Lessons Learned Outside the Classroom

Team Tigers Gaga Ball

As I sit in my office, now a middle school assistant principal, and reflect on my own years as a middle school student, many memories flood into my mind.  Of course I have memories of certain teachers who made a lasting impact on me, but what I remember the most are vivid memories of the time I spent outside the classroom involved in extracurricular activities.  I remember the time I had a leading role in the school musical "The Gigo Effect", the excitement and energy of cheering on the sidelines at school basketball games, dancing and singing with my friends at the "Lighted School House" (like Pdale's "Friday Night Live"), and the lasting impact of participating in Operation Snowflake.

There are so many benefits for children who engage in extracurricular activities.  Sports, clubs, and arts programs allow students to explore their interests, while also providing them with opportunities to hone other skills:

Student Council hard at work!

• Social-emotional development
• Time management and prioritizing
• Problem solving
• Collaboration and communication
• Ability to apply academic skills in a real-life context

These learning opportunities foster a heightened sense of belonging to the school's community, and research has shown this leads to improved attendance rates for students.  Improved attendance rates, coupled with higher levels of self-esteem and the chance to apply academic concepts through the participation in extracurricular activities, tend to result in higher academic achievement.  It is equally important to realize participation in extracurricular activities builds character as students learn the importance of honoring commitments and appreciating the differences of others who are united by a common interest.

Gamer's Club

At Pleasantdale Middle School, our students are fortunate to have a variety of activities and athletics from which to choose.  Jen Driscoll, our activities director, works tirelessly to ensure each week there are many drop-in activity options that will appeal to a variety of students.  The "Activities" page of the Pleasantdale Middle School website provides information on over 25 activities students are able to attend and the calendar of when these activities occur.  Mark Dreher, our athletic director, maintains the athletics calendar on the "Athletics" page of the middle school's website where information on sports tryouts and game dates can be found.

Thank you to Mrs. Driscoll, Mr. Dreher, and all our coaches and club sponsors who make these wonderful opportunities available to our students.  We know the lessons students learn outside the classroom by participating in extracurricular activities will impact our students for years to come!

PMS Girls Basketball

Cheerleading Practice