Taking state MCAS exams is often a stressful time for students, especially elementary students who may be taking the tests for the first time. To help build confidence and alleviate any nervousness about the exams - which begin next week - Minot Forest Elementary held a spirit week, culminating in an MCAS Pep Rally Friday morning.

"MCAS begins next week, but you're ready for this," Minot Forest principal Joan Seamans told a gym full of third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders who will participate in next week's exams, which will test students on their reading and writing skills. "This is nothing new."

Seamans gave the students a few test-taking tips. Read the questions carefully, write as much as you can and fill up the pages you're given, and answer all the questions, she told the students.

"You have worked really hard to learn what you need to. This is your time to shine," Seamans said. "Be proud of your school!"

Fifth-graders, who are now in their third year of MCAS testing, which begins in third grade, gave their peers some advice, too.

Then the school's step-dancing squad, Minot Forest Step it Up, marched through the doors of the gym chanting its version of Queen's "We Will Rock You," appropriately switching the lyrics at one point in the song to "We will rock it!"

At the end of the rally, all of the students yelled what Principal Seamans says "MCAS" (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) really stands for: "Minot Children Are Smart!"

As students returned to their classrooms, their first- and second-grade classmates emerged from their's, holding signs with words of support. "Good luck and work hard," they yelled.