Getting Involved in School

Getting Involved in School
Posted on 08/18/2021

Be True to Your School
By: Christine Harper
#BulldogNationAheadofthePack

            The legendary Beach Boys once sang, “Be true to your school, just like you would to your girl or guy.  Be true to your school, let your colors fly.  Be true to your school.”

            If you don’t know that song by the Beach Boys, it is definitely a great one for school spirit.  It is the Ra-Ra-Sis-Boom-Ba that we think about when it comes to school spirit.  But school spirit is so much more than that.  It is about getting involved and making the most of your time with your schools and in your community.

            No matter what walk of life you come from, school is a big part of that walk.  So, why not make it fun and memorable.   The Mexico community and Mexico Public Schools offer so many activities for kids that you could be busy every night of the week.  Presser Performing Arts Center, the YMCA and Janet’s Dance Studio (just to name a few) have many activities offered for all interest levels.  Mexico Middle School and Mexico High School both offer a variety of activities for students to get involved.

            Students, no matter what your interests are, there is probably a club/activity for you.  If you love gaming, we have a gaming club.  If you love art, we have an art club.  If you are into drama, we have school plays and a Speech and Debate team that competes (successfully, I might add) at tournaments. If you love agriculture, FFA is a great organization to be a part of.  It’s also an organization that, if you like competing, FFA offers that competition piece as well.  As the first day of school comes around, find out what is out there and get involved!

            Parents, you can get involved, too.  Many of those community activities need volunteers for those activities offered for the kids.  When possible, attend their events and show support for all of the kids participating.

            According to a report dated 2018 from the United States Census Bureau, “Children tend to have higher levels of school engagement when involved in one or more activities, like sports, lessons, or clubs.  Forty-two percent of children who took lessons were highly engaged compared to 33 percent of children who did not.”

            Getting involved not only has immediate positive results, it can also have lifelong positive results.  When kids get involved, there is a sense of personal accomplishment, which can spill over into many facets of their lives.  Getting involved gives kids opportunities to take on meaningful roles and responsibilities, which will carry into adulthood.  Getting involved gives kids a sense of belonging, which becomes a big part of their sense of community.

            Getting involved in your school and community is so beneficial on so many levels. And it’s as easy as a phone call.  This is one of the many ways we can make our Bulldog Nation strong.