First-time pre-comp takers may find these exams significantly more stressful than our usual schedule.

However, with ample preparation and parent support, stress levels can be kept at a minimum.

Here are a few steps for exam success:

-to prepare, create an efficient study schedule (block study time in 30-minute increments & take plenty of short breaks)

-use visual aids and outlines when you review (a picture's worth a 1,000 words)

-find a study partner and teach each other (nothing helps you learn like explaining the material to someone else)

-study under exam conditions (since you won't be able to listen to music or watch TV during the exam, don't do this while you study)

-review frequently; do not cram at the last minute

-make sure to get plenty of sleep during exam week (train yourself to go to sleep early to get plenty of rest)

-ensure nutritious meals, including a balanced breakfast, each morning before an exam

-consume protein-rich snacks and plenty of water on exam days

-don't forget to exercise, as this will help lower stress levels and will improve focus and sleep

Parents and students, if you have significant concerns about exam stress or have questions about the pre-comps, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail.

11850 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix, AZ 85028

(P) 602-595-9870

(F) 602-595-9820

Please find enclosed a detailed copy of the examination and lunch schedule for pre-comps. Students in grades 6 and 7 will take the examinations in the same order, with two examinations administered on Tuesday and Thursday, and three on Wednesday. Each core area examination requires one hour.

We have marked the major two breaks including lunch and a brain break (on Wednesday). Additional breaks are provided as "prep time."

Students will be assigned grade and element-specific testing rooms for all three days of examination. The testing room will be announced by teachers in class on Monday, and lists of these rooms (by element) will also be posted throughout the school during the week of the exam. Students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 10 may be relocated to accommodate scheduling constraints. Any room changes will be posted and announced to affected students.

Students should bring several No. 2 pencils (old-fashioned, not mechanical) and a good eraser to the exam.

For chemistry and physics as well as some math exams, students are permitted to use a calculator. Do mark your name clearly on your calculator, but do not make additional marks on the device.

No notes, aids, books, or study materials will be permitted during the exams.

On exam days, 6th and 7th grade students will be dismissed at 12:45 pm (at the end of 5th period). Pick-up procedures for students involved in early release will remain the same as usual.

Should you be unable to pick up your child early or should there be siblings in grades other than 6th or 7th, students will be able to stay in supervised Late Bird until 3:30 pm free of charge. During this time, Late Bird will be used as a silent study hall for upcoming exams - repeated disturbance will result in removal.

All students taking advantage of this modified Late Bird service will be required to sign in and out of the multi-purpose room. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in disciplinary action.

Parents are encouraged to pay special attention to lunch on exam days. Ample time has been set aside to eat between tests.

For students bringing lunch from home, there is only a time change. However, for parents/students participating in the hot lunch program, our Booster have provided special instructions.

Because Boston Market cannot deliver early on Tuesday, this vendor's lunch is cancelled for grades 6 and 7. The Boosters have added Sprouts sandwiches to the lunch website for Tuesday and have automatically refunded the cost of the Boston Market order for those affected. To place a Sprouts sandwich order, please log into your account and make the appropriate changes for Tuesday, January 15. If you choose not to substitute with Sprouts, please send a packed lunch with your child on Tuesday.

Please note that Wednesday and Thursday meals will be as advertised and will be delivered on time for early lunch!

To review your hot lunch order, please visit the lunch order website by clicking here.

For the safety of our community, if you choose to pack a snack for your child in addition to lunch, please be sure that the snack is free of common allergens such as peanuts and tree nuts. We have students in the building with severe food allergies and we must ensure their safety. Students are also welcome to bring water bottles with them to exams.