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Helping children deal with test anxiety
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Some students may experience test anxiety, which can impact test performance. But experts say there are ways to help. - photo by Deanie Wimmer
As the school year begins to wind down, tests become a big focus for students across the state.

Some of them may experience test anxiety, which can impact test performance. But experts say there are ways to help these children.

Chronic worriers and perfectionists tend to struggle with test anxiety more, said Megan Sislowski, a school counselor.

"Because of the marketing of the test, they are more publicized. The uncertainty of the new testing standards and their implications for what they mean for graduation (add to anxiety)," she said.

Test anxiety symptoms include:



  • Butterflies or stomachache






  • Tension headache






  • Feeling shaky or sweaty






  • Fear of passing out or throwing up




How can a parent know if their child is struggling?

"If your kid seems especially irritable or if your kid is not sleeping, or even not eating or maybe overeating. Procrastination any change in behavior that you don't normally see," Sislowski said.

She suggests teaching the child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization and positive thinking. Reduce stress at home by having no extra plans during test week. Encourage good study habits so the student is prepared. Also, teach your child to accept and learn from mistakes, she said.

Another suggestion: make sure students get enough sleep, exercise and brain-boosting food.

On exam day, consider protein-rich foods such as eggs, nuts, yogurt or whole grain cereal with low-fat milk. Fresh fruit can help with energy and mental alertness, experts say.

Also, avoid foods made of white flour and sugar such as cookies, cakes and muffins, and make sure students drink enough water before and during the exam. Dehydration can affect concentration, they say.

Experts warn that if it is going to be a long test it might be a good idea to pack a healthy snack such as trail mix or a protein bar.
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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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