TERRE HAUTE —
Do you know the difference between a “hanger” and a “hangar”? Can you quickly solve 9 x 7? Can you write a well-organized essay?
Those are some tasks that faced dozens of Deming Elementary students this week as part of their ISTEP “Boot Camp.”
For the past two weeks, Deming Elementary students in grades three, four and five stayed after school to do ISTEP-related drills. Supervised by more than a half-dozen teachers, students were divided into groups to play games and do academic exercises.
“I can’t believe how many kids we’ve had show up for this,” said Angie Balitewicz, media specialist at Deming and one of about 10 teachers working during Boot Camp.
About 80 kids took partin Deming’s camp Thursday from about 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ISTEP testing begins next week.
In one classroom, teacher Annie Gauer used flash cards to conduct a math game in which students had to solve multiplication problems in competition with each other. In another room, Balitewicz helped students learn the definition of words. And, in the library, teacher Jacob Kisor oversaw students playing math games on school computers.
“We want them to succeed probably more than they realize,” Kisor said.
In yet another classroom, three Deming teachers helped students write short essays to prepare for the ISTEP test. Those teachers also led the kids in a chant designed to build confidence and a fighting spirit for taking the annual test. Meanwhile, Donna Tidd, a reading teacher, helped students learn about words that sound the same but have different meanings, such as “tier” and “tear.”
“I can’t say enough about our teachers,” said Susan Mardis, Deming principal. “They are just outstanding.”
Deming is officially on “improvement,” based on low ISTEP scores in the past, Mardis said. Last year, however, the school, with help from the Boot Camp program, managed to earn a passing grade. This year, again with help from the Boot Camp and a week of intense focus during the test, Mardis believes the school’s scores will be even better.
“They know it. Now they’ve got to show it,” Mardis said.
Students at Deming, a school of about 328 students located at 17th Street and Eighth Avenue, have shown significant improvement in their ISTEP scores since the 2007-2008 school year, according Indiana Department of Education figures. In December, Tony Bennett, Indiana’s superintendent of public instruction, applauded the progress at the north-side elementary school.
“I’m really proud of our parents,” Mardis said. “They have really gotten onboard.”
Thursday was the final day for Boot Camp. At about 5:15 p.m., the students gathered in the school’s small gymnasium to receive T-shirts emblazoned with the words: “I Survived Boot Camp at Deming Elementary.” Sitting on the gym floor, the students gave loud and enthusiastic applause to their teachers standing on the school’s stage. They also sang and clapped while Kisor, the school music teacher, sang an ISTEP fight song to the tune of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. The students then boarded a single bus for their homes.
Putting together the Boot Camp requires a lot of dedicated people, Mardis said. Nancy Weaver, head of transportation for the Vigo County School Corp., the Deming cafeteria crew and others contributed to the camp’s success, she said. “It’s a team effort.”
Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
Top Story 4
Related Photos
-
Perfect fit: Dylan Couch gets his shirt at the end of of camp Thursday. Deming Elementary School teacher Donna Tidd fits him for his 'I survived boot camp at Deming Elementary' T-shirt. Jim Avelis
-
Quiet please: Deming Elementary School teacher Annie Gauer calls for quiet before she leads her boot campers in a multiplication table contest. Two students would try to get the answer called out first, the winner going on to compete with another classmate until he/she lost. Jim Avelis
-
Learning lab: Demoing Elementary School students involved in their ISTEP Boot Camp hone their math skills using computer games during camp Thursday afternoon. Jim Avelis
-
A-B-C: Ashley Miller looks through a dictionary for the meaning of a homophone in the English language skills part of her ISTEP Boot Camp experience at Deming Elementary School Thursday. Words such as 'hire' and 'higher' or 'clause' and 'claws' were used in games to build the students word usage skills.
-
MET022411deming group.jpg Jim Avelis
-
I know, I know: Nicole Maples hopes to get called on for the answer during an English skills word game involving homophones. Deming Elementary School teacher Donna Tidd leads the small group of learners attending the schools' ISTEP Boot Camp. Jim Avelis
-
Good start: Deming Elementary School students start their Boot Camp with a snack. This week it was ice cream, last week it was pizza. Jim Avelis
Discussion
Boot Camp: Deming students prepare for next week's ISTEP test
It’s a team effort, says principal
- Top Story 4
-
-
Terre Haute native, Rose grad a member of Robonaut 2 development team
Terre Haute native and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumnus Kris Verdeyen has taken one small step forward for robotics through February’s launch of the first human-like robot to space to become a permanent resident of the International Space Station.
