Middle school is a time of psychological and academic development for children. At Mackenzie Middle School (MMS), we strive to challenge and support students to reach their academic potential, while also recognizing the importance of providing opportunities which build students’ social and emotional well-being. By offering a diverse selection of clubs and extracurricular activities, MMS engages students in non-academic experiences that not only support social-emotional and physical well-being, but also develop skills that will be used throughout their lives. Through the support of staff, families and community members who volunteer their time, students are provided with many options to discover more about themselves.
Our after-school athletic teams and early morning jazz bands require students to work hard to develop skills in the earlier years, and commit to developing and sustaining these skills in order to be part of teams, bands, and clubs as they move to high school. Students learn that cooperation and being part of a collective group is essential to success. Additionally, being able to travel to other schools and communities expands their experiences, builds responsibility and a sense of belonging, and provides students with glimpses of events outside of our school setting.
Lunch hour clubs and programs provide students with opportunities to take a break from their academic day. These clubs are important because students are more apt to try something new if it’s in a safe environment and/or if they are able to attend with friends. Whether it’s playing board games, quietly reading, building projects in vocational classes, art room lunch projects, beading, crochet, Lego or daily intramurals, students have opportunities available to them several times a week.
The MMS Breakfast Club is a program that provides breakfast to the student body every day. This program originated as a staff initiative, from the understanding that a nutritious start to the day is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. The Breakfast Club ensures that no student begins their morning hungry. This program not only addresses food insecurity but also fosters a sense of belonging among students. Gathering for breakfast creates an environment of camaraderie and support, setting a positive tone for the day. This club is currently led by a staff member, with the help of a dedicated group of students who arrive 45 minutes early every day to help prepare, organize and distribute the items to each class. This group of students has developed a strong sense of commitment and pride in the work they do. They also learn about planning, budgets, food service and food safety. Because most students continue throughout the year, friendships are made, confidence with peer and staff interactions grows, and many employment skills are developed (though dishwashing is still a challenge for all!).
We know that students spend a large amount of their personal time online, so our new eSports Club creates an environment where students learn about digital literacy, responsibility, safety and health issues related to online gaming. Like physical sports, students are part of a team and must learn to collaborate, strategize and support one another. Students also discover connections to computer science, STEM, and other technology related careers. Registered with the Manitoba School Esports Association (MSEA), middle school teams throughout the province compete in weekly competitions, culminating in championships at the end of each season. Last year, our MMS Blue team won the first season’s provincial championship!
Other after-school clubs, such as MMS48 (student “news” channel), the Chess Club and Powwow Club offer experiences that appeal to a varied group of students. MMS48 teaches students about the process of finding news stories, interviewing, creating content and utilizing technology. It requires students to be flexible, to work with diverse people, and to develop real, face-to-face communication skills. It also benefits the school as a whole as they inform, engage and entertain staff and students with their reports.
The Chess Club provides instruction and coaching, casual club play, and competitive intramural tournaments to students in all grades. The varied skill levels and levels of competitiveness help ensure everyone feels welcome and valued. It’s about learning to think ahead, respecting opponents, and handling both victory and defeat with grace.
Our Powwow Club, though new to our students, was a vital club at MMS over 20 years ago. We were gifted with regalia that belonged to the original club, which was worn by several current MMS parents when they were students. The club begins in April, where students will work with experienced community mentors and drumming groups. Students will learn about traditions, celebrations, and various powwow dance styles and techniques. They will participate in the year end MVSD Graduation Powwow.
The success of all these activities can be attributed to the dedication of MMS staff and community volunteers, as well as the enthusiasm of MMS students. Education is not just about textbooks and tests; it's about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are ready to navigate their future paths. Fostering strong relationships with both adults and peers at school, along with gaining confidence and achieving success in activities they enjoy, contributes to increased engagement and success in the classroom. The students, in turn, embrace these opportunities, finding joy, friendship, and a sense of purpose in their participation.