March 18, 2015 at 1:52 p.m.
Connecting our students to school
Connecting our students to school
By By Paul E. Johnson and Brian Paulson-
Students who participate in afterschool activities benefit in all of the ways mentioned above and more. Research studies have repeatedly come to this conclusion. Still not convinced? Studies also show that students are most apt to make unhealthy lifestyle decisions (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, vandalism, theft, sexual relations) in the two-hour time frame immediately following the conclusion of the school day when students are often without supervision. This puts not only the student at risk of destructive decisions and behaviors, but also families and our community. At James Williams Middle School, our afterschool activities include:
CHAMPS - Our after school grant provides a Power Hour for students to complete schoolwork and play educational games followed by an Activity Hour for students to participate in various enrichment activities such as Battle of the Books, mosaic art, cooking and yoga.
Performing Arts - Activities like Forensics, Jazz Band and Show Stars are available for students to share their talents beyond the academic day.
Sports - We offer a wide array of interscholastic athletics in three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. We also have a fully furnished weight room and cardio room that students can use both before and after school to train for a sport or just for their own personal wellness.
In April we will host our fifth annual Activity Fair. On this day, high school activity participants will set up booths in the middle school cafeteria to represent the wide array of opportunities available to students. Middle school students visit the booths that are of interest to them. Whether it is to gather more information like summer camp opportunities of a sport they may already be participating in or the find out more about activities like Mock Trial or Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Activity Fair is a way for our older students to help share their passions with our younger students. We also hope to once again have our middle school students visit Central Intermediate School to hold an Activity Fair for them to share what the middle school offers as they come up to middle school.
The recipes have been created and are ready for customers to be served. Under the guidance of school staff and community members, we provide our student a wide array of activities. As students get their batch, we will be able to watch both them and our community rise to a higher standard of excellence and reap the rewards of participation in after school activities. The euphoria by participants, boosters, and spectators is contagious. By encouraging and motivating students to be active participants, the end of day school bell can serve as a start of success reminder for all of us.
While they may not be up to par with grandma's favorite treat, we know our recipes are creating memories that can last a lifetime.
Paul E. Johnson is the principal at James Williams Middle School. Brian Paulson is the district Activites Director.
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