Kendall students in grades 5-8 celebrate first WinterFest
Provided photos
KENDALL – Students in grades 5 through 8 in Kendall celebrated the first WinterFest at the school on Friday.
Students played dodgeball, kickball, hockey, Capture the Flag, and sledding in the snow.
“Thanks to the generosity of Brockport Schools, we were able to borrow skis and snowboards so that our students could try new activities,” said Kevin Watson, Kendall grades 5-8 principal. “Add in donuts from Millers in Medina and plenty of hot chocolate, and Middle School WinterFest became an instant classic – something we hope our middle school continues to offer students each winter.”
Kendall has about 200 students in grades 5 through 8. Nearly 90 percent decided to go outside and brave the elements. The students who stayed inside had the option of reading a book or drawing. Some of the remote-only students attended the event at the school campus.
Watson and Lindsay Hammer, the middle school counselor, have been brainstorming ways to make the middle-school experience uniquely special for the 5th through 8th graders.
“We know now more than ever that students need to unplug and unwind,” Watson said. “Middle-level students love to play outside in the winter, so we decided to ask student representatives from each grade level to help us envision a special Middle School day outside in the middle of winter.”
Students met virtually the past two months each week to plan the types of experiences that they wanted to participate in. It started with a simple question: If you were able to plan a fun day outside in the snow, what would you want to do?
The Kendall parents were extremely supportive of this idea, and school staff not only helped with the planning, but they have also helped to secure winter items for many of our students, Watson said.
“This has been a true team effort, and I am very proud of how this day unfolded,” Watson said. “I love the fact that our middle level students can feel special about having a day that celebrates them! I also love that our students were the driving force behind the day’s activities!”
