WESSINGTON SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT
It does not seem that long ago, that we were preparing for end of first semester and looking forward to the Holiday Break. Now we are over two weeks into 2nd semester and things are happening fast. Even though the students might not admit it, they are excited to be back at school and they are all doing very well. Obviously, academics are the main goal with all teachers and students. Our teachers are working hard to give students the best academic learning environments they can provide.
However, another big part of a student's experience at school is activities. There are many activities taking place. Elementary students are involved in cheerleading, wrestling, basketball and other activities outside of school that I am not even aware of.
At the Middle School/High School students are currently busy with many activities as well. In Band and Choir they are preparing for contests that will be taking place soon. FCCLA just had their regional contest and will continue to work on projects for State Convention. The FFA students are very busy as LDEs will be starting in a few weeks, plus they are working on getting back into the shop. Student Council just had their winter formal last week. Yearbook is putting together information and pictures for publication. The art students are working on projects for the State Art Competition. Science students are working on their projects for Science Fair. The athletes in basketball and wrestling are in the middle of their seasons and will be competing in postseason play in a few weeks.
There are also other activities that our students are involved with in and out of school that I did not mention. The reason I bring this up is to show that our students are very busy in and out of the classroom. People sometimes ask why we have all these activities and would it not be better for their academics if we just had them focus on their classes. While that may be true to a point, we as a school and community feel that all of these activities are an important part of their learning experience. Students in activities must learn many different skills which include: time management, organization, public speaking, community relations, dedication, working toward goals, fighting through challenges, communication, etc. Plus these students need to keep their grades up in being able to even do these activities. Also, these activities are all important to the community. It brings the community together and gives the community pride.
Here at Wessington Springs, we probably do have more activities than some schools our size, but we also believe that students in these activities will learn the skills and build character that it takes to be a positive contributing member of society. At the end of the day that might be just as important as their academics.
We here at the Wessington Springs Schools certainly appreciate all the support that we get from the community and look forward to many great things as we move forward with the school year.