BPO Welcomes Back Bulldogs

Spirits ran high for students at the on Friday when, through the generosity of the Batchelder Parents Organization, all grades played "The Ultimate Human Board Game."

Sudents came to the gymnasium in two groups: grades three-five and grades k-two. Each group was divided into three teams: red, blue and green as designated by the color of the T-shirt they wore. Each of the teams was comprised of students from all three grades in the group.

"It's all about team work," said fifth-grade teacher Lindsay Breen. "Students cheer for their teammates and for the other teams. They see we are all connected as a school."

Unique Entertainment provided the program of activities. Different students were chosen for each activity by the company's DJ. The participating students earned points for their teams and the points were tallied to determine which team won.

"No prizes are given," said Principal Sean Killeen. "This is a different concept. Kids learn they can just have fun in friendly competition."

To start things off individual students were asked to name the ABC's of the school. With a few minutes to consult with team members the students came up with "achievement, Batchelder pride and community."

Then came 50 minutes of games and movement. There was a mummy wrap: two students standing back-to-back as the teacher they picked wrapped them in toilet paper. Then students participated in a 12-round pop culture version of trivial pursuit and a game using buzzers for students to press when they knew the answer to the question the DJ asked.

The DJ led the students in a game similar to "simon-says" with students copying his various dance moves.

"This is how kids are meant to play," said first-grade teacher Jennifer Pustorino. "It's so important for them to be kids having fun with each other. No pressure. Everyone in it together."

"This is the first time in the school year they meet as a group in a shared activity," explained Pustorino. "All the students, the principal and all the teachers are here to play and cheer each other on. They start developing a sense of community from the start and we carry the spirit of working together forward throughout the year."

 "It's fun," said fifth-grader Derek Donovan. "We use team work and get exercise, too!"