That Test

Staff Writer: Lakevia

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a mandatory standardized test given in the state of Florida. The FCAT compares student knowledge between counties in the state. Many students in Belle Glade are stressed out by preparing for the test. If a student fails the FCAT it can damage his self-esteem. The FCAT is administered to students for the first time in the third grade. Now there is talk about starting to test children in Kindergarten.

Teachers are also under pressure to get students to pass the FCAT. We feel the test takes away teachers' classroom time so that they cannot effectively finish their daily curriculum. Many teachers stay after school to tutor students in reading, writing, mathematics and science. The FCAT is an effective way for a teacher to determine a student's progress throughout the school year. The fact that this standardized test adds unwanted stress to students' lives can't go unnoticed.

A Visit to the Senior Center

Staff Writers: Frekerria, Chyrel, Brittany, Chris, Khadijah, Derrick, Jada, Arias

Every week youth from Pahokee Middle Beacon Center visit the seniors at the Royal Lake Apartments. Many of the seniors who live there don't have any family so they enjoy these visits. The seniors love to play bingo, which they call "bango," and they also play cards, checkers, dominoes and monopoly. On one of our visits we all painted ceramics together and celebrated Miss Pat's birthday. The seniors like to tell us jokes and they are all very funny.

The seniors are great people who always give good advice. They tell us to always stay in school, keep our grades up, and to respect our elders. We interviewed them about their lives and we're making a scrapbook to give to them. In February we will pick them up and bring them to our school to have a Valentine's Day party with us. Everyone will play bingo, eat cake and have a great time. We know our visits bring joy to the seniors' lives.