On Nov. 2, cheers, music, dancing and applause filled Jackson Middle School’s gym as students celebrated positive attendance with friendly competition at their Show Up Showdown assembly.
Jackson holds monthly attendance challenges as part of District 45’s Strive for 5 initiative. The school’s monthly lessons highlight how attendance supports learning, and themed spirit days help build excitement about coming to school.
The assembly celebrated Jackson’s kickoff challenge. Throughout October, students competed with their Responsive Advisory Meeting (RAM) groups for the best attendance. The group with the best attendance in each grade represented its grade level at the assembly.
“Middle schoolers love competition,” said Jackson Principal Jill Amrhein. “We thought the first challenge as grade level competitions would be a fun way to build school spirit, bring us together as a full school community, and bring in the love for middle school competitiveness.”
Classmates cheered on teams in a pizza box knockout, box stacking, inner tube toss and pool noodle catch. In a confetti bowl relay, teammates took turns blowing away confetti to reveal a lock combination, then passed it to the final player to open the lock.
The friendly competition helped reinforce how regular attendance supports school success while recognizing students for showing up ready to learn.
“We want students to see that we are celebrating their efforts to be at school and be an active and engaged learner,” Amrhein said.
Way to show up and show your school spirit, Jaguars! Thank you to Jackson’s staff, custodians and cheer team for bringing the celebration to life!
