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McGee March Madness

March Madness began at Catherine M. McGee Middle School in March of 1998. Students were encouragedto become a participant in our own basketball tournament which was patterned after the NCAA men's and women's national college tournament. The concept of March Madness was discussed, and students were encouraged to select their own teams and actively participate. The finalists of each grade would earn the right to play the teachers. This gave the staff an opportunity to interact with students at another level therefore building better student-staff relationships and cooperation. This year studentswere given the opportunity to participate in our tournament as players, referees, or scorers. In addition, Student Council sponsored a spirit week. Students showed off their school spirit by participating in jersey day, green and gold day; hat day, pajama bottom day and much more. A penny drive was organized to help our studentslearn that team work can be achieved at many levels, not just on the basketball court. They soon realized that all together we can accomplish more.

March Madness Penny Drive

On March 4, 2008, Catherine M. McGee Middle School began their eleventh annual March Madness Penny Drive. Before morning meeting, students were able to participate by putting coins into three barrels. The barrels were each marked for the three grades: 6th, 7th, & 8th. All pennies would go into individual grade barrels. Each penny was worth 1 point. Students could subtract points from another grade by putting silver coins into the opposing grade's barrels. (Quarters subtract 25 points, Dimes subtract 10 points, etc.) The team with the most points after nine days would win a school dance just for their grade. All money would then be donated to charity.

Students were given an opportunity to write persuasive letters nominating a charity. The letters were to include the charity to which the donation should be made along with information about the organization, and the reasons for their choice. The selection committee picked one grand prize winner, and five runner-ups from each grade. Each grand prize winner will present a $500 check to their chosen charity during halftime of the student vs. staff basketball game. In addition, student council will award each grand prize student letter winner with a gift package. Runners-up in the letter writing contest will be able to donate $50.00 to their charity. Runners-up can increase their charity donation up to $100 if they make a free throw during the halftime shoot off. If both the shooter and a selected partner both make free throws, they would raise their donation to $150.00.

In 2008, the sixth grade class won the March Madness Penny Drive. In nine days, McGee students collected $3,939.30 for charity.

In 99 days, McGee students have collected $40,409.63 for charity.

Read the student CRPS essays:

Stephanie Lewis

Kim Bosse

April 8, 2008