- Discover Episcopal
- Admission
- Our Program
- Athletics
- Arts
- Spirituality
- Student Life
- Support Episcopal
- Alumni
- Parent Support
- Knightly News
- Contact Us
- Calendar
- School Store
- Lunch Menu
- Summer Camps
« Back
Going for the Gold in Middle School
March 5th, 2021
The Olympics are officially underway! The Middle School COVID Olympics, that is. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students began competing in a variety of fun activities last week with the final round slated for the week after Easter. “We wanted to do the COVID Olympics this spring to balance out some of the (necessary) seriousness from the fall,” says Middle School Division Head Mark Engstrom. “With so many unknowns and fears around the pandemic somewhat now understood, we thought we could craft enough socially distanced activities to have a great time.”
Those activities include events with catchy titles like Soapy Marbles, Pass the Orange and Ping Pong Bounce. Once a week during morning community time and afternoon flex each homeroom tackles a challenge with the hopes of making it to the grade level finals. The classrooms are abuzz with the sounds of students attempting to pick up soap-covered marbles with chopsticks or trying to identify their favorite Middle School teachers based solely on childhood photos. “It’s been great to see Middle School students running around, competing, and encouraging each other in the spirit of their COVID Olympics team,” says Engstrom.
The Extras are an Important Aspect of Student Life
This is not the first time Engstrom and the Middle School team have gone the extra mile to boost the enthusiasm among Middle School students this year. This fall, students competed in the Wellness Wednesday Fall Fest Finals. Students participated in physical and mental challenges with the victors earning a sweet treat to celebrate their success. There was also considerable excitement when faculty found a safe way to re-introduce Peer Leaders, Student Council, Geography Bee, MATHCOUNTS and Student Vestry.
Middle School Counselor Alicia Kelly says activities such as the COVID Olympics and the Wellness Wednesday competitions are important because they encourage “team building, engagement, fun and connection” among students. All of this is critical to a Middle School student’s emotional health and well-being and provides students with a sense of connection to their school and each other.
Similar to last school year, this school year has certainly been unusual. Throughout it all, students have adjusted well to the health and safety protocols, and faculty have found creative and inspiring ways to make life on campus a meaningful experience. Events like the COVID Olympics take considerable time to plan and numerous spreadsheets to track team results and points. However, seeing the smiles on the students’ faces makes the effort worth it.
We wish the Middle School Olympians luck in the competition!
Middle School Counselor Alicia Kelly says activities such as the COVID Olympics and the Wellness Wednesday competitions are important because they encourage “team building, engagement, fun and connection” among students. All of this is critical to a Middle School student’s emotional health and well-being and provides students with a sense of connection to their school and each other.
Similar to last school year, this school year has certainly been unusual. Throughout it all, students have adjusted well to the health and safety protocols, and faculty have found creative and inspiring ways to make life on campus a meaningful experience. Events like the COVID Olympics take considerable time to plan and numerous spreadsheets to track team results and points. However, seeing the smiles on the students’ faces makes the effort worth it.
We wish the Middle School Olympians luck in the competition!
Posted in the categories All, Middle School.
Other articles to consider
- May16Episcopal Welcomes Father Patrick Edwards as New Head Chaplain
Learn more about new Episcopal Head Chaplain Father Patrick Edwards.
See Details - May16Lower School Happenings - May 2024
There's excitement and joy in Lower School as students wrap up the school year. Check out the latest projects.
See Details - May16Future Business Leaders Benefit from Spring Lessons/Community Support
Episcopal students participated in two real-world learning experiences – the What’s Your Bright Idea? Episcopal Pitch Contest and the annual Burkenroad Reports Investment Conference.
See Details - May8College Announcements 5.10.24
Please join us in congratulating members of the Class of 2024 as they announce their college enrollment decisions.
See Details
Categories
- All
- Admission
- Athletics
- College Bound 2019
- College Bound 2020
- College Bound 2021
- College Bound 2022
- College Bound 2023
- College Bound 2024
- Counselors Corner
- Episcopal Alumni
- Giving
- Head Of School
- Lower School
- Middle School
- Spirituality And Service
- Student Work
- The Teachers' Lounge
- Upper School
- Visual And Performing Arts
Recent Articles
- 05/16/24Episcopal Welcomes Father Patrick Edwards as New Head Chaplain
- 05/16/24Lower School Happenings - May 2024
- 05/16/24Future Business Leaders Benefit from Spring Lessons/Community Support
- 05/8/24College Announcements 5.10.24
- 05/7/24Episcopal's Addisyn Botos Will Continue Track & Field at Southern Miss
- 05/7/24Spring Sports Success!
- 05/3/24Episcopal Audiences Wowed by "The Children of Willesden Lane"
- 05/3/24Service Learning & Community Impact Students Share Thoughts on Earth Day
- 05/2/242024 Mums of Alums Luncheon Draws Large Crowd of Supportive Mums
- 05/2/24College Announcements 5.3.24