By The Hampton Herald Staff
Third through fifth grade Hampton students participated in a pep rally in the gym on April 13th to get ready for the upcoming MCAP test.
 
On Monday afternoon, third through fifth grade students paraded through the hallways. They were allowed to make noise with clappers and cow bells. They also had pom-poms and sticker eye black.
 
Second grade and younger do not take the MCAP test, so they made signs and clapped and cheered for the older students.
 
“I did a worksheet that said ‘Donut Stress, Be Your Best’ and it had a donut on it,” said Noah H., a kindergartener.
Students arrived in the gym and Mr. Conway and some fifth graders were on stage leading the cheers.
 
“Yes, I think it is a good idea to have the pep rally, but I think it is too noisy when you go into the gym,” said Mr. Ludden.
 
Students were singing the MCAP version of "We will Rock you."
 
MCAP is standardized tests that all students take. There are language arts tests and math tests.
 
The goal of the pep rally was to encourage students to do their best, to be confident, and to not be scared of the upcoming tests.
 
“I am a little bit more (excited) but I still don’t like taking tests,” said Hannah, a fifth grader at Hampton.
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Hopefully, the students at Hampton are feeling more confident about doing their best taking the upcoming MCAP assessments.

The Hampton Herald Staff caught up with Hampton students to ask about their plans for Spring Break.  Here is what they had to say.

​“Sleep”—Markar, 4th grade.
 
“Ski”—Annabelle, 4th grade.
 
“I’m going to Pittsburgh and I’m going to see the Orioles play”—Natalie, 4th grade.
 
“I’m going to Williamsburg”—Heidi, 4th grade.
 
“Sleeping”—Rose, 5th grade.
 
“I’m just going to sit on the couch”—Oliver, 4th grade.
 
“I don’t know what I’m doing; it’s a surprise”—Sarah, 4th grade.
 
“I’m going to my grandma’s”—Olivia, 4th grade.
 
“I’m going to Florida to St. Pete’s for swim meets”—Nico, 5th grade.
 
“I’m going to sleep and play Dandy’s World for bassie’s skin”—Anthony, 5th grade.
 
“I’m going to play with my dolls”—Ava, 1st grade.
 
“I don’t really have too many plans, but I’m definitely hoping to hang out with as many friends as possible.  I also might go fishing with my grandpa”—Paige, 5th grade.