2026 Epic Celebration Information
2026 Epic Celebration Information
The Epic Celebration is a full-day event held each May, where students and staff celebrate the focus and effort required to perform well on quarterly District and annual State Assessments. This year, our Epic Celebration is scheduled for Friday, May 8th.
PURPOSE
District and State assessment scores are not recorded in student gradebooks. However, the information gained from student performance is extremely important. Results can be sorted by class, student, and learning standard, making it possible to identify each child’s strengths and areas for growth. This data guides teachers in planning reteach lessons.
If students do not try on these assessments, there is no way to truly know what they know—the results become meaningless. The Epic Celebration was created to motivate middle school students—who can sometimes struggle with motivation—to try their best on assessments that do not affect their grades and, in some cases, do not return results for several months.
And it has worked! Since implementing the Epic Points/Celebration program, our test scores have skyrocketed.
HOW STUDENTS EARN ADMITTANCE
Students are not guaranteed participation in the Epic Celebration—they must earn the right to attend. Prior to each assessment, administration reviews the Epic Rubric with students.
For example:
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On a math assessment, students are expected to take their time, show their work, and avoid disrupting others.
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On a writing assessment, students may also be required to create a rough draft.
Students know the expectations and must earn the minimum number of points required to attend the Epic Celebration (usually 90% of the maximum possible points).
HOW DO STUDENTS (AND FAMILIES) KNOW THEIR EPIC POINTS?
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Prior to each quarterly district benchmark or state exam, an update is included in our Weekly Roar Parent Newsletter, detailing the type of exam, the Epic Points possible, and with a link to the Rubric. Families are encouraged to discuss the importance of giving best effort with their students.
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On the morning of each exam day, the Epic Points Rubric is reviewed with students by administration during morning announcements, both audibly and visually. Students are reminded of the expected behaviors, the points possible for that exam, and their running total for the year.
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For district benchmarks (when there is not always a special testing schedule), the rubric is also reviewed at the beginning of the Math/ELA class in which students will be testing.
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During testing, teachers may give one reminder if a student is in danger of losing Epic Points. Students are always informed if they lose points and are told the reason.
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After the exam, the proctor(s) record the points earned for each student according to the rubric. These points are tallied over the course of the year.
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Point totals are posted monthly in the breezeway (by Student ID number). When we update point totals, we include this information in both the Weekly Roar and morning announcements.
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In March, administration conferences with any student who is in danger of not earning enough points to attend. The goal is to encourage students to increase their effort on the State Assessments in April- which are worth the most Epic Points.
WHAT IS THE EPIC CELEBRATION LIKE?
We work hard to make the Epic Celebration truly EPIC!
The morning includes 10+ inflatables on the front field. Lunch is a BBQ featuring grilled burgers prepared by our Food Services Department. In the afternoon, students can choose to participate in basketball or volleyball tournaments with friends, a petting zoo, karaoke, board games, carnival games, movies, and more.
It is a wonderful day for students and staff to connect and celebrate a year of effort and growth.
WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS WHO DID NOT EARN ENOUGH POINTS?
The Epic Celebration is not about rewarding test scores—it is about rewarding effort.
Students who did not demonstrate consistent effort over the course of the year, even after conferencing with administration, will spend the day in a classroom setting. It remains a relaxed day, and they will still enjoy the BBQ lunch with their friends. However, they will not participate in the morning or afternoon Epic Celebration activities.