Heavy Medal Day

Everyone knows about the CSTs. Most people just think of them as the insanely long tests you get at the end of the year to show how much you know. Others take them very seriously and want to score highly and be recognized by schools.

At Walter Reed, every year during September, students receive medals based on whether they scored profficient or advanced, perfect 600, or improved on their CSTs. It is a way of making people feel proud of what they have accomplished, and give motivation to do even better the next year.
- Lydia-Jane

To me, Heavy Medal Day is just a small little thank you for doing the best you could, and also improving yourself. I think the CST is a very important part of my education and might get me into a good college. For me it was exciting to get a medal. It made me feel proud of being a good student. Just work and one day it will all pay off.
- Ryu123

When I got my first medal on Heavy Medal Day, I didn't know what it was at first. I thought I was just getting a medal for like good behavior or something. My teacher told me that we got it for improving our scores on the CSTs, and I was really proud of myself. When I got home, I told my parents that I earned a medal for improving my scores on the CSTs! They were really proud of me and shocked! They didn't even know there were medals for that! For dinner we went out like a celebration dinner. We were all really proud of me.
- Violet

Getting a medal for doing good on your CST is a really big accomplishment because it is for something that you did on your own.
- Hyekeaper818

To me, CSTs are a big deal (they go on your record)! When I get a medal I feel good about myself and that's why every year I make sure I do my best!
- Natelie

Heavy Medal Day is a day where you can show pride in what you have accomplished during the CSTs, whether you get proficient or advanced, or you improve in your scores. There are even some people who get perfect scores and get to wear a medal that most people don't. I feel that Heavy Medal Day shows how far you have come.
- Borris

Well, when I get my heavy medal and my CST scores, I get so proud of myself. Because I know I have succeeeded in my goal and have made my family proud and have not failed them. Because no child of my parents will fail or unsucceed! I also know that I've pushed myself to the limit. This year is the year I will score higher than proficient. I have guaranteed that. And my little sister is right behind me, and she will also not fail cause we are all pushing her to the limit.

Last year when it was Heavy Medal Day I actually didn't know or care what it was. But I soon saw people standing or sitting, waiting for their names to be called. And, as soon as I heard my name, I was surprised and excited to go up there and get what I earned. And I still have my heavy medal hanging there, waiting to have a partner! I know I will also succeed higher than before!
-Michelson

The CSTs are a gateway to lots and lots of opportunities. For example, when applying to high school, they look at your CST scores and they judge your admission based on your CST score and many other things. This year I got a 540 in math and a 480 in English. I scored advanced in both subjects! I make sure that every year I try my best and I hope whoever reads this does too.
- Donna

I found Heavy Medal Day quite annoying. Not because I'm not a metal-head - by the way I LOVE heavy metal! Well, real heavy metal - but because the musci they played wasn't exactly heavy metal. But besides that, I did like the fact that they tried. They did have a few good songs though. When I received my CST scores I was so mad when I saw that I was one point away from advanced in English. In math I got advanced.
- Epic pancakes (with mustaches)

Heavy Medal Day and my CST scores mean a lot to me because it determines how well I have achieved and shows me I have done well.
- Elena.N

Last year I was lucky enough to receive both medals.
- KraKra

When you get 1 or 2 medals you feel smarter and happy. And that's the best part of getting medals. Also, when you get medals it makes your parents very proud of you.
- Starburst

It's kind of great because everyone knows we tried our best on the test and how hard we worked. For me the test was kind of tricky, but what I did was try, and read it over and over again, until I understood the answer.
- Sandra

Heavy Medal Day doesn't mean much to me, but my CST scores mean quite a lot to me because I know that schools that I hope to attend look at them. However, I can understand what Heavy Medal Day can mean to some people. I guess it is like a school-wide pat on the back.
- Mayandra

Heavy Medal Day motivates me to work and get good scores. If you do not get a medal, you feel bad.
- Narely

Even though I am extremely devoted to getting good grades on the CSTs, I seem to find that Heavy Medal Day is just simply, for lack of a better word, "cheesy". Many friends of mine agree that free dress or possibly a minimum day would be a better reward than music during lunch. Teachers, despite good intentions, just don't know what makes students feel rewarded and involved. My recommendation is to take votes and get students involved! Heavy Medal Day could be really cool and rewarding if we just changed a few small things! I think that student CST scores would improve by so much!
- pseudonym to come

Well, Heavy Medal Day means to me feeling very special and important. When I got that medal I was happy, my mom was happy,and it was the best day.
- Diana

Heavy Medal Day is important to me because it tells me if I've improved or not. Even though I didn't get anything last year, I know I will do better this year.
- Legoboy

I got medals, but I feel bad for those who didn't. Maybe they didn't study or try very hard, but they probably felt embarrassed, not having a medal.
- Ole

It's a day to be proud of your goals and scores.
- Skittles

I really want to improve my scores this year.
- Mr. Waffles

I think it is a privilege to be able to do good in school because you have the privilege to learn, and to have teachers who spend their time teaching you these things to better your life and education. It's also a privilege to see your score, and to see what you are good at, and what you need to improve on, to get a better score next year.
- new student

I was really excited that I was a part of something, and had noticed that if I really do good in school, I will have a good carreer.
- NickTrick122

School is a huge part of my life and CSTs and Heavy Medal show me that it is all worth it. I get a sense of accomplishment. I am proud to be a part of Heavy Medal Day and get great test scores.
- Kitty

This is our time to be proud. I am so happy to be part of this celebration.
- Button