Chiefs' mascot visits Parkview students

Parkview Elementary School students got motivated Monday afternoon with a visit from the Kansas City Chiefs' mascot KC Wolf.

Decked out in a personalized Chiefs’ jersey featuring the No. 1 and boldly-patterned pants, KC Wolf playfully mocked the teachers and danced across the cafeteria floor as students in second through fourth grade filed into the cafeteria for the motivational assembly.

According to Principal Kelly Sobaski, the Parkview Parent Teacher Association provided the entertaining program to motivate the students for the Missouri Assessment Program tests, which begin Tuesday. Grades three through eight all take exams in math and communication arts. Some grades also take science exams.

The MAP test is the annual assessment the state uses to gauge schools’ progress toward the goals laid out by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The benchmarks set for pupil achievement in all categories and subgroups — including those classified as limited English proficient and as special needs — increase every year.

Pupils in grades three through eight take the exams and their scores are compared with those of the previous year’s classes.

Districts also are judged on the scores of pupils in various subgroups, such as special education, limited English proficient, white, free and reduced-price lunch, Hispanic and black.

Schools and districts whose pupils fail to meet the federally mandated benchmarks face a variety of consequences, including losing accreditation.

As the Parkview students watched a video of KC Wolf bungee jumping, turning into a super hero and showering in a car wash, KC Wolf, portrayed by Dan Meers, removed his costume to speak to the students.

Meers, who has been a mascot and motivational speaker for more than two decades, began his speech by explaining the importance of the MAP test.

“This test is very very important,” Meers said. “This is your chance to show everyone the best and smartest kids go to Parkview.”

Meers urged the students to do their best and take pride in themselves. He also gave the group pointers on how to be a success by utilizing the three Bs — be confident, be prepared and be focused.

“Pay attention to the instructions, don’t rush and don’t stress over the difficult questions,” Meers said.

Meers also taught the students how to use the process of elimination on a multiple choice test with the help of a volunteer. Meers asked the student if she knew who the 22nd president was. The student’s choices were Mickey Mouse, Grover Cleveland, LeBron James or George Washington. It didn’t take the students long to figure out Grover Cleveland was the correct choice.

Meers also gave the students advice on how to prepare for testing days.

“Get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast and get to school on time,” he said.

Sobaski closed the assembly by distributing certificates of achievement to students who showed improvement and proficient on acuity when they took the MAP test during the 2008-2009 school year. Advance performers also were recognized.

“I’m so proud,” Sobaski said. “These kids work hard all year.”