Middle School motivation

The team at Beekmantown Middle School is focused this year on keeping students engaged and motivated and creating a positive environment that encourages them to come to school. They have three recurring programs that encourage students to make connections, build community, and develop strong social and emotional skills: Advisory Challenges, Attendance Challenges and Eagle Pride Assemblies. 

Advisory Challenges 

Once a month, students who have the same advisor group up and participate in Advisory Challenges. These challenges include fun, active team building games. 

In one challenge called Hoop Hop Showdown, competitors had to jump through hula hoops to steal the other team’s ball and get it back to their own bucket. When they met an opponent, they had a rock paper scissors showdown. Another challenge included throwing around little stuffed eagles.

An advisory group for each grade wins the challenge, and each student in the winning groups gets a coupon for a sweet treat in the cafeteria. Students have fun with these activities, and they learn team building skills as well. 

Attendance Challenges 

The MS has also started to reward good attendance with a monthly Attendance Challenge. Students who have less than two unexcused absences in the month are rewarded with a treat. Past treats have included: a pass to wear pajamas for the day, a pass to wear a hat in school, and a chance to pie a staff member in the face. 

Quarterly Assemblies 

Eagle Pride Assemblies, which are held each quarter, have been beefed up this school year. At the assembly, students are celebrated who perform well both academically and behaviorally. 

Two students are recognized at each assembly with the Eagle Pride Award. Teachers pick two who have done a good job exhibiting one of the seven success traits that the middle school team promotes, which include optimism, resilience and zest. 

This year, the MS staff has new Exceptional Eagle cards, which are given to students who have an 80 overall average and good attendance. Each punch card has six prizes that each student can take advantage of, including things like a discount for the next dance and free popcorn. 

Impact

These three initiatives were developed through a group effort between Principal Nelson and her staff. Each was designed to add an element of fun or ways to give students a sense of belonging at school. The programs have required a lot of work, but they have had a great impact on students, Principal Nelson said. She and her team feel that middle school students are coming to school more happy, more attentive and more engaged.