During my time at Preuss, I only recall two advisory competitions. One of the events that happened last year was the Penny Wars and the other was a scavenger hunt on the UCSD campus. The other tiny events that I remember are the events inside my advisory class which were the pumpkin carving, frosting cookies, and hot chocolate day. I personally think that the school or ASB should create more competitions where advisory classes can go head to head in enjoyable games.
At my old school, O’Farrell Charter School, we participated in a lot of competitions. It kept the school spirit and atmosphere as a fun, competitive, and joyous place. For example, they held a homebase competition and a storytelling competition.
The homebase competition was where the homebase (advisory) competed in a set of games. This occurred during spirit week, so they had to wear clothes based on the theme of the day, which would earn them a point for the homebase they are in. Then on the last day of the spirit week was a potluck. During the last day the homebase teacher would take the students to play in the mini competitions that consisted of physical, mental, and trivia competitions with other homebases. Winning the competitions would give more points that go towards their class. Then the homebase with the most points would be given a trophy, a flag, and bragging rights.
Another competition was the storytelling contest where the students from the same advisory class would perform a play using props, costumes, and actions. A group of teachers chose the winner by determining who had the best movements and story.
The only type of real competitions Pruess has are the competitions of turning in forms the fastest, Penny wars, or being at school everyday. Pruess should try doing competitions that are more enjoyable and unique so that the students are enjoying their time at school. Although Preuss is all about academics, it is good to have a fun competition once in a while to have students involved and excited about their school. It will also be an appeal to the students who are applying to the Preuss.
