Kecoughtan High School - Tomahawk Yearbook (Hampton, VA)

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Standardized Tests Augment Regular Study On at least a half-dozen occasions many juniors and seniors suf- fered the fate of nearly all college bound students — the inevitable standardi- zed tests for college entrance Among these were the Scholastic Aptitude (SAT) and Achievement Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board ' s Admissions Testing Program, the American College Testing (ACT) Exams, and the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Tests (PSAT). In order to determine the reactions of those who took the tests, the Toma- hawk staff surveyed sixty-five college bound juniors and seniors. A vast majority of these admitted that they had experienced some degree of tension while the test was being administered. Un- doubtedly, such tension and fears were responsible for panic, which may have resulted in lower scores for those who do not test well under stress. Nevertheless, most students recog- nized the importance of the tests in shaping college decisions, although few felt that SAT-ACT-type exams should carry much weight. When asked what they did the night before the test, only seventeen of the sixty-five mentioned going to bed any earlier than usual Sixteen attended the Kecoughtan-Hampton football game the night before the November 2 Scholastic Aptitude Test, another eleven participated in the game in one capacity or another. At the same time, only two studied the night before the fateful day. Unfortunately for some, many colleges do emphasize the results of these tests. Are the colleges placing too much emphasis on standardized exams? Are the high school students taking the tests too lightly? Is t here a simple answer? Patchwork — 27 A

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Guidance counselor Mrs Evelyn Moore answers Laurie Annans PSAT registration questions while area students wait in line before the November test here at Kecoughtan During his sixth period. Sean Moran winds up some of the homework before leaving school Secluded in a corner of Mrs. Wanda Blelloch s American history classroom. Frank Bell studies his mimeographed notes Patchwork — 26

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' ' Hmm, this looks interesting ” Mark Easterling examines Clackety Tracks, a game donated to the SCA drive for Toys for Tots ' Awww I wish I could keep her. ' ' Kathy Gear relaxes for a moment amid the toys which the SCA collected for the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Center What are these funny characters 7 Dancing to the strains of Babes in Toyland. ' Michael Walker and Gail Hardy delight kindergartners during the concert band ' s Toys for Tots” Concert Ho, Ho, Ho! The SCA and the band joined forces to provide an enjoyable holiday season for Peninsula youngsters. The SCA started by collecting money and toys, and the band ended by giving a free Toys for Tots” Concert. Through collections taken dur- ing basketball games and first period classes, the SCA collected $47 1 53 plus many toys for Sarah Bonwell Hudgins School for the Mentally Retarded. Later, during the holiday week the band joined in the spirit of goodwill with a free Kiddie Concert The kindergarten children thoroughly enjoyed the concert band ' s performance, which included the live toys and Santa Claus. Because of the students ' efforts. Peninsula youngsters enjoyed a happier holiday season. Patchwork — 28