Houston Texans Staff

The day before school children across the state began taking the STAAR test, TORO, safety Jalen Pitre and the Houston Texans helped many at a Houston-area elementary school get pumped up for the exam.

The Pass the STAAR with TORO Program presented by Texas Children's is a free educational assembly that teaches 3rd, 4th and 5th graders how to get ready for the standardized test. The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness--shortened to STAAR--tests commence on Tuesday, April 8.

The Houston Texans mascot TORO and the organization have visited 20 schools this month, helping students realize the importance of preparing their bodies and minds for the exams through proper nutrition, daily exercise, getting eight hours of sleep each night, listening attentively and developing consistent study habits and practicing their STAAR strategies.

On Monday, the program took place at Bang Elementary School in the Cy-Fair I.S.D.

For Pitre, a product of Stafford High School just southwest of Houston, being back in a school before testing begins was a familiar experience.

"I remember those nights before the STAAR test," Pitre said. "I was a little scared, but today I just gave them a couple of words of encouragement, to let them know that they got it and they can do it."

More than 10,000 local students have been impacted by the Pass The STAAR with TORO program this year. Pitre was impressed by their enthusiasm and readiness for the testing.

"Oh, they were lit," Pitre said. "These kids are so energetic and so much fun. I know they're going to kill it on the test, because they show up every day ready to work."

Thanks to Texas Children's, Pass the STAAR with TORO is offered to 20 Houston area elementary schools for free and includes a 45-minute assembly, Activity Book for each student and other great prizes. Schools are selected based on the nominations that are received.

If you're interested in having TORO visit your school next year,join the wait listto be the first to know when nominations open!