Then there’s really encouraging a group of students to study hard and do well on a test.

The staff at Duncombe Elementary School did just that Wednesday morning with a short pep rally to really inspire their students.

Principal Pat Reding spoke to the students after they marched into the gym — Olympic-style, with banners — to the cheerful music of the Fort Dodge Senior High Jazz Band and cheers of a dozen cheerleaders who helped out with the event.

“We’re here to celebrate a great year at Duncombe School,” he said. “I know you’ll do your very best.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Ella Auten, 8, at left, listens as Linnie Pratt, 8, reads a message of encouragement for the 3rd and 4th graders that will be taking the Iowa Assessment tests this week at Duncombe Elementary School.

The third- and fourth-grade students in the Fort Dodge Community School District, including those at Duncombe, will be taking their Iowa Assessment tests this week.

“Everybody in this school supports you,” Reding said. “You have a whole school full of people behind you.”

Some of the students had a chance to grab the microphone and talk to the whole school including, Elizabeth Garcia and Knox Ayala.

“School can be pretty tough sometimes,” Garcia said. “So celebrations like this are awesome. Third- and fourth-graders, you are the greatest and we support you today and every day. You rock.”

“Whenever we do something, it definitely helps to have a positive attitude,” Ayala added. “I know we will all give our best today and every day for the rest of the year. Go Dodgers.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
The Fort Dodge Senior High cheerleaders add some cheer and chanting to an assembly Wednesday morning at Duncombe Elementary School held to encourage the 3rd and 4th graders who will taking their Iowa Assessment tests this week.

The cheerleaders from Fort Dodge Senior High led the students in several enthusiastic cheers.

“Let’s get fired up,” they yelled. “Who rocks the house? The Dodgers rock the house!”

The pep rally was organized by the Duncombe Family Involvement Committee.

Maria Lehman, an instruction coach, was among those helping with that.

“Tests like this can make them nervous,” she said. “The staff is doing a good job of calming their fears and not worrying them.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Preston Mosley is all smiles Wednesday morning after reading a message of encouragement during an assembly to encourage the 3rd and 4th grade students who will be taking their Iowa Assessment tests this week. Joey Brown, at left, listens after reading his message.

Second-grade students Ella Auten and Linnie Pratt, both 8, also got to talk to the entire school. The younger students see the older students as leaders.

“Third- and fourth-graders,” Auten said, “we are proud that you lead our school in such a great way.”

Pratt continued the sentiment.

“We want to say thank you and tell you we know you’ll all do your best on the upcoming tests,” she said.

While the assembly came to an end and the students went on to their classes, the encouragement didn’t stop as they made their exit.

Posters to offer them well wishes and inspiration are on display in the halls and the classroom.