Pumped Up for PSSA Testing

Our students at Central Cambria Middle School began PSSA testing last Tuesday.  To get ready for testing each morning, we have been conducting organized physical activities to get pumped up for PSSA's.  Led by Ms. Getz and a group of CCMS teachers, our students have been jogging on the track (as weather permits) or exercising in the gym after breakfast each morning.  The impetus for this came from Ms. Getz's professional development plan for this year.  Ms. Getz researched the topic and read Spark by Dr. John Ratey, which covers a multitude of research studies linking physical activity to increased brain activity.  Our teachers have been incorporating "brain breaks" into their classroom instruction.  A brain break consists of a brief physical activity to break up extended periods of sitting.  Research shows a connection between physical activity and increased brain activity.  For this reason, we are experimenting with exercise prior to PSSA testing this year, and getting our students pumped up for PSSA's.  

 Students getting pumped up for PSSA's

 CCMS students don't do push-ups, they push the world down.

 We're here to puuuuump you uuuuupp!

Ms. Getz and her merry band of exercise fanatics.

Science Fair

A group of 8th grade students in Ms. Sossong's science class participated in a Science Fair held at Forest Hills Middle School Wednesday evening.  This was our students' first time competing in this event in recent years.  CCMS students came away with an honorable mention and a third place trophy.  These students' effort was commendable.  Thank you to Mrs. Dziack for filling in as their chaperone on short notice.

 The Team

Example Project