ROME, GA— The energy in the West Central Elementary gymnasium was next-level on Monday, August 1, as the first annual PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Pep Rally was underway.
Rome High School cheerleaders lined the walkway into the gym, pumping up the pep as students filed in. It didn't take long for loud chants of "R-C-S!" to spill out of the double doors as students took their seats with their prospective grade-level peers and awaited the start of the rally.
Willie the Wolf joined in and the resounding cheers and chants rose even higher.
Assistant Principal McKensey Wheeler kicked off the festivities with a spirit contest. Each grade level had the chance to show off their loudest cheers and their wildest applause.
“It has been many years since we pulled the entire student body together in one location, and we wanted to host an event that would excite and motivate our students," Principal Jennifer Uldrick said. "What better way than a pep rally to fire everyone up!”
After fourth grade took ownership of the Spirit Stick, teachers gathered in the center of the gym on scooter boards with laundry baskets in hand to show a little bit of their inner child as they competed in a fun and friendly game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.
Willie the Wolf had the honor of starting the game off by scattering hundreds of red Rome City Schools stress balls across the floor. Wheeler emceed as students cheered their teachers on until the Kindergarten team claimed victory with 105 balls collected.
Wheeler explained that it’s important to show the students that good behavior is positive and fun. “I think that if we can get them excited about PBIS and the RCS way, then they’ll remember it throughout the year. We wanted to turn those expectations into memorable moments.”
She explained that she and the WC PBIS team felt motivated by the energy at the Day of Stars event for faculty and staff on July 26, and wanted to match that energy at WC and engage students and teachers in team exercises that were just plain fun.
The rally kept rolling as each grade level had 30 seconds to participate in a dance contest, starting with the Kindergarteners. Twisting, shaking and even a little breakdancing ensued as each grade level gave their best boogie-down. The highlight came as the contest turned into a dance-off between Willie the Wolf and music teacher Andrew Wilfong. The crowd went wild when Wilfong dropped down and did the Worm!
Uldrick then took the mic to begin the piece of the rally that would remind the students about PBIS points and expectations.
“At West Central, we are eager to generate excitement for learning, and that includes our school wide expectations. Our goal is to motivate students to do their best every day, and we strongly believe in having fun along the way,” Uldrick smiled.
PBIS points were reviewed, and students erupted in cheers as they were reminded that 100 PBIS points means pizza at the park at the end of nine weeks.
Groups of sixth-grade students then used skits to demonstrate how to and how not to behave in the RCS way; ready to learn, courteous and safe.
“I may be a bit biased, but I truly believe that we have the best staff members in RCS,” Uldrick said. “Everyone is all-in, all the time, and they are willing to accept the numerous challenges that are thrown their way each day. We have quite a few fresh new faces this year that are bringing in new energy, and I only see us getting stronger as a West Central family!”
###