At Jeremiah Gray, officials literally rolled out the red carpet for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders to walk across as they entered the gym to the applause of students and staff.
"We know you're going to do your absolute best next week, and this is to let you know that we believe in you and the whole school is proud of you," Principal Elizabeth Fox told students.
During that pep rally, each of the younger grades performed a cheer for the test takers, and teachers played instruments, danced and cheered to encourage the group.
Members of Southport High School's cheerleading squad also showed up to lead the school in a series of special ISTEP-Plus cheers.
Among the cheers and songs, teachers offered test-taking tips such as getting plenty of rest, eating a good breakfast, marking answers clearly and looking for key words in each question.
Lead teacher Lisa Goss also offered words of encouragement.
"You show us every single day what a great job you do and how smart you are, but we only get one chance to show the state of Indiana how smart you are," Goss said.
"The ISTEP test is not anything to be scared over, because your teachers have given you all the instructions that you need. You know all the stuff on the test, so all you have to do is read the directions and do your best."
Fox described the rally as an opportunity to encourage third- through fifth-graders and show the younger students that ISTEP-Plus is not something to fear.