By Francesca P., 6th Grade Student, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation is all about education. The students take many different courses and learn a lot about all sorts of subjects. But after a year of intense instruction and study, the middle school provides students with a needed break in the form of an annual Spirit Day, an opportunity for students to relax, socialize, work cooperatively to show their spirit, celebrate a great year, and simply have fun. Spirit Day is planned, organized, and run entirely by the eighth grade. The eighth-grade students choose themes and games for the entire middle school to enjoy.
“I love the fact that the eighth-graders plan it as a gift to the rest of you,” said Kristen Wavle, a KSDS school counselor and Spirit Day supervisor. It gives eighth-graders a chance to do something for the school and assume leadership roles as their days as middle schoolers wind down. Some students serve as judges, while others are team captains. Others create games.
Another highlight of Spirit Day is the inclusive games. “Everyone gets to participate, and we get to see everybody’s strengths,” explained Wavle. Some games focus on creativity; some focus on mental concentration, and others highlight athleticism. That way everyone can participate and have fun.
Spirit Day also helps students build teamwork. “On our team we had to strategize who went first, who went last, and what order we were going to do it in,” says Hannah S., a KSDS sixth-grader.
A typical Spirit Day starts out with lunch, required to be completely silent or else Spirit Day judges will deduct points from the offending team. The eighth-graders then announce the theme, and the teams work on creating posters, objects that represent their teams, chants and songs. After, the teams move on to play games, which include art projects, puzzles, races and other team-building activities. The day is topped off with snow cones and the announcement of the winning team.
Another fun aspect of Spirit Day is the theme, which is reflected in most aspects of the day. Previous themes have included spies, Vikings, superheroes and the Hunger Games.
Spirit Day helps connect everyone in the middle school. Each team comprises students of all grade levels, providing students a chance to meet others. “Spirit Day forges new relationships for me outside of the sixth grade,” said Hannah.
Spirit Day is fun for many reasons. It gives the eighth-graders an opportunity to lead the middle school in an entire day of fun activities while offering others the chance to bond.
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