Students Benefit from Extracurriculars

Written by Jeff King, Principal

“Hey mom! Don’t forget, I need a ride home from school today because I have my after-school club!”

There is significant research that shows students involved in extracurriculars benefit in several ways:

1. They do better, are more successful on school work, and achieve at higher levels.

2. They are less likely to involve themselves in risky behaviors that can cause harm to themselves or to others.

3. They are more likely to make better choices and demonstrate more positive behavior in school, at home, and in the community.

Here at Myers, just like each of our 11 schools in the district, we offer extracurricular activities that allow our students a chance to be a part of positive experiences after school. We offer these because we believe activities like this help them positively grow their hearts and minds.

I would like to take some time to celebrate the after-school programs we offer our kids.

Spell Bowl team — For students who love to spell, want to better spellers, or simply want to be part of a positive experience after school. These students commit to practicing words at home over the summer and at the start of each school year. They work together as a team after school during practice sessions and compete in an annual competition that occurs each fall against 20 other schools in the area.

Math Bowl team — For students who are fascinated with numbers, enjoy challenging problems, or again, just want to be part of a positive experience and learn more about math. This club practices after school throughout the year, starting early each fall. They also work on problems at home on their own. After much practice, they compete against 15 other schools each February.

Art Attack — For students who have a gift for art. These students meet once a week for about nine weeks and participate in projects that beautify the school and further develop their natural art skills. Each spring the Art Attack brings our school to life by painting vibrant and beautiful spring masterpieces on the windows of our school. At the end of every year they have a chance to travel to Chicago by way of the South Shore train and visit the Art Museum downtown – an experience so many of them talk about years and years after.

Choir — For students who love to sing, want to sing with a group and are willing to perform in front of their peers and family members. Every winter and into the spring our choir meets together and learns five or six songs, learns how to blend their beautiful harmonies together and then performs a concert in front of more than 300 people. We have seen many of our choir students go on to middle school and continue participating in choir and developing their voice and bringing joy to those who hear them.

Student Council — For students with leadership abilities and hearts who want to help and serve others. This active group participates in Portage’s annual leaf-raking, sells hot cocoa and sings carols at the Portage Christmas festival and helps raise money for good causes that help those less fortunate.

These programs offer our students special opportunities to be part of something bigger than themselves and develops their self-esteem and sense of belonging.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate the teachers who give of their time after school and lead these various programs. You all make it possible. Thank you.

I would encourage all of you reading this article to make sure your child is regularly involved in some youth program outside of school. They really do make a difference in the way kids view life and live life.