Hello SPUR/Venture Upward families!

We are quickly approaching the spring state testing season. The testing season begins April 16th and ends May 10th. Your testing location, time, and date are as follows:

Cokeville Branch Library

240 E Main St

Cokeville, WY 83114

Testing Session 1:

April 16th, 1 PM - 4 PM 

Testing Session 2:

April 17th, 10 AM - 1 PM 

Backup dates:

May 1st & 2nd, same times as above

Converse County Library Douglas

300 E Walnut St

Douglas, WY 82633

Testing Session 1:

April 22nd, 10 AM - 1 PM

Testing Session 2:

April 23rd, 3 PM - 6 PM 

Backup dates:

May 6th & 7th same times as above

Cheyenne Library

2200 Pioneer Ave.

Cheyenne, WY 82001

Testing Session 1:

April 22nd, 5 PM - 8 PM 

Testing Session 2:

April 23rd, 10 AM -1 PM  

Backup dates:

May 6th & 7th, same times as above

District Offices

121 North 5th West

Riverton, WY 82501

Testing Session 1:

April 30th, TBD by District

Testing Session 2:

May 1st, TBD by District

Testing Session 3:

May 2nd, TBD by District

To preserve the integrity of the program and to remain in good standing with the Department of Education, it is critical that all students in third through eighth grade test at one of the sites listed above. Since all students in third through eighth grade must take state assessments as required by the State of Wyoming, please be aware that we have backup dates that will be released if an entire testing site is closed due to inclement weather. These backup dates will only be available if an entire site is closed.

We also wanted to reach out to give some encouragement to students and also provide some materials to help them prepare if desired. We recognize the challenges that come along with testing in an unfamiliar environment and the anxiety this may cause. We hope that providing the strategies below will help ease some of the stress associated with standardized testing. 

Know going into the test that you may not know all the answers to the questions, and that is okay. 

Deep breathing

• Inhale for the count of four, hold your breath for the count of four, and exhale for the count of four.
• This technique done 3 times soothes stress and eases anxiety.
• This technique is easy for students to learn and implement.

Affirmations 

• Repeating an affirmation has been shown to improve mood and decrease stress. Practice one affirmation regularly. 

Affirmation examples: 

1. I am prepared and ready to show what I know.
2. I am calm and focused.
3. I am relaxed and confident.

Test Taking Tips

• On a reading comprehension test, read the questions before the passage.
• On multiple-choice tests, eliminate the answers that do not make sense.
• For open-ended responses, use ACE – Answer the question, Cite an example, then extend your thinking.

• Ensure that students get 8 – 10 hours of sleep the night before.
• Prepare a healthy breakfast that includes protein and a complex carb for sustained energy and mental alertness.
• Prepare all items the night before for a calm morning routine.
• Familiarize yourself with the testing location and route so as not to create undo stress.
• Arrive to the test site a few minutes early to look around and get acquainted with the site.

Your child may also bring a water bottle and a book to read when they have finished testing. We do ask that cell phones be left at home. If a student would like to bring their cell phone in case of emergency, they will be stored at the proctor's table; cell phone use is not permitted during testing. 

If you would like more materials to prepare your student for taking their standardized test, we have gathered a few more resources at the links below.

We hope you find these tips helpful! 

Kind Regards, 

Your SPUR & Venture Upward Team