PORTAGE | With pom-poms in hand, Aylesworth Elementary School third-graders let out a cheer in anticipation for the annual ISTEP+ exam Friday morning.

Assistant Superintendent E. Ric Frataccia gave students a brief pep talk before the cheer rang through the school's intercom system, encouraging students to do their best. Principal Mary Tracy said the cheer was a good way to break the ice when it comes to the standardized test used to chart academic progress.

"It's not easy to get them excited about ISTEP," Tracy said.

Students around the state will take to their desks with No. 2 pencils beginning Monday morning to tackle the extensive exam. Tracy said testing for elementary students usually lasts until Sept. 26, but could end sooner depending on how a school structures the testing day.

Teachers at Aylesworth and throughout the Portage Township Schools spent the past weeks preparing students for the test, reviewing both the material and techniques for success.

"We also identified at-risk students in third, fourth and fifth grade that might need some extra help, and they received extra remediation," Tracy said.

To help get students in a positive mindset, Aylesworth had a week of special activities for students. Tracy said creating a positive environment and looking at the test as a conquerable challenge helped improve student attitudes.

"Because it's such a high stakes test, we don't want the kids to feel pressured," she said.