Sixth Graders Participate in Olympic Festival

Shawnee Mission sixth graders had the opportunity to go for the gold at this year’s Olympic Festival.

Part field day and part end-of-year celebration, the Olympic Festival is also an opportunity for rising seventh graders to become familiar with the middle school they will attend, explained Dr. Scott Sherman director of secondary services. 

“We hope students meet new friends they might have in classes next year and learn more about middle school so they can get a head start on a successful middle school experience,” Sherman added. 

At Indian Woods Middle School, students from every Shawnee Mission South feeder elementary school met on the turf for fun and friendly competition.

Students were welcomed to the festival by the Indian Woods jazz band. Student council members were also on hand to guide each group through the events of the day.

Eighth grader Kingston Savich shared he was looking forward to giving tours of the school. “I know Indian Woods like the back of my hand. It’s going to be a good time,” he added.

Seventh grader Desert Beaver explained that she was excited to help with the four-way tug of war game and is happy that this year’s sixth graders can see Indian Woods in person. “They’re probably really intimidated by a huge school, and I hope they can realize it’s not that different from their elementary school,” expressed Beaver.

On the turf, Principal John Bartel, warmly greeted the sixth graders and launched the day’s activities by challenging all five elementary school principals in a game of “Minute to Win It”. As students cheered them on, principals competed to win the bean bag toss.

Lucas Horvath, Oak Park-Carpenter sixth grader, shared that he felt welcomed. “I think Indian Woods is a great school, just like Oak Park Carpenter. It’s fun to be here and I’m excited for next year.”