-
Boot Camp: Deming students prepare for next week's ISTEP test
Do you know the difference between a “hanger” and a “hangar”? Can you quickly solve 9 x 7? Can you write a well-organized essay?
-
Red Cross shelters offer warm place for families
This is not the first time Dorothy Deverick of Terre Haute has needed emergency shelter provided by the Wabash Valley Red Cross.
-
Patriots fall 3-1 to Hamilton Southeastern in 4A softball title game
No, the Terre Haute North vs. Hamilton Southeastern softball game at Ben Davis High School will not end later than the World Cup soccer tournament. That seemed possible after the two high school teams played a half inning Saturday night when inclement weather postponed the contest and they returned to the same field Monday night to play into the bottom of the fourth inning before heavy rain struck again.
-
IHSAA Class 4A softball championship: Patriots’ game postponed after nearly 4 innings
The Indiana High School Athletic Association seemed to get it right Monday night.
Although the Terre Haute North softball team and its many fans will be inconvenienced by yet another trip to Ben Davis for the Class 4A state championship — 5 p.m. today, everyone hopes — the postponement Monday at the midpoint of the title game against Hamilton Southeastern couldn’t be avoided. -
ISU's Hutson reflects on fourth NCAA pole vault championship
Kylie Hutson thrives under pressure. She proved that again, capping one of the greatest athletic careers in the history of Sycamore athletics.
-
Riverton Parke softball looking for redemption at state
Nobody from the Riverton Parke softball team used the word “revenge” this week when discussing Saturday’s opponent in the Class A state finals at Ben Davis’ field in Indianapolis.
-
Country star Josh Gracin to top summer music lineup at Fairbanks Park
Music on the riverside is nothing new in Terre Haute.
The concept, carried out most often at the Fairbanks Park amphitheater on the banks of the Wabash River, hit high gear during the past decade. Nationally known artists such as Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, America, Monkees lead singer Davy Jones, The Association, Gary Puckett and Sawyer Brown all took the stage during festivals there. It’s also home to the Terre Haute Community Band on selected nights each summer. -
GOP taps opponent to face Kersey
Lacking a primary election candidate, the Indiana State Republican Party elected Alan Morrison in a June 7 caucus to run against incumbent Rep. Clyde Kersey, D-Terre Haute, in the Nov. 2 general election for House District 43.
-
North first, followed by South, Northview at golf sectional
Terre Haute North’s boys team had been playing its best golf at the end of the season, and the Patriots reached a record peak Monday in the Owen Valley Sectional played at Rolling Meadows.
-
Plaque honors legacy of Mordecai ‘Three-finger’ Brown
Fred Massey sat amid the small crowd with pride, remembering stories his uncle had told him.
“I’ve got a lot of fond memories of him coming over to our house,” the 85-year-old Massey said of his great-uncle, Mordecai “Three-finger” Brown. -
Dramatic rally for South tennis at State Finals
Anyone looking for the low point of the Terre Haute South girls high school tennis season could have found it slightly before 4:30 p.m. Friday at Park Tudor.
-
Retiring Vigo County teacher looks back on career
As his final day of teaching drew to a close, Honey Creek Middle School teacher John Treager received a group hug from several of his sixth-grade students.
-
David Behrs believes his tenure at The Woods College as been successful
David Behrs believes much has been accomplished during his three-year tenure as president of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College.
-
North Central softball pounds out 15 hits, gets four-hitter from Scott to reign in Class A regional
Scoring a run an inning brings about a high probability of placing a softball team in the victory column. Tacking on a three-spot in the sixth inning as insurance also helps the probability factor for winning. North Central did the former in the game’s first four innings, assuming a 4-0 lead, and the latter in the sixth inning to apply the coup de grace.
-
RAMBLIN' RECK: Franchitti’s strong team helped lead to 500 victory
Another Indianapolis 500 is history and we now have another multi-race winner in the event.
Dario Franchitti won because he had a fast car — “It was a hand full, but it was a fast hand full,” he said — and because his team did a good job on the pit stops and in managing race strategy. -
South tennis heading back to state
It was only fitting Saturday afternoon that seniors Emma Bilyeu and Mallory Metheny would be deciding the Jasper Semistate high school tennis match between Terre Haute South and Evansville Memorial.
