After years of students finishing tests in noisy hallways and cluttered offices, Schreiber has opened a dedicated testing room for students with 504 accommodation plans. Located in Room 116, the new space offers a quiet environment for students who need extra time or separate testing areas, while also easing the scheduling burden on their teachers.
As more students have received accommodations and teachers’ schedules have grown tighter, the need for a calm, specialized testing space became clear. Until now, students often made up exams in hallways and department offices, which are both filled with distractions that can affect student performance.
“From personal experience I could say finishing a test in the hallway is not fun. There is a lot of noise and distractions. A quiet testing location will provide the proper environment for a kid to properly finish a test. It will reduce stress and allow students to calm down and do their best,” said sophomore Chase Beckenstein.
The idea had been delayed for years due to limited space and staffing costs. However, over the summer, Schreiber Principal Dr. Kathryn Behr made a request to administration for an additional teaching assistant to work in the 504 room. Ms. Kerry Ort has been hired to oversee the room and work in conjunction with the staff working in the ALC. Mr. David Miller, who is taking over for assistant principal Dr. Casey Lomangino while she is on maternity leave, helped to situate Ms. Ort and set up the room.
“She has a long history in the district and a great background. We are thrilled to have her–she seems really bright and committed. We’re really very very happy,” said Mr. Miller.
The new testing room, previously the Social Science Research Room, had once been considered for a “mindfulness room.” It is situated across from the B wing where the English hallway and the main hallway meet, which is unfortunately one of the busier hallways in the school. Teachers have been encouraged to first test students in their own classrooms or offices before turning to Room 116.
“I think that the testing room is a great idea, and it really takes stress off of the students who have the ability to use it. They are placed in a calmer environment that allows them to focus better, which is extremely helpful as they navigate their busy schedules,” said senior Matthew Kokkalakis.
Only when space or scheduling conflicts arise are they asked to email Ms. Ort, drop off a test with a note describing students’ accommodations, and send students there. That means some students will still take tests in hallways or departmental offices, but the number should drop significantly.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better than what we had before. It’s a really nice improvement, and we are all very thankful for the Central Office and Board of Education’s commitment to help,” said Mr. Miller.