Third graders at Wylie East Elementary have been given the chance to lead their younger peers in a newly created safety group named the Spike Squad.
From 7:15-7:45 a.m., ten Squad members greet students as they enter school as well as manage younger students in the cafeteria and gymnasiums, helping them to sit quietly while waiting to go to class. This is a time commitment of two-weeks.
Assistant Principal Kim Ferguson said the students serving in this capacity are learning how to communicate kindly and respectfully with others, applying what they have learned from their classroom activity, Character Counts.
In addition to serving at assigned stations, the students train the incoming squad members during their final week of duty. Ferguson said each student is taught what it “looks and sounds like” to teach others.
To participate, students completed an application and an interview with adults from around the community, including Wylie school board members and the district superintendent. Mike Thompson, the new communications director for Wylie ISD, was one of the community members invited by Mrs. Ferguson to help with the interviews.
“I think we each interviewed about 6-8 third graders, and let me tell you, there were some super interesting applicants with all kinds of unique skills. I had a list of questions, like ‘Why do you want to join Spike Squad?’ and ‘What are your hobbies?’ I could tell the kids were nervous, and honestly, so was I,” said Thompson.
Thompson said the responses from the applicants were fun and creative and that the overall interview experience was positive.
“One thing I loved hearing was how many of the kids had a servant’s heart. ‘I want to help others’ came up a lot. But there were some standout answers, too—like, ‘I know karate!’ or ‘I’m good at jokes.’ One kid totally sold me when they said, ‘I know my way around here and where to go!’ It’s hard to say no to someone who has grown up navigating the halls since kindergarten,” said Thompson. “It was such a fun, heartwarming experience on both sides of the table.”
Ferguson said with 98 students participating and great support from parents, the campus is evaluating how to add more leadership opportunities for the students to serve around campus.
“We had such a big response, we are looking at other leadership possibilities,” said Ferguson. She added that Spike Squad is only available to third-grade students, giving them the opportunity to set an example to others.
The students shared what they like most about serving as a Spike Squad member.
Anna Callis, who serves in the little gym, said, “I thought it would be fun to hang out with kids and help the school.”
Moriyanu Olaniyan serves as a greeter and said the best part is saying hello to friends.
Corbin Vanderpool, located in the big gym, walks around checking on kids. “I like helping kids do what they are supposed to be doing,” he said.
By Kristen Johnson