IMS Students Express Creativity With Decorating Competition
Irvington Middle School students ignited their school spirit and created deeper connections with their peers when they participated in the inaugural Wing vs. Wing competition from April 25-29.
Throughout the week, they brainstormed ideas and began the preparation and collaboration on their assigned themes and colors. They were challenged with designing and decorating their classroom doors, bulletin boards and walls while keeping with the themes of “Character Counts,” “S-winging into the S wing” and “Under the Sea.”
“The themes brought smiles and pride to everyone,” school psychologist Julianna Calapai said. “The competition created a moment where students from different grades came together to collaborate on their wing creations. It felt like we were back to normal after students were unable to participate in activities like this due to the pandemic.”
Calapai said the excitement leading up to the final day of the competition was palpable throughout the whole building.
“There were wings pasting, taping and even stringing lights,” she said. “On Friday morning, there was a flurry of last-minute additions and props added before our judging team walked through each wing to view their work. It was clear as to how dedicated and enthusiastic the students were during this time.”
Judges named the D wing as the winner with the students’ spectacular “Under the Sea” theme, while the B wing received a runner-up prize due to the students’ amazing work on their “Character Counts” theme.
In addition to encouraging the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills, the activity was part of Irvington Middle School’s efforts to continue to foster an inclusive, supportive and affirming environment. It also directly tied to the school’s social-emotional learning and character-building education and its efforts to promote the values of empathy, compassion, acceptance and community. Throughout April, educators focused on the theme of community, while in March they focused on mindfulness, and compassion in February. During the months of May and June, they will focus on pride and acceptance.