ACT Stress(Basket)ball
If you found yourself in the gym on the Friday before spring break, you would have found yourself in the middle of a highly competitive set of 3 v. 3 student basketball games. Juniors burned off some ACT stress by working with their advisory classmates in teams of three for a bracket-style tournament. Students who weren’t playing on the teams helped out by keeping score, watching times, and cheering on their friends and classmates. Both students and staff showed off their skills on the court. As teams were eliminated, students formed their own pick-up games and let the fun continue. Channeling the stress from ACT anticipation and preparation, students enjoyed getting some time to have fun and work on social skills.
The students showed exemplary behavior both with players and bystanders – using positive reinforcement and good manners to make sure every student playing felt comfortable and were able to enjoy themselves. Students Richard Labon, Charles Perdue, and Joe Rhymes took home the gold by winning it all and beating the final team in a close and competitive match with Deonte Davis, Steven Fitz, Antoine Harris and Li’Neil Newman. All players showed exceptional sportsmanship and despite the competitive nature of the students and staff involved, the students made sure that each player had a moment to shine. In the final twenty minutes of the day, staff members took to the court themselves and played with students or set up other games to relax and enjoy some quality time together.
Students have been working throughout the year to prepare for the upcoming ACT exam scheduled for May 3rd. Staff members have been working together to make sure that students are getting resources to use inside and outside of the classroom. This tournament served as just one of the team-building exercises the students have also been using to build comradery and critical thinking skills that can help them work through the ACT. Good luck to all juniors on this important test!