Activities and events that take place during the year are what make students excited and feel a sense of school pride and spirit. Most people don’t realize just how crucial it is to have a connected community in an environment where people can often feel pressured and stressed. A great part of the student body feels that a substantial part of what makes their school an enjoyable place to be at is the social calendar and the engaging activities offered by the school, as well as school pride. However, it can be noted that sometimes students feel that our school is missing a united spirit.
On behalf of the students…
On the other hand, it is very important to take notice that in this 2022- 2023 school year the student body can expect a world of new experiences, more activities, and perhaps a stronger voice when it comes to decision making in administration. Activities and events are what create an engaging and exciting experience at school.
On this topic, most students feel the same way and have large expectations and hopes for the upcoming year
“There aren’t many opportunities to talk to your peers… it’s hard to meet new friends,” 8th grade student, Sophia Cottone said when asked how she felt about the amount of activities and events offered by the school, and the effects of them.
“I think middle school also deserves going to fun field trips,” 8th grader Lucia Rios said.
The Original Makos
Current MAST Academy alumni teachers, Ms Ervin and Ms. Ganuza, had much to share concerning MAST activities and school spirit.
Ms. Ganuza shared that one of the activities previously done in MAST, known as the MAST blast, “a field day on steroids” was one of the most incredible memories she has as a high school student, and she would like to occur again. She fondly recalls the “dunk tanks, and bouncy houses.”
Ms. Ervin holds very strong views on the importance of school spirit, stating that “I didn’t know how important energy was in a classroom” and commenting on the “Importance of administration being motivating and having that morale and how that transferred to the teachers and then down to the students.”
As a MAST student she felt that everyone was a big, united family, a feeling that she repeatedly attempts to convey to her students. She wants activities such as teacher appreciation activities, and other celebratory events to take place in order to recognize hard work and bring together not only the students but the faculty.
What’s coming?
Fortunately, the school activities director, Ms. Jennifer Fernandez has a variety of new experiences and activities planned for this year, and is very excited for these new opportunities to embrace our school’s identity and foster a stronger spirit within the student body as well as our staff. A central message she wishes to convey to the students for this 2022-2023 year is that, “Makos this is your time, get the most of it and be active!”
Here are some of the activities and events you can expect to see this year:
- FAMILY NIGHTS
- Every month, students and parents will get a chance to participate in themed nights featuring activities like open mics, board games, and yoga.
- FIELD TRIPS
- At least one field trip is planned for all grade levels.
- SPIRIT WEEK
- From Oct. 17 – Oct. 21, theme days (In order: Pajama Day, Jersey Day, Twin Day, Hippie vs. Rockstar Day, Decades Day) will allow students to dress unusually.
- COLOR BATTLE
- Student Government presents days in which students should coordinate their colors (Oct. 24: Pink, Oct. 25: Tie-Dye, Oct. 27: Class Colors)
- PEP RALLY
- On Oct. 27, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors will square off.
- WORLD CUP
- An event will take place during lunches around the 2022 World Cup in November.