Students bounced across the court, buzzing with energy and activity during Central’s November rec night. This monthly tradition encourages middle schoolers to come out and play with their classmates in a safe environment built for recreation. For only one dollar per student, parents can sign their pre-teens up for two hours of activities including basketball, video games, tetherball, and more.
According to Alek Davis, social studies teacher at Central, the rec nights started five years ago, and have been helpful in reconnecting with the school’s community, encouraging students to engage with one another outside of class.
“It’s an opportunity for younger kids to interact with older kids and learn from them,” said Davis. “It’s not very complicated, it’s community.”
Students say they appreciate the time to connect and be around their classmates and educators in a non-learning environment. Ross Bauer, Central principal, says it’s a great opportunity for teachers as well, seeing their students in a different light.
“Basketball is a sport I really like, and it’s fun to play with the kids,” said Bauer. “It’s helped me at times to relate with kids outside of the day-to-day.”
One-on-one time is something that seems to positively impact both Central’s students and educators, with many former students citing this as the reason they chose to return as rec night volunteers.
“My favorite part of volunteering is getting to see all of my old teachers,” said Elizabeth Whitehead, ninth grader at West High School.
“Past memories,” said ninth grade volunteer Kennedy Kovac-Ostlund. “The teachers and their enthusiasm are fun to be around.”
For seventh grade literacy coach Ashley Chase, seeing her students grow and become their own person is rewarding in itself. However, ninth grade volunteer Michael Avina, says it was Chase who inspired him to choose to become an educator himself.
“Ms. Chase inspired me to be a high school English teacher,” said Avina.
Whether it’s inspiring teenagers toward their future career ambitions, or making hot Cheetos readily available at the snack bar, the team at Central middle school knows what brings people together. 
