Snow Does Not Freeze Annual Middle School Team Challenge
Article by Shelly Newman Photos by Adrienne Daley

Principal Marc Ferris did not let the recent snow storm deter the annual North Shore Middle School Team Challenge. In a gymnasium filled with enthusiastic students, faculty and staff, Mr. Ferris introduced the following teams: Dangerous Devils, Midnight Madness, Turbo Tornados, Power Pandas, The Smooth Criminal and Crazy Train. This annual event started years ago to help raise school spirit and teach sportsmanship.

The history of team challenge week was created by Principal Ferris. He explained to his students that, “Many years ago there were several tribes that were all part of the Viking family. When the Viking King died all of the tribes competed to see which tribe would rule the Viking lands until next year.” The event culminates with the coming together of the Viking Family which is symbolized by the entire school wearing maroon and white (the school colors).

The Team Challenge consists of a wide variety of fun-filled events combining academic, athletic and artistic skills. Included in the activities are an opening and closing ceremony, decorating contest, lip-syncing and cheering contests. The event culminates with an athletic bowl held in the Middle School gymnasium where students compete in fun games of skill and strategy. 

Team Challenge Week enables students to demonstrate their abilities learned during the first part of the school year. It builds on their already strong teamwork skills and eases the tension that often goes along with an extremely rigorous middle school academic program. Sportsmanship and acts of kindness are always rewarded!