By: 6th Grade Literacy Teachers
Dickinson Middle School
DMS hosts their own Penn Relays inspired by the novel "Crash."
1st/2nd Heat
The Dickinson Middle School 6th grade Literacy teachers took advantage of the beautiful December 6th weather and hosted their own Penn Relay track meet. Earlier this year, each classroom read the novel Crash by Jerry Spinelli.
The book is about a boy named John Coogan, also known as "Crash." Initially, Crash is a bully. Over the course of the book, he is influenced by significant moments and, in the end, has a huge change of heart. The novel uses the Penn Relays, which are actual relays run in Philadelphia, as the backdrop for Crash's turnaround.
Each classroom conducted a race-off for any student interested in competing. Once the fastest relay team in each class was determined, those six teams competed against each other for the championship. The winning team for the 1st and 2nd heat was from Mrs. Schobinger's class and included Connor O'Donnell, Henry Melvin, James Fredrickson, and Joshua Sickler.
3rd/4th Heat
The winners of the 3rd and 4th heat were from Mrs. Lafond's class: Lincoln Murphy, Connor Hinkle, Bentley Thrash, and Rocky Kensinger. The students who did not compete in the championships created signs to encourage and support their classmates. Their teachers are hopeful that all their students could relate to the way the characters felt when they were competing in the 400m relay at the Penn Relays. The winners of each heat signed a golden baton that is displayed outside the front office. Great job to everyone who participated, either by competing or cheering on your teammates!