More Than A Score  

By Isabella Dixon 

In October we had our first benchmarks for this school year. When some students hear benchmark testing they think they can just rush through and don’t really have to put in much effort; which is not a good mindset. Yes, the testing can be boring and not very fun but it's actually important. These tests can determine what classes you are placed in and good scores may even place you in advanced classes for the following year. The goal for benchmark testing is to get a higher score than you got the last time, even if it's only one point.

Our school even has a nice incentive if you make growth on your benchmarks; you get to hang out in the cafeteria and eat ice cream. Taking a test for a long time can be hard for most people. Here are some ways to help make it easier. The night before, you should go to bed at a reasonable time so you won't be tired when taking the test. Also, be sure to eat breakfast that morning because your lunch will be later than usual.

Last but not least, take your time on the test. You usually have two hours for the test, so double check your answers before submitting. The next time you have benchmark testing, try out these tips and aim for growth. After all, your success is up to you.

   Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Night

                                                               By: Olivia Taylor

Mount Pleasant middle school hosted Hispanic Heritage night on October 8th, from five to seven o’clock. While activities like the ceremony and dances took place in the cafeteria and the school’s auditorium.

Hispanic Heritage Night is a night to celebrate culture through food, speeches, dances, and cultural traditions. So our school took every Hispanic flag on stage and described that country’s culture through words of Spanish and English. We also had rows of food scattered along cafeteria tables, filling families mouths with cultural flavors. The cafeteria was decorated with banners going across the walls back and forth in bright colors while girls danced in their flowy dresses to Hispanic music that filled the air. But Hispanic Heritage is not just celebrated for one night, it is actually celebrated for a whole month from September 15th through October 15th. This is because many Latin American independence anniversaries take place around mid September to mid October. 

Hispanic Heritage night would not have been possible without the many students and adults who helped put together the celebration. Many students took on jobs and helped with entertainment to make this year's celebration the best it could be.