A Week of Exams, Encouragement, and Focus Across CCPS
Inside the halls of Forest Park Middle School, a group of eighth graders quietly filed out of their last exam room Friday afternoon — tired but proud. Their spring testing season had officially ended.
Across the Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) system, the mood was similar: relief, reflection, and a renewed focus on student wellness.
From Riverdale to Morrow, over 24,000 students completed the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) testing week, marking one of the district’s smoothest testing cycles in recent years.
“We saw outstanding attendance and minimal disruptions,” said Dr. Kenya Lockett, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Our teachers and students showed real resilience.”
What Was Tested and Why It Matters
The GMAS exams evaluate student proficiency in math, English Language Arts, science, and social studies — benchmarks used to guide academic interventions and evaluate school performance under Georgia’s accountability model.
CCPS students from grades 3–8 and select high schoolers participated.
This year, the district introduced several student-first changes:
- Mental health breaks between long testing blocks
- Quiet zones marked with signs and visual cues
- Schoolwide “calm corner” stations in testing buildings
- Optional mindfulness sessions before morning exams
“The focus shifted from pressure to preparation,” said Ms. Nicole Fields, a teacher at Pointe South Elementary. “That made a real difference.”
Parental Support at the Center
In neighborhoods like Lake City and Lovejoy, parent groups helped organize breakfast drop-offs and “testing survival kits” — small bags with pencils, water, and snacks.
At North Clayton High, PTA volunteers handed out cards that read:
“Breathe. Read. Believe. You’ve got this.”
Several schools also hosted pre-testing “family nights” where parents could learn what to expect, review past scores, and get tips on helping students sleep well and manage anxiety.
“I didn’t know I could ask for a quiet space for my son until they told me,” said Andrea R., a parent of a 6th grader. “That helped us plan better at home too.”
What Comes Next for Students and Families
Testing scores will be released by early June via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents will receive alerts from their respective schools once individual results are posted.
Educators say scores will be reviewed alongside class performance to determine:
- Summer learning eligibility
- Individual learning plans
- Promotion or grade support recommendations
Schools are also preparing summer intervention programs and enrichment camps — many of which will be low-cost or free through CCPS and local nonprofits.
Tips for Parents: Staying Informed Post-Testing
Lauren Miles suggests the following steps for CCPS parents after testing week:
- Check Infinite Campus for testing results as soon as they’re released
- Email your child’s homeroom teacher to discuss score interpretation
- Look out for summer school forms or online tutoring options
- Ask schools about emotional check-ins if your child struggled during testing
- Celebrate the effort, not just the result — every test finished is progress
Voices from the Classroom
“I just wanted my kids to feel proud of themselves,” said Ms. Fields. “Whether they aced it or not — they showed up and tried.”
“This was the first year I saw my son smile after a test,” added Ms. Andrea. “He felt seen.”
CCPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith praised the district’s response:
“This week showed what happens when systems support people — not the other way around.”
Want to Share Your Experience?
Are you a parent, teacher, or student in Clayton County with feedback or stories from testing week?
Email us at [email protected] — your insight helps inform the community and may be featured in a future story.
