(Le Mars) — Nearly everyone at Le Mars Community School District is enthusiastic about Homecoming, including the Middle School students. Earlier this morning, the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students held a “Red and Black” contest inside the Middle School gymnasium. Students started by sitting in the bleachers, and when they had an object that was being called for, they would leave the bleacher area and go on to the floor to be near their homeroom teacher. The class that was able to get all of their students on to the gym floor first would be the winner of the contest. Kari Kopperud is the coordinator and brain child for the contest. An innocent spectator to the contest may be reminded of the television game shows “Let’s Make A Deal” and “The Price Is Right” since the students are asked to show unusual items in order to join their classmates on the gym floor.
The Middle School Guidance Counselor says she brought the idea to Le Mars after she learned of the event while employed at the Sheldon School District.
Kopperud says the students actually came to school bringing with them all the various items that was being called.
The requested items are often times unusual, and not common items that you would normally see students bring to class. Kopperud says the requested items included a red and black blanket, a dancer’s tutu, or even Bulldog logo earrings, and even red and black colored rubber bands for those students wearing dental braces. Kopperud says the winning class is rewarded with a pizza party.
Kopperud says there are even some penalties associated with the contest.
Kopperud says she tries to include everyone in the contest, even for those students that are new to Le Mars Community.
