With so much pressure on academics and focus on standardized testing, students need a break every now and then to recharge and stay focused.

At least that’s the idea Tyrone carpentry teacher Daniel Plummer, who is also a member of the High School Climate Committee, had when he pitched the idea for a “Spring Fling” event at the high school. 

“I thought it would be a good idea to do something that rewards the entire school, grades nine through twelve, kind of like the Christmas Assembly does in December,” said Plummer.

Plummer’s idea was that for few periods at the end of the day on Friday, March 23 students could choose from a menu of fun activities. He came up with most of the ideas for the activities and got help from the Climate Committee and several other teachers and administrators to make the event happen.

Before the event, students choose from the following list of activities for the final three periods of the day:

• Three movies (Goonies, Pitch Perfect 2, and Age of Altron)
• Gym activities (games and open gym)
• Swimming
• Wii game room
• PlayStation game room
• Reading room
• Open fitness center
• Board game room
• Card game room
• Music / dancing in cafeteria

Students signed up for their preferred activities and were allowed to rotate through three different activities through the course of the afternoon.

The most popular activity was the gym, with approximately 30% of the students choosing to go there, followed by one of the three movies.  All of the activities offered were chosen by at least a few students.

After the event, students were surveyed and 96% of those who responded enjoyed the event and said that they would like to see it happen again next year.

“I thought it was a great. We need a break once in a while from all of our school work,” said freshman Brooke Welsh.

“It was a nice relaxing time,” said junior Erica Swisher.

“It felt rewarding,” added freshman Sarah McCaslin.

Many students said that they appreciated the fact that the cell phone ban was relaxed for the afternoon, allowing students to take photos with their friends. “Being able to have your phone out was a nice change, so everyone could take pictures together and enjoy themselves,” said one student comment.

“I think it should be an annual thing because it’s fun to just hang out with your friends and have a good day showing your school spirit,” said freshman Tyler Gunsallus.

Students also had a few complaints and several several suggestions for improving the event in the future. 

The most common complaint was that the gym activities were too crowded. “I think the biggest problem was that the gym was packed.  I signed up for it but when I arrived there was no way to participate.  So maybe limit the number of people in the gym,” said one comment on the student survey.

Many students who attended the movie suggested that the event be a little longer because there was not enough time to finish the movie. 

Students at the video game stations would like to see additional game consoles so that more students could play at once.“There was only one game system and game of choice. For this number of students, more systems, at least four, would be much better,” said one comment to the student survey.

Some of the music choices in the cafeteria dance weren’t well received either. “In the dance, I think better music could have been played because it was all kinda boring,” said another comment.

One of the most repeated student suggestions was to add outdoor activities, such as opening the track, tennis courts, and/or other outdoor games.

But in general, the Spring Fling was a big success and the vast majority of students and teachers polled would like to see it happen again next year.

“Personally, I thought it was great.  All my friends that I talked to had a great time. I think we’d all enjoy something like this to happen in the future,” said one student comment.