Core Night

By: Izabella Gallagher 12-3-25

For the first time ever students had the option to attend a new event, CORE night! At this event students got sorted into groups to complete different team building challenges. Food was also provided for all those who attended. Later, students could choose to buy concessions during the free period that took place after the team building. The night ended with prizes and awards, before releasing students.

Students got dropped off at Door 1, and walked into the building where they got their name tags. These name tags said what their team name and number was, and well obviously, their name. After the students received their name tags they walked into the cafeteria and waited until 6:00 when CORE night officially started, then they were called by rows to go get their dinner. The food of choice was Fazoli’s, where students got the choice of either spaghetti or alfredo, with breadsticks. The students ate their food until it was time to get sorted into their teams.

Next the students were sorted into random teams that consisted of a handful of students, and a chaperone. The teams played a variety of different games starting with a name game. In this game everyone introduced themselves and added something to a group handshake. Once everyone was finished they practiced with a teammate three times before racing to press the button saying that they finished. The next game was Pictionary, followed by a definition matching game. Next was the ever so famous human knot, and a slightly different version of Never Have I Ever.

Last but not least the teams did a race to stack the cups. The goal was to run from one point to the next, stacking the cups, with five at the bottom then four, and so on. Except there was a twist. The chaperones had a list of different things you had to do while running over to stack your cup. Some examples are galloping like a horse, saying six seven and doing the hand motion, holding the cup with only your pinkies, and more. After all the teams had finished students started working together to stack all the cups as high as they could. Some students were lifted up in a cheerleader-like motion trying to add another cup to the top, while others were watching, cheering, and laughing nearby. All in all, everyone enjoyed it. The best part was it wasn’t even planned, students took ownership and showed teamwork to complete this random, but fun task. Mrs. Schlemmer says, “And through that you saw teamwork, communication, and resiliency because how many times did that thing try to fall over on us?”

After the cup stacking students got released to go to a free session where they could choose from many different rooms for activities. One option was to play board games, this took place in the art room, another option was to color or draw. Additionally students could participate in karaoke in the choir room, or a dance in the multipurpose room. The dance had lights and music, and was basically a normal school dance but even more casual. Another option was to play knockout in the gym. Well it started as just knockout but people spread out and started simply playing basketball, football, or volleyball too.

After the free session, students went back to the cafeteria. There were multiple different awards given away, there were also many prizes that were given out from a random drawing. Students who were called up had the choice between multiple different things. The prizes ranged from things like candy and small toys, to earbuds and blankets. After all the prizes were given out the teachers called for the students attention and announced there was one more grand prize. The grand prize was a nintendo switch and was given to the seventh grader, Nemo Martone, whose name was randomly drawn. After this it was 10:00 and everyone was released to head out.

This event was created to give students something fun and meaningful to participate in. It helped reinforce the CORE values, while giving students an opportunity to have fun with their friends and fellow students later in the day. CORE is an acronym for character, ownership, resilience, and empathy. Students definitely showed these traits as they participated in this event. Students also had the opportunity to make new friends and connections with people in other grades, or just people that they don’t normally talk to. Micaiah Hill, an eighth grader, said, “My favorite part of CORE Night was the amount of people I got to know in such a short time.” Students had many opportunities to meet new people and get to know them during those four hours.

While this event took place for a decent amount of time, it took even longer to plan. According to Mrs. Schlemmer planning started towards the end of last year, and had continued until the event. Everyone involved worked hard to get this plan sent into action, and their efforts were definitely worthwhile. There were many chaperones who volunteered their time to help make this event a success.

This event was a ton of fun for everyone involved, and will likely continue into the future. It reinstated the CORE values, and allowed everyone to have a fun time. Throughout the event students were able to experience a great meal, participate in challenges, and meet new people. This event can truly improve our school by helping people make connections, and by reminding people of the CORE values that truly are important.

Sources: Mrs. Schlemmer, Mrs. Buckles, students who attended the event.