-
Redevelopment commission acquires more of former Coke & Carbon plant site
A brownfield site that once housed the former Terre Haute Coke & Carbon plant will soon be under the single ownership of the Terre Haute Redevelopment Commission.
-
Indiana State University eyes possible large enrollment growth
Freshman enrollment at Indiana State University could increase substantially this fall, based on some promising indicators in applications and admissions to-date.
-
Wabash Valley has no shortage of ways to get involved in gardening
So you like to get your hands dirty? Does the smell of fresh dirt make you say “aaahhh!”? It’s the time of year when many Wabash Valley residents begin thinking of gardening. And it’s fitting.
-
Low vision assistance showcased at Expo
A statewide network of support agencies gathered in Terre Haute on Wednesday, showcasing their offerings for those with disabilities.
-
CBI Tournament: ISU can’t get out of gate against SLU
The Indiana State men’s basketball program waited nine long years to play a postseason game.
The wait to see how competitive the Sycamores would be in their postseason return didn’t take nearly as long. Saint Louis dominated ISU from the opening tip and cruised to a 63-54 victory in the opening round of the College Basketball Invitational at Chaifetz Arena on Tuesday. -
New circulation director brings passion for industry to Tribune-Star
Josh Harmon spent 15 years working in the circulation department at the Champaign News Gazette.
Now, he’s bringing his experience – and enthusiasm – to the Tribune-Star, where he began his duties Monday as the new circulation director. -
Terre Haute once built 'finest minor league baseball park'
Only a select few saw Memorial Stadium from Ernie Woods’ vantage. Under the summer sun, he roamed the outfield for the Terre Haute Phillies in 1950. The ballpark turned 25 years old that season.
-
City Council passes ‘responsible bidder’ ordinance
The Terre Haute City Council voted narrowly Thursday night in favor of an ordinance imposing new standards on contractors seeking city construction projects.
-
Robinson’s goal: Bring home an Illinois Class 2A title
Robinson’s runner-up finish in the IHSA single-class tournament in 1916 is the school’s best boys basketball finish.
-
State bound: Robinson handles Decatur St. Teresa 81-60
Meyers Leonard put a huge exclamation point on Robinson’s first trip to the IHSA state finals since 2002 and first ever in the three-class system at the 2A level.
-
Retired ISP trooper Herb Jones jumps in sheriff’s race
A retired Indiana State Police trooper has entered the race as a Republican candidate for the office of Vigo County sheriff.
- ISU baseball opens Bob Warn Field with doubleheader split
-
Newly-formed Christian alternative band gaining attention
Group receives VIP invitation to audition for 'America’s Got Talent' TV show
- More Top Story 4 Headlines
-
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Raw Video: Fire on Nuke-powered Sub in Maine
NYPD: Person Implicated in Etan Patz Death
Astrologers Predict Outcome of Presidential Race
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Illegal Burn Suspected in Nevada Fire
Obama: 'We've Got More Work to Do'
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
1 Dead After Crop-Dusters Collide in Midair
Castro's Daughter Takes on U.S.-Cuban Relations
Romney: "I'd Like Every Parent to Have a Choice"
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Clinton Touts Rights Advances, Assails Assad
Search Intensifies for Missing Louisiana Woman
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Raw Video: School Bus Hits House
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
Fight erupts in Ukrainian parliament over language bill.
Racy ad encourages safe sex for senior citizens
New Video of The Dark Knight Rises Released by Warner Brothers
Coach dismissed after going to prom with student
Jennifer Lopez's Rock Hard Abs
Plane Passenger Records Engine Hatch Blowing Off
What Katy Perry Thinks Makes Her Hot
Toddlers Mistake Laundry Detergent TidePods for Candy, Get Poisoned
Anderson Kicks Guest Off Show
Lolo Jones Admits Trouble Keeping Boyfriends
Behind 'Breaking Bad's' Big Bang
Big Bang Theory Star Comes Out
Laundromat video: It was the babysitter and her friend
"The Choking Game" - Deadly Trend for Youth
Sanchez Eager to Start Her Career after 'Idol'
K.Stew's Topless Confession at Cannes
American Idol Crowns a Champ
