In preparation for the state’s high stakes testing, John L. Ory Magnet School’s eighth-graders have been participating in an “Amazing Race.” Randie Bailey, eighthgrade math teacher, has been working with the students on Saturdays during this spring semester. After five work-filled Saturdays, the students participated in the “last leg” of the race.

Each leg of the race consisted of segments of academic work interspersed with “physical” challenges (kinesthetic activities to increase oxygen to the brain). The students in JLO’s eighth grade were divided into six teams, represented by six different colored buffs. Each Saturday, each team earned points for the challenges, and a team was declared the winner for each leg of the race.