There is no denying the school year has been full of new challenges, but these challenges have also brought opportunity for students’ resilience to shine through. Recently, Northwest High School Site Coordinator Cooper Spruill was impressed by one student’s ability to innovate and overcome a pandemic-related barrier.
Mr. Spruill proudly writes:
“It was a beautiful moment that kind of just fell together.”
Over the last few years, CIS at Northwest Highs School held a “Super Smash Those Grades” student group. The group serves as an academic incentive where students who have raised their grades or have maintained passing grades are given an opportunity to play Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (rated “E” for everyone)! Mr. Spruill has found the group to be extremely effective as students look forward to playing the game. However, Mr. Spruill was not sure he would be able to host the group this semester due to COVID precautions.
Mr. Spruill writes:
“With COVID, I was having difficulties coming up with a way for the program to run while abiding by COVID restrictions.”
Normally, eight students can participate in the group by sharing four controllers. Students were anxious to get back to playing Super Smash and frequently asked Mr. Spruill when they would be able to play since they were working hard to raise their grades.
Mr. Spruill set up a socially distanced brainstorming meeting in the cafeteria so that the group could meet and discuss the challenges and try to form a solution together.A young freshman named Jonas asked, “Mr. Spruill why don’t you have us wear medical-grade gloves while we’re playing?” Mr. Spruill thought the solution seemed like a practical and creative solution to their problem. He knew he still would need to run the idea by his supervisors, but the group was very anxious to play. Jonas said, “let me talk to whoever you need to get approval from to present the idea.”
Mr. Spruill was impressed by Jonas’ initiative and set up a Zoom meeting with his supervisor. He helped Jonas prepare to present his proposal for a COVID-friendly Super Smash Those Grades group. The next day, Mr. Spruill’s Program Director “Zoomed” into their lunch room. Jonas very professionally and respectfully presented all of ideas on how they would remain socially distanced and wear masks and medical-grade gloves while playing Super Smash Brothers. Mr. Spruill’s Program Director was prepared, and asked Jonas follow-up questions: “What does this program mean to you? What will be the maximum number of students in the room? What is your favorite course?”
Jonas nailed his presentation, impressing both Mr. Spruill and his program director. It turned out that Jonas’ favorite course was professional communications, so Mr. Spruill reached out to the student’s teacher and shared the story of how Jonas saved Super Smash Those Grades. The professional communications teacher was impressed by the story and said Jonas’ presentation required more skills than any assignment he had completed, and his professional communications teacher counted the experience as an alternative assignment to replace Jonas’ lowest grade in the course.
What started out as a frustrating COVID-19 obstacle turned into a powerful learning opportunity and an invaluable experience for Jonas and the entire Super Smash Those Grades Group.
After Mr. Spruill shared with Jonas that his proposal had been approved, Jonas spoke of the experience proudly: “I really did it. I’m really proud of myself.” Mr. Spruill then took the opportunity to reflect with the whole group about the importance of self-advocacy. Smash is back on campus, and everyone’s happy about it! Furthermore, the experience will assist Jonas academically, and will be a moment for Jonas to feel proud and accomplished about.
Mr. Spruill writes:
“We’ve had several successful group sessions since, and students look to the program each week as one of the many reasons to keep their grades up!”
One of CISNT’s core beliefs is that all students should have a marketable skill to use upon graduation. By taking the extra time and thought to provide Jonas with both a professional and learning experience, Mr. Spruill empowered Jonas to reach his full potential. We are so grateful for CISNT Site Coordinators who always go above and beyond for students. Support CISNT this #GivingTuesday on December 1st, so CISNT Site Coordinators can continue to give the gift of self-advocacy to all North Texas Students! Click here to learn more about #GivingTuesday and make your gift early!
