The months of May and June mean warmer weather, sprawling vegetation and time spent on the Pamlico River.

But for Beaufort County’s students, those months also mean the end-of-grade tests are looming. Before students can start summer break, they must first tackle these standardized exams, and teachers begin preparation weeks in advance.

It’s undoubtedly a stressful time. While the older students may be used to testing by now, the third-grade classes don’t know what to expect.

During this time of year, parents need to be aware of the amount of stress standardized testing can bring, no matter what age. Remember that pit-of-the-stomach feeling before a big presentation at work? Yes, it’s something like that.

Students need to stay healthy to be as successful as they can, so parents should make sure they are eating right and staying hydrated. Also, parents should monitor their children’s study habits: cramming the night before is not the way to go.

Listen and talk openly about how one’s children are feeling about this daunting event. Do one’s best to lessen a child’s fear and put things in perspective. The end-of-grade tests are the child’s entire world right now, but in the realm of life, this too shall pass.

Luckily for parents, children have sidekicks in the classroom. Teachers have mastered the art of preparing their students, starting with the first day a textbook is cracked open. Some of Beaufort County’s elementary schools host pep rallies to boost students’ confidence, and all grades learn testing tips.

A good balance of encouragement and healthy expectations is needed in this situation. If parents and teachers, as well as the students themselves, work together to tackle standardized testing, the test takers will be poised for success.

On the big day, give a word of encouragement. Best-case scenario, the students are all studied up and mentally prepared. All that’s left is acing the exams.