[media-credit id=26 align=”alignnone” width=”224″][/media-credit]From April 24 to the 27, Carlmont is under STAR testing, which gives the seniors the opportunity to get a later start than the lower classmen.

“There are days where I come for only an hour or two. Having more time to sleep is great, especially when my sister has to get up earlier than me,” gushed Laila Talpur.

STAR testing is a California state test that every school must administer from freshmen to juniors. Each student is tested in the standards given each year for their grade. But for seniors who are not required to take the standards test, they have the “privilege” of having a late start for the entire week.

According to Sharon Bologna, secretary to instructional vice Principal Robert Fishtrom, “Seniors do not come to school because many of their teachers are in charge of a testing classroom or assist the teacher that is.”

Many seniors take the opportunity to sleep in, do homework, or go have breakfast with their friends.

“The first couple of days I wanted to sleep in, but lately I’ve been going to Starbucks or IHOP with my friends. It’s definitely more relaxing to come to school later and refreshed,” said Kathleen Palma.

While AP testing is around the corner, many seniors take the time to stay up late and try to study for their test, and sleep as much possible in the morning.

“Obviously I love late start because it gives me more time to do things. I get to sleep more; which is the best part,” said Vicki Argyris.

This year due to budget cuts, STAR testing has been cut to just one week. Therefore, other grades are able to have one day of late start. For freshmen, on Wednesday they were able to arrive at 10:15 am because their testing did not start until that specific time.

The day and time varies for each grade due to their designated tests each day. For juniors this is their last year of STAR testing, “I’m so happy that I will finally be done with the STAR test that has haunted me for years,” said Alan Juang.

As STAR testing ends Friday, the test will still remain with students – due to a district decision to include STAR results on students’ transcripts.