Project Updates

My Projects
     The first intramural dodge-ball tournament was completed on October 22, 2010.  Things that went well were that everyone who participated had fun, we were able to flow smoothly from game to game, everyone who wanted to play got playing time, and no one got hurt.
     Things that need to be improved on for next time are; more school wide participation, so more people from different parts of the school playing, we need to offer longer playing times and modify the rules because games were ending quickly, and possibly offer incentives to play (prizes,and/or recognition)
     Things that I have thought of that may solve some of the problems are; have week long tournaments so longer playing time and more people would be able to participate.  Open them up to the entire school and possible charge a small $5 fee so that we can actually offer something for winning teams and purchase more equipment for more sports.
     This was the first time something like this was ever done, and it will happen more because this is just the beginning.

Projects That I'm Helping With
     Emily has talked to me about dates and locations for the bowling night that she is planning.  Some ideas floating around are; Hi-line Lanes or Acme Bowling, and we should possibly have this before winter break.
     Jenny has talked about her Toga Twister Party (juniors only), a little bit.  I am still unaware of specific dates,but I know that that it will be set up like a p.j. party with snacks, games, and possibly a movie.
     Siva is planning something similar to Jenny's project, except there will be a lot more games to play, and the event will be open to the entire school.  Dates and times are still kinda sketchy.
     Drew wants to host a concert type event, similar to the Battle of the Bands that happened last year that Jim S. planned.  Dates and times are still in the process of being decided, but we talked about offering a wide array of music and offering refreshments at the event.

Projects I plan to lead and participate in

Projects that I want to lead this semester are;

• More intramural tournaments; basketball, soccer, dodge-ball
• And possibly some sort of class get together, e.g movie, party, or something outside of school
• If your interested in helping just comment or see me in class

Projects that I'am going to help with;

• Jenny and her Toga Twister Party
• Siva and her Game Night
• Emily and her Bowling Night
• Drew and his Concert 

Driving Forces and Barriers

Driving Forces

• Kids want to be more active in the school.
• We have all the resources that we need; sports equipment, people who want to play, and a place for this to all happen.
• It something that has never been done before and could really work
• It is something that kids at AHS have wanted to see happen for a long time, and now we have the chance.
• We have a chance to leave an awesome legacy in our wake, and change the school atmosphere forever.
• Help slowly change that reputation that AHS is just full of bookworms and nerds, but that we know how to have fun and get involved.
• Great way to the school to come closer together, and build school spirit.
• Great way to hang out with friends and relax.
• Me own desire to get this done and see this program out until I leave next year.

Barriers

• Lack of enthusiasm in the inaugural year of intramurals from students.
• Lack of participation due to time constraints (once a week Thursday `s), not getting the word out. 
• Activities not appealing to a wide enough group of people.
• Offering a chance to everyone who wants to play a chance to play, e.g those not in the club.
• Offering everyone equal playing time.
• Not having enough support from students and staff alike.
• People getting hurt, and having to shut the operation down.
• People being rowdy and profane
• Not having enough time to finish games and tournaments and leaving people dissatisfied 
• People being uncooperative and not knowing what to do when the actual time comes. 
• Not having the club and tournaments like this continue after I leave.

Barriers I can Control 

• People being uncooperative and not knowing what to do when the actual time comes.
• Let people know before hand what to expect, since this the first time that we are doing something like this.  Things such as short shifts, questionable calls, not enough participation.  Also last week I met individually with each of the team who wanted to play and ran them through the program so they knew that games would be short so that everyone could play, and it would be single elimination, and also we wont have the entire gym floor because people play basketball in the gym, so we have to share.  Also the solve confusion, my executive council was briefed on what was going on, and they could help me answer questions and lead people through the tournament.
• People getting hurt and having to shut the operation down.
• The dodge balls that were used were Nerf material balls and are made to bounce off your body without hurting you.  Also rules were established to prevent accidents like; no head shots, and not blasting someone in close combat.  And all this could be achieved through debriefing the playing teams before EACH game, because as teenagers we have a tendency to forget things rather quickly.
• Having this club die after I leave
• Target underclassmen who show a lot of enthusiasm and want to participate in the program.  Also offer something for all different groups of people, in addition to playing sports, people can manage tournament brackets, manage player stats, be score keepers, and cheerleaders.

Current Progress on Dodge-Ball Tournament

Got the rosters out on time (October 14, 2010).  Kids in club seem pretty siked about the tournament.
Passed out 10 team roster forms, expected at least 8 back in time for tournament.

Intramurals Dodge-Ball Tournament To Happen

Began October 14, 2010
Finish On October 22, 2010
Milestones

1. Have team rosters handed out to all participating teams by October 14, 2010 
2. Get rosters returned to me by October 20, 2010
3. Have elimination bracket done by October 21, 2010
4. Hold tournament during clubs on October 22, 2010
5. Debrief with Executive council of AHS Intramurals, and talk about
• What went well
• What needs to be improved for next time
• Players response to tournament and program as whole
6. Mentor; Mrs.Stark, she has been in the loop since we started last year, and will continue to advise and guide me through this entire process.