SV students go for the gold
JACKSON TWP — Seventh and eighth graders at Seneca Valley Middle School competed in an Olympics style event Wednesday.
The 50 homerooms represented different countries as they competed for gold, silver and bronze.
The homerooms were broken down into 10 teams based on regions. The students competed in athletic, mental and team building challenges throughout the day.
Principal Robert Ceh said it was a successful event.
“There were a lot of kids building relationships with each other and experiencing something fun that they will be able to have in common for a long time,” Ceh said.
“The teachers were able to get silly with the kids and build relationships with activities as opposed to over math or science, there is a little bit more bonding.”
Luke Sample, eighth grade math teacher, said two years ago the middle school did an event with just three teams.
“It was such a great thing we knew it was worthwhile for the whole school to be a part of, because that is really what the Olympics are about, everybody being a part of it,” said Kasey Kraus, eighth grade English teacher.
Renae Brown, eighth grade math teacher, talked about the additional events that allowed for the inclusion of more students and let them show their skill sets.
“It was a lot of work and a huge success so I am so excited the day went down,” Brown said.
Kraus said the plan is to do this every other year during an Olympic year to bring the school together.
“In the opening speech there was a quote that showing up and participating is what matters in the Olympics, not winning gold or placing,” Kraus said.
Sample said the Olympic day coincides with the book “Unbroken” being read in English class. It is the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic long-distance runner and prisoner of war during World War II.
Brown said the students had activities in their homerooms so they could research the flags and history of the countries they were representing during the games.The students had T-shirts with the names of the countries and had the flags waving during the events.“They really went over the top with it, which is nice to see,” Brown said.Kraus said one purpose of the event was to get the students out of their comfort zones and cheering for each other.“So far it has been a big success and if you look around there is no one that is not having fun,” she said. “Everyone is having a good time today.”Kraus said her favorite part of the day was watching the winners.“Not even my homeroom, just any homeroom that has a victory and how much they are supporting each other,” Kraus said. “It is not like one team has dominated, seeing lots of people find success and the enthusiasm I feel is contagious.”
