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Staff vs Students Volleyball Game 2024 (Staff won 😉)

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For the past few years, our Middle School teachers have hosted Staff vs Student games such as volleyball, soccer, basketball and even flag football. Not only do we all have a great time but we are also able to build a sense of community and connections with our students.

These games gives students the opportunity to make connections with their teachers and realize that their teachers are in fact relatable and relevant, of which will help build respect as well as trust. Additionally, the stimulating and competitive activities boosts teamwork and good sportsmanship which has shown to help with engagement and connectivity in the classroom.

I highly recommend this to all teachers to try out, especially for Middle School teachers as that age group is definitely one that loves a little competition 🤗

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Staff vs Students Flag Football Game 2022

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Here's another game we hosted in 2022.

For flag football games, the teams are created with both students AND teachers. This one was definitely one to remember 😂

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My very 1st class as a teacher that I was blessed to teach for 4 years. 

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In my classes, you can categorize my style of teaching and classroom management as "old school." I prioritize structure and stability not only to manage the students behavior but to also provide them a sense of security and confidence and an effective learning environment.

I am firm and emphasize on the importance of cause and effect. I have the students quickly learn that their actions do and will have consequences and that they are in control, and responsible, of whether that outcome is positive or negative.

Though my old school approach to classroom management and discipline may not be popular in today's society, it has shown to be highly effective in aiding the students in both their academic success and personal growth.

Had my style of teaching not had positive outcomes for my students, I would, without a doubt, changed the style and strategies I use. That is not to say that I have not made adjustments over the years as I have. However, I believe it is essential to provide students with a peak of what to expect in the real world so they are prepared and can be successful.

I used the photo attached as my example as I still keep in touch with my first group of students though they graduated 3 years ago.

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Boys vs Girls Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

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This was probably by far the most engaging and genuinely fun for all activity.

This group of 5th grade students were low performing, specifically in Mathematics, as a whole based on their FSA results the school year prior. My co-teacher and I had our work cut out for us.

As I was getting to know the students I noted that both the girls and the boys were very motivated in competing against one another so I decided to use that as the motivational tool. So began the series of Boys vs Girls Math Games.

Throughout the school year, we held several math competitions/activities where they would compete against each other to see who would win the movie and pizza party.

For the final round, I was able to convince my school Principal (representing the girls) and a Middle School Math teacher (representing the boys) to participate in Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? The kids were so excited and impressed at the fact that the Principal and a teacher from Middle School were going to play with them which really boosted their engagement and commitment to reviewing/studying the material taught that school year.

Everybody was having so much fun and we even attracted an audience to come watch. The questions included fundamental operations using PEMDAS which eventually led to rigorous real-world application word problems.

The competition took place right before testing and it is my opinion that these competition/activities contributed to their outstanding growth in their test scores that school year.

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And the winners were the Girls Team! 🤗

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One of the methods that have shown to be effective when addressing extreme student behaviors is the use of Saturday detentions.

Students that have been given countless opportunities to improve their behaviors and choices, yet still choose not to, come in on a Saturday to clean the school. This emphasizes accountability by directly linking consequences to the behavior, helping students understand the impact of their actions on their school environment. Cleaning also encourages a sense of responsibility and ownership over the school, fostering respect for shared spaces.

Since the start of Saturday Detentions, it has shown to improve student behaviors as this practice provides a constructive outlet for students to reflect on their actions in a hands-on way.

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Pictured are the winners for the month of September for Respect. 

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Over the last few years, our school has incorporated Character Education throughout the school year. Every month, the Homeroom/Grade Level teachers nominate a student from their class. The nominees are given a shout out in the morning announcements and at the end of each month, a ceremony is held where the students parents/family are invited to celebrate their child's accomplishment.

This program has promoted building the students character such as kindness, integrity, respect, etc. When students learn core values such as responsibility and integrity, they are more likely to take ownership of their actions and choices. Additionally, this will build a foundation for lifelong success in the workplace and in their daily lives.