Southern Middle School principal Jason Dykstra was wet and cold Monday after approximately 175 seventh- and eighth-graders pelted him with water balloons.

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In an effort to increase the student body's motivation for this year's Maryland State Assessment (MSA), Dykstra made a promise. He visited each classroom and said if students hit their "benchmark," they would have the privilege of throwing a water balloon at their "normally-dressed" principal. 

Unfortunately for Dykstra, it was exactly the motivation they needed. 

"[The kids] got really excited about the initiative," Dykstra said. "Tests aren't fun for middle school students."

The faculty and staff set various goals for each student depending on their prior MSA performance. For some, an increase of 20-40 points was enough to earn a balloon. Upgrading to a higher level of comprehension earned you a balloon, too, Dykstra said. 

Surrounded by a circle of students, Dykstra received a face full of water as children erupted in shouts of joy. 

After the grade students ceased fire, Dykstra said: "I'm just wet. Very wet."