“I woke up in the middle of the night and started to think about how we could showcase Middle School athletics and build community.”
While those thoughts were running through the head of Nick Menneke, Middle School Assistant Athletic Director and PE Teacher, similar sentiments were taking shape with Callie Bambenek, Middle School Community Coordinator and Science Teacher. “Over the summer, I met with groups of Middle School faculty, and the feedback was clear: find opportunities to be together as a middle school and have fun,” she said.
When Bambenek heard about Menneke’s vision of developing stronger community with home athletic contests, she realized “it would naturally build connection and be an absolute blast!” She said, “I immediately knew that we could partner together.” The final addition was to include teacher appreciation night—all of the Middle School teams wrote letters thanking a current teacher and inviting them to their athletic event. The Middle School Winter Classic was born.
The event kicked off with a pep rally in the South Gym where fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders faced off against each other and faculty members in a series of fun, lighthearted games like a life-sized version of Hungry, Hungry Hippo. “First and foremost, we wanted to build community,” Menneke said. “We wanted to show off our awesome band, choir, and orchestra, while at the same time having some fun competitions during the assembly.” As important as the community-building element of the event was, Bambenek stressed that the rally was important because it allowed the student body and faculty to see how capable Middle School student leadership is with their desire to build the assembly. “I couldn’t be more proud of our eighth graders for planning, collaborating, and carrying out a vision for their own Middle School,” she said. “Stay tuned and stay excited for additional community events planned with help from our students.”
Events like the Middle School Winter Classic certainly build community, but also need community in order to be successful. “I just appreciate the administration who allowed us to create this event. The support from them was amazing,” said Menneke. “Huge shout out to our faculty members willing to participate in these events. Special thanks to Head of Middle School Jen Schuckman for helping us see how far our vision can take us, and to Andy Kay, MS English Teacher, Coach, and emcee of the year. Not many people can energize a crowd like he can,” said Bambenek.
Praise and appreciation for the event were universal. “Faculty said that it was an amazing event. Parents said that they really enjoyed seeing all of the excitement around Middle School sports and students were talking about the assembly and the contests. The events are still a buzz around school,” Menneke said.
So, will there another Middle School Winter Classic? “You better believe it!” said Bambenek. Menneke agreed, “100% YES! Callie and I have already started discussing the next one!”
Go, Middle School Rams!