So, the students thought up a baseball theme and have implemented unique activities over the past four months to create their own “spring training.”

Every morning, students participated in exercises that utilized cross-lateral abilities, which works on using both the left and right side of the brain.

“The main focus of these activities was to make everyone a part of a team,” explained Bananno. “We got parents involved, all the teachers, everyone.”

To kick off “spring training” the students attended a pep rally where they were taught several brain boosting and anxiety easing exercises.

The elementary principal, Jason Huffman, also spoke to students before they read a tale entitled, “Testing Miss Malarkey,” about a student who also suffered angst over a test.

Older students even helped prepare younger children by offering suggestions and advice in order to improve testing scores.

Activities included developing test taking strategies before setting goals for the school year and PSSA tests on their own baseball cards.

Students also created ‘bio-poems’ written on baseball mitts, used computer technology to develop magazine covers that promote the students before receiving large boxes filled with team t-shirts that the students wore to school on different occasions.

The culminating activity to end “spring training” included a picnic where students enjoyed hot dogs and popcorn.

Students in fifth and sixth grades started a softball game around 1:30 p.m. while younger children played kickball.

The highlight of the day, however, included a visit from the Pirate Parrot who enjoyed a rousing game of softball with the students.

New Bethlehem Elementary students in grades three through six took the PSSA tests beginning on March 31 and ending April 4. 

Results will arrive at the school sometime in August.