What Have I Dunn?

I attended a volleyball game at Meigs High School on Tuesday at 6:30PM. The game was held in the school’s regulation gymnasium. This gymnasium is a typical high school gym, equipped with wooden fold out bleachers, a hardwood floor, and six basketball hoops. One end wall is covered in banners that stated what sports and the years that sports had won conference, district, and regional championships. The banners date back to 1962 and have years dating all the way up to 2006. A stage with a full maroon curtain, with yellow letters that read “MHS”, is located on the opposite end of the gym. There is room on either side of the court for the bleachers to be pulled out, but only one set was being utilized by the volleyball game. A very nice volleyball net was set up mid court. It had the proper padding and was in good condition. All of the equipment in the gym was in very good condition, even though the building was older. Also, I noticed that the facility was clean and very well kept. Not only was the facility nice, the clothing the people were wearing was in well repair. The volleyball team had on new uniforms, and matching team shoes. The audience was composed of 95% parents and grandparents, ranging between the ages of 30 and 75. They were dressed presentably, the majority of them wearing jeans and polo shirts. The rest of the audience was high school students there to support their friends playing in the game. I saw all sorts of name brand clothing on the high school students. This surprised me, because from the rumors I had heard, Meigs was one of the poorest districts in the state. The crowd I was observing was definitely not the product of a “poor” area. I noticed that 100% of the room was Caucasian and looked to all be middle class. The audience ate popcorn and hotdogs as they watched their volleyball team beat up on Belpre. As the parents cheered on the team, the students multitasked with cheering and texting on their cell phones. During warm-ups a mix of music was played over the speakers. The mix included music from different genres such as rap, punk, and country. Even though everyone in the room was doing their own little thing, when the national anthem began to play everyone stopped, stood, and showed respect for their country. Overall, I was overwhelmed how “normal” the atmosphere was in the gymnasium.
On Thursday morning at 8:15AM, I went to the high school and observed two physical education classes. The classes took place in the same gymnasium as the volleyball game had earlier in the week. The students were wearing athletic clothing and gym shoes. Most of their clothing was in good repair, but I was noticing that the students in the classes did not give off the same vibe as I received from the volleyball game. These students reminded more of students from where I used to live, in a lower-middle class area. Their clothes were in good condition, but did not scream the brand names, as did the clothing of the students at the volleyball game. Throughout the two classes the students played tug of war, dodge ball, threw footballs, shot hoops, and ran laps. In these two particular classes, there were no students with disabilities, and the students were all able to be active and participate. The students seemed to be having a good time and enjoying themselves. They were laughing and interacting well with each other. I feel as if these students have a respect for themselves and their teacher. They are good listeners and did whatever the instructor said to do. Overall, the students seemed to be pretty calm, and were well behaved, and did not need much discipline. I could tell that the teacher, Mr. Dunn, genuinely cares about his students and their well being. He was sharing ideas of how he keeps them moving and interested for extended periods of time. He is interested in making the students healthier and become lifetime movers.
I believed the information that I gathered from observing would be helpful to an educator. I think that knowing how students react outside of the immediate classroom is a good expression of their character. Also, I believe that it is important to see how parents and the community interact with the students. This is a good way to see what the students have as role models. The norm the community creates is going to have an effect on the students’ work ethic and how they should act. Also, as an educator it is good to have an understanding of the students’ community and background so the instructor does not seem to be a complete outsider. As high school students, the teenagers like to be able to relate to their instructors. Being able to relate to teachers gives the students an opportunity to learn from someone they feel they can associate with.
Originally, I was stressed out about going to Meigs. I was unsure of how I would feel in the community and was afraid that I would feel uncomfortable. After observing a volleyball game and a physical education class, I am feeling much more confident. I am glad I now know a little bit about the area before I go in and try and help out with classes. In conclusion, I am pleased with my placement, and am excited to get to know some of the students and teachers at Meigs High School.