About the “ASK”

The actual testing materials and schedule was the same as usual; it remained a Nancy Drew mystery. As a student, not only do you not know what you could be questioned on (i.e. explanatory prompts, persuasive essays, letters, reading selections or story about topics that may not even be familiar to you), you don’t even know if some questions are being graded. These non-graded sections known as field tests are the state’s way of seeing if a particular test type would be good to use for future years; the New Jersey Department of Education’s way of getting “free labor.” The math sections are pretty straightforward, yet time was a main concern to the barely adequate 20 minutes given for the sections. On top of all the hard work and anxiety, this test (as with any) is quite dull and dismal. That is most likely the reason behind many students’ hatred toward the NJ ASK. In a poll conducted at Westwood Regional Middle School, 53 percent of students said that they felt stressed as a result of the test. Yet the bitter/nerve racked feelings don’t end in the classroom. On social websites such as Facebook, there are groups/pages called, “I hate the NJ ASK” or “The NJ ASK should self-destruct.” A bit too much if you ask us personally.

Not all kids have a bad view on the test. One student even had a positive insight on the test: “The NJ ASK itself was pretty stressful. The activities afterwards were really fun though. They were a great way to relax after such challenging testing. I enjoyed that there were different activities to meet everyone's hobbies.” When it comes down to it, the statewide standardized test isn’t all that bad. In fact, we tend to think of it as a way to show off writing and math skills. Yet through the drone-like proctors, frustration, anxiety and hand-cramping, there was something unique about this year, which made the testing week quite memorable and tolerable. In fact, out of the seventh grade students surveyed at Westwood Regional Middle School, 51 percent said that they actually “enjoyed it” this year.

Afternoon Fun

So how exactly did Westwood Regional Middle School Principal Seipp, Guidance Counselors Mrs. Paredes and Mrs. Sparno and Assistant Principal Zoretic-Addeo get the entire student body to be excited about the NJ ASK? They succeeded in making the NJ ASK fun through a small banner sporting the motto of that week, “Preparation, Concentration, Determination and Celebration.” This year they provided us with a unique experience that went with along with taking the NJ ASK. Our principal, Mr. Seipp, did his best to provide us with fun afternoons after all the stress and dullness of the morning examination. In the prior years, after working excruciatingly hard during testing, we then had to go back to our normal schedules and work even more. School was more of a “drag” than it normally was. This year it all changed. As a result, many students would agree when we say that taking the NJ ASK this year was one of the best. In fact, 89.7 percent said they preferred the NJ ASK this year over the last year. Many students loved this year and actually miss it as opposed to the regular school day.

The excitement started before we began testing each day. We got our minds and bodies warmed up with a walk around the track or on a rainy day, the school building. We were provided with refreshments and snacks like cereal bars, pretzels and water daily. After testing, we had a wide array of workshops, activities and classes to fit everyone's hobbies and interests. As soon as the magical words of, “Your testing is now over,” came out of the proctor’s mouth, everyone’s placid expressions would turn to ones of glee. Not a single person could neglect to find at least a couple workshops that held interest to them. From “Slime Making” and “Alka-Seltzer Rockets” to “Digital Story Book Making” and “Origami,” from “Spelling Bee” and “Card Making For the Troops” to softball and sports movies; everybody was given the chance to participate in fun activities as a reward for all of their hard work and concentration. Everyone was surprised at the versatility of all the activities and classes and quite pleased with all the variety we were provided with.

In addition, on Wednesday the whole school played a take on the popular game show “Minute to Win It.”  There was a manifold of student and faculty members who volunteered to test their skills in front of the whole school with mind-boggling games. Overall, we had a blast playing Minute to Win It. We had a great time playing and participating in all these activities, but there was more fun in store for us. On Friday, we were given the opportunity to improve not only our own health, but the health of others. We took part in a Walk-a-Thon for Breast Cancer provided by the Helping Hands Club. For 50 minutes, we all raised awareness for breast cancer and had a fun time with it. To support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation we got sponsors, bought ribbons and raised over $2,000, all while chatting and hanging out with our peers. Many agree that the dedication our student body showed just to wear pink was also one of the best efforts we have ever shown. After the walk we were able to join in Field Day, an activity that everyone knows and loves.

Also, we participated in a fun school Field Day put together by the school's three wonderful physical education teachers. We all had a blast with the fit activities and games for Field Day along with just interacting with our friends. We even had a student vs. faculty game that was all planned by the Student Council. It was so amusing seeing the teachers and even custodians out of their usual classroom and out on the basketball court. It again was a “cool” way for the kids to interact with our school’s fabulous staff. All in all everyone loved the activities provided to us by the Student Council, Principal Seipp, Mrs. Sparno, Mrs. Paredes and Vice Principal Zoretic-Addeo during a heated and stressful week.

Reflection

In conclusion, NJ ASK was a blast this year. It was definitely was a unique and memorable one. We are truly thankful to have been given such a wonderful staff and school. How many principals and assistant principals do you know that would go out of their way to schedule every student’s activities that they didn’t have to provide for us in the first place? Some students are even saying that they miss the NJ ASK week and we definitely agree with them. Even on Facebook seventh grade students posted positive comments about the NJ ASK. We would like to congratulate you, Westwood Regional Middle School, for giving us the knowledge that the NJ ASK is all about: “Preparation, Concentration, Determination and Celebration.”