Some Eastchester parents say a school is using a bullying tactic to get their kids to take the Common Core tests.

A letter from the superintendent was sent Wednesday to Greenvale Elementary School parents to warn them that the state Education Department would be disqualifying the school's blue ribbon application unless 95 percent of students take the Common Core tests.

The school was awarded the blue ribbon in 2009, and that status is a symbol of pride for parents and students there.

Third- through eighth-graders are taking the English portion of the test this week, with math next week. Most parents in Greenvale, however, say they don't seem to mind the test, and about 87 percent of students there took them this week.

State officials say schools could lose significant federal funding if students opt out. For parents who may change their minds because of this, the makeup day will be held between Friday and Tuesday.