Well, it was here. The dreaded PSSA week began last Wednesday. SJ wasn't going to school on Wednesday (well at least that is what he was hoping!). He did go, but he was crying all the whole way to school. I reminded him that he just has to try his best. I also told him that it doesn't affect his grades. My reassurance wasn't helping his mood.
The school started out the testing week with math. Math is SJ's strong subject, so Mrs. Valentine said he did fairly well with that section. I was expecting him to be in a good mood because of that fact. He was already stressing about the next day's reading section.
He was complaining that it wasn't fair that it was on school pizza day. Bob and I both tried to put him at ease, but we weren't successful. We told him that he should be happy that he was having his favorite lunch on a "bad" day. He wasn't convinced. I told him that I would check with Mrs. Valentine at the end of the day. If he made it through the testing, he would be able to get a treat.
Thursday morning we had more difficulty getting SJ to go to school. I reminded him to do his best and that I would be checking with Mrs. Valentine. I was nervous for him most of the day. I sent Mrs. Valentine an email to see how he did. She said he worked hard and deserved a treat.
I made a big production out of him doing so well with the testing. He seemed pleased with himself, so I was very proud of him. He informed me that Friday's testing was going to be moved to the next week. Our town was having a scheduled power outage, so they cancelled the testing for Friday and Monday. SJ and Bob were very happy about that!
I was happy that he made it through part of the testing with only tears that we saw. I was glad that he was able to control his fears and emotions in front of his peers. That is progress. Small progress but progress is always welcome. I am hoping that next week's testing will go as smoothly.
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