Are School Events Actually Engaging Students?

From pep rallies to football games, school events are designed to bring students together. According to the school website, assemblies and spirit activities are meant to be exciting, memorable, and unifying. Schedules are even adjusted so students can participate in these events. The goal is clear: build school spirit and create a strong sense of community.

But are students actually feeling engaged?

Student Perspectives

Trapper Merrit: Says he does attend school events.

“Yes, because I am in band,” he explained.

When asked which events he enjoys most, Trapper shared that if he had to choose he like “football and basketball games” but he dislikes the pep rallies. For him, what makes an event worth going to is simple: “Getting to watch the games.”

Esme Whicker: Does not usually attend school events.

“No. My parents don’t allow me to,” she said, explaining that family reasons sometimes prevent her from going to any school events.

However, if she does attend something, she said, she would probably enjoy the dances. What makes an event worthwhile to her? “The people,” she said, showing that social connection plays a big role.

Kiarra Swenson: Said she does not typically attend school events.

“Not typically, I just don’t want to,” she admitted.

Kiarra shared that she finds football games boring and has never been to a dance. For her, the most important part of an event isn’t the event itself. “Being able to hang out with friends after the event” is what makes it feel worth going.

The School’s Goal

Mr.Hale explained the purpose behind all school events.

“The goal is togetherness and to show that we are all in this together, to celebrate peers, to be aware, to educate, to bring unity, and to in all have fun,” he said.

When asked how school measures engagement, Mr.Hale said it’s about involvement. “Just being involved, wether it’s in class, in a discussion, being involved and caring about what you are doing.”

However, he also acknowledged challenges. Availability, family responsibilities, transportation, fear, and other obstacles can make it difficult for students to participate. “If kids would be involved, they would enjoy school more,” he added.

Intention vs. Reality

The school puts significant effort into planning events. assemblies and pep rallies are described as energetic and highly organized. Schedules are changed to allow participation, and events are designed to be loud, exciting, and memorable.

Students agree that schedules are adjusted and that events can be very eventful. However, some feel they can be exaggerated and overly loud. While the school sometimes “goes all out,” students notice that this effort is not always consistent. During certain events, teachers even have to block the doors because many students try to leave- though many students choose to stay.

While school events are designed to boost spirit and unity, some students report feeling disconnected or unsure why they should attend. For some, the social aspect matters more then the actual activity. For others, personal preferences or outside responsibilities limit their involvement.

School spirit activities are clearly created with positive intentions: unity, celebration, and fun. But student engagement varies depending on interest, accessibility, and personal conection.

As sbo’s and admin continue to plan spirit events, the question remains whether future activities will reflect student interests more closely.