School spirit is not just wearing one color or having a school mascot. School spirit is an unstoppable force that creates a sense of growth, community, and creates a strong schoolwide bond. When it comes to producing school spirit and promoting a safe healthy schoolwide connections, teachers, administrators, and students play a major role: ¨School spirit is far more than just a catchy phrase or colorful slogan, but rather it is the basic ingredient which largely influences the entire educational experience. As schools search for ways to make students want to be there, to learn, and to take part in activities, building a strong sense of school spirit becomes important. School spirit can change the learning atmosphere-it can be an avenue where students and staff are bonded, motivated, and excited to participate in¨ (sptalon.com).
One of the ways Edison Intermediate School (EIS) likes to show amazing school spirit is during our student versus teacher sports games. The most recent event was the student versus teacher volleyball game which took place on Friday, April 11. These games have lots of action and keep students entertained the whole time, whether it’s half time, the game itself, the school spirit, or just coming together with peers.
Eighth grader Naomi Meyers stated, ¨I experienced the volleyball game in sixth and seventh grade; it is very fun and lively. It shows lots of school spirit.¨
Countless others agree with what Naomi stated, saying these school spirit activities have many more positive points then negative ones. But that does not mean that other students could say a negative thing about these school wide activities. Eighth grader Vivienne Spatz said, “Sometimes, a downside is when a student misses and others make fun of them.¨
Some students have also stated how they haven’t experienced the student versus teacher volleyball game, but they have experienced some other student versus teacher activities like the football game, or as some know it as the Turkey Bowl, as well as the student teacher basketball game. Sixth grader Charley Lilien stated, ¨I’ve seen the basketball and football
game. It is fun, and my favorite part is halftime.¨
Sixth grader Toka Geladze stated, ¨I watched the football game; it was very fun, the game was tight! You could buy snacks which were cool.¨
Toka later stated how the suspense of the game was one of his favorite parts.
Sixth grader Oliver Keenan stated, ¨I have not experienced the student teacher volleyball game because this year we haven’t had it yet. I have watched the football game, and it was very interesting and much better than being in school.¨
About last year’s game, seventh grader Levi Sprin said, ¨The volleyball game is very pleasant, entertaining, and fun to watch.¨
Many students agree with what Levi said because the way each and every student reacts when the student body comes together is very fun, LOUD, and entertaining, which makes the game even more fun to watch and attend. Eighth grade U.S. History teacher Mr. Matthew Varhley traditionally plays in the game. He stated, ¨This is my third year playing in a student versus teacher game. It is very fun; it is fair because if the teachers wanted to win and beat the students they could, but we go easy on them.¨
Math teacher Mrs. Beth Melillo participated in the game, and she said, “I look forward to this game every year. It was exciting and really fun.”
Finally, Special Education teacher Ms. Stephanie Grajales said, “It was a party in the U.S.A, all the way!”
