PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN The principal at G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School kisses a pig as the assistant principal and students look on.

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has arrived again.

Students around the state are breathing a sigh of relief after overcoming the pressure of the assessment. G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School on Homestead Road welcomes the challenge.

Each year, the principal allows the students to make a deal with the administration team as an incentive to do their best on the test.

Last year, the third-grade through fifth-grade students made a request that if the school maintained its “A” status, the principal would have to shave his head and kiss a pig, while the assistant principal would have to dress in mismatched clothing and wear curlers in her hair.

After much anticipation, the students finally got to witness their request on April 12 at the FCAT Pep Rally. Hundreds of students filed into the cafeteria while being cheered on by the K-2 students. The pep rally consisted of activities such as “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” prize giveaways and a review of test taking tips.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN The principal at G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School has his head shaved by a staff member and Tristin Flint, a fifth-grade student.

The activities were all leading up to the moment of truth when the principal sat on stage at the mercy of three fifth-graders, ready to shave his head. The crowd went wild as his hair fell to the floor. To top it off, the students got to see their principal pucker up and kiss a real pig. The pig squealed and screeched, only adding to the humor.

As a bonus, the assistant principal also planted a kiss on a second unsuspecting pig.

After much preparation, the students have had their opportunity to conquer the FCAT again this school year. Their hopes are high that the administration will again lose the challenge after their scores return and the school has received its grade.

Either way, activities like these are a definite motivator for these hard working students.

Source: G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School