On Tuesday, parents, teachers and community members participated in a motivation rally for Marlin ISD students during the first day of state-mandated standardized testing.
Marlin Mayoral candidate Demetrius Beachum organized the event, which took place at all of the Marlin ISD campuses, to encourage students to perform well.
Low scores in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness known as STAAR for five years have put the district at the risk of closing. Last month, the Texas Education Agency replaced the elected school board with a board of managers to oversee the management of the district.
"In the past, yes Marlin has not done that well, but we believe with this rally on this day that this will give a spark of motivation, that there are parents out there on their corner, pushing them, wishing for them and hoping to let them know We can and you all can pass this test," Beachum said.
Mayoral candidate John Keefer also participated in the event.
Antonette Harlow who has an eighth grader at Marlin Junior Academy said it was important for her and her family to support their daughter and her classmates.
"They need to know they're supported in what they're doing. I feel like the teachers and the community helping the students is a boost of confidence," Harlow said.
Harlow has high hopes for her daughter and other students at Marlin ISD to pass the test.
"She got good sleep. I made her good breakfast this morning and she's ready to go," Harlow said.
According to Harlow, the rally made her even more ready to take the test.
"It built my daughter's confidence up and I think she is going to do really well," Harlow said.
Marlin ISD did not meet standard last year. The test scores in the spring will determine whether the district meets standard, which is used to determine the accreditation of the school.
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