LAHAINA, Maui — Lahainaluna High School is giving special attention to its sophomores this week as the class tackles the all-important Hawaii State Assessment in reading and mathematics, The Maui News reported.

"We want them to realize that they're not in it alone," explained Student Activities Coordinator Art Fillazar. He and his student government officers have planned various treats for the sophomores including free snacks and handmade signs around the campus to cheer them on.

"We just want to hype it up and get them ready," Fillazar said.

The first of the Hawaii State Assessment tests mandated by both the state and the U.S. Department of Education will be taken today. Tests are given to public school sophomores as well as students in grades 3-8 in all public schools.

While the results of the tests have no bearing on a student's grades or whether he is to be promoted or will graduate, they will affect each school's status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Lahainaluna High School's Class of 2009 hit a milestone last year when it achieved for the first time for the school a sufficient number of passing grades to qualify as "adequate yearly progress."

The federal law enacted in 2001 requires schools to show progress toward having every student proficient in reading and math, based on their grade level, by the year 2014.

Up until 2007, no Maui District high school except for Kihei Public Charter had achieved adequate yearly progress. Kihei Charter fell short in 2007, leaving Lahainaluna as the sole public high school in Maui County to meet the required state proficiency marks.

In achieving adequate yearly progress in the 2007-08 year, Lahainaluna avoided being placed in restructuring status. The educational mandate for restructuring requires a school to make staff and governance changes in the effort to improve student performance on the Hawaii State Assessment.

A school under restructuring status — the Maui District has eight schools in this category — faces possible major changes, including replacement of staff and assignment of a private provider to review and recommend adjustments to the school's curriculum and program.

"We don't want to be put in restructuring mode," Fillazar said.

Fliers distributed before spring break to the approximately 235 Lahainaluna sophomores and their parents warn that a failure by Lahainaluna to pass this year could mean:

• A requirement for additional courses in lower-level math and English.

• Elimination of elective classes.

• Mandated class schedules for students in their junior and senior year of high school.

Fillazar said he understands how the fliers and this week's rallying could place pressure on the test-taking sophomores.

"Yeah the pressure's on them, but they can do this. We really believe that," Fillazar said. "In fact, we think they can do really well if they just put their mind and effort into it."

Lynn Kasper, a Lahainaluna parent and secretary on the school community council, said she believes that pointing out the stakes for the school on the tests creates camaraderie on campus and provides sophomores the information they need to take the tests seriously.

"I think the kids still know that it doesn't affect their grades. ... But it does affect their school."

In a gesture to encourage sophomores to do well this week, Lahainaluna Principal Mike Nakano and other staff members have renewed a challenge of having their hair dyed red if the students are successful in continuing to progress under the No Child Left Behind requirements. The school colors are red and white.

The radical hair coloring spectacle was a hit with last year's sophomores during a schoolwide assembly recognizing their achievement.

"That's why we're throwing in the Red Hair Day, to give them something that's fun and cool," Kasper said.

Lahainaluna's test takers are being encouraged to get a good night's sleep before testing, to eat a hearty breakfast and "do your very best on all of the tests!"

Kasper also points out a Web site for students, parents and educators to visit for more information about the Hawaii State Assessment. Go to www.alohahsa.org.

For more Maui news, visit, www.mauinews.com.