Link Elementary student Grant Nichols gets a high-five from Toro as he and his classmates get advice on how to prepare for the STAAR test.

HOUSTON – Feb. 24, 2016 – Toro, the Houston Texans mascot led a stampede of good study habits into Spring ISD’s Link Elementary School recently. The Toro Shoots for the STAAR Program, presented to third, fourth and fifth graders in the school’s cafeteria, highlighted good study habits and stressed proper nutrition and rest to prepare for the STAAR.

Texans announcer Marc Vandermeer, as well as Texans players and cheerleaders, interacted with Toro through a large video projection screen in front of the children. The team members advised the students to listen to their teachers and compared homework assignments to their own team practices that help to improve performance.

The students were also urged to eat properly, get plenty of rest and believe in themselves, while Toro ran about the cafeteria interacting with the children and the Texans who appeared on the video screen. Andrew Johnson, the mascot program coordinator for the Texans, said the high energy that Toro brings to the room helps the children remember his good advice.

“This is a fun way that we can interact with the kids while we bring these important strategies to them,” said Johnson.

The Toro Shoots for the STAAR Program is sponsored by the First Community Credit Union. Toro and his helpers travel to schools all around the area helping students to make healthy choices and study successfully.