WAHOO (SNR) – Prior to the start of the 2020-21 school year, the faculty and staff of St. Wenceslaus School in Wahoo decided to have a celebration or fun event each month the school was able to hold in-person classes with the students.
On the last Friday of each month, the afternoon is dedicated to rewarding the students by watching a movie and playing bingo.
Principal Mike Weiss said he wanted to find a way to reward students and staff for going the extra mile during the current COVID pandemic.
“I have been so impressed with how diligent our students and staff are adhering to all the COVID precautions we have in place,” he said.
On the celebration afternoons, Weiss visits the prekindergarten classrooms and plays a few games of “Alphabet Bingo.” The students play as a group with help from their teacher.
Weiss then announces more games of alphabet bingo over the intercom system for the K-1 classes, and calls regular bingo games over the intercom for grades 2-6.
The kindergarten and first grade students enjoy being able to play on their own card. The older students enjoy regular bingo, four corners, covering the entire card and also try to make a cross or an “X” on their cards.
“I like playing bingo because it means we are still in school,” said third-grader Baylie. It is fun and exciting when you win a prize.”
“I like when you win and you get to go to the office to get a prize,” said kindergartener Harper.
Through the generosity of a parent, the school has not had to purchase any prizes yet, as they have been provided. Prizes range from gift cards to local businesses to Bishop Neumann t-shirts. The t-shirts were provided by another local business.
“It is a good thing to celebrate because we have made it through another month without having to shut down or go to remote learning,” fifth-grader Brock said. “So it is a great celebration! The best part is hanging out with friends while playing bingo. We look forward to it and it really makes the time go by looking forward to the party and bingo afternoon. It keeps us focused.”
