Keith Valley Kids Connect with School Board

It was a reversal of roles Monday night as Hatboro-Horsham School Board members held hands while shimmying a hula hoop down the line - under the guidance and watchful eye of Keith Valley Middle School students.

More than a dozen Keith Valley students, were joined by their families and teachers, who crammed into the standing-room-only school board meeting room Monday as students shared the importance of the team-building, anti-bully KV K'Nex program. 

"We make connections between the students and staff like the pieces in the game," a seventh-grader said, adding that, through the dialogue, ideas on how to improve the school and community are shared. "At the end we’ll have a growing community made of students and teachers."

And, on Monday, that community grew to administrators and school board members as students shared their team-building games. In the first game, "stuck on you," groups used their tape to "steal" tape from others. The loser then becomes the "cheerleader" for the other person as he or she advances to stealing tape from others.

In the hula hoop relay, school board members and administrators shifted a hula hoop down the line, all while holding hands. 

Afterward, the board and administrators shared what they liked about the activities. 

"I like that the kids are here tonight," Assistant Superintendent John Nodecker said. "It’s a lot more fun." 

School board member Debi Mullen said she was "impressed" with the well-dressed students, who each offered a brief presentation or comment. 

"You guys make me proud," Mullen said. 

The nationally recognized KV K'Nex program, which supports character development and anti-bullying education, focuses on activities centered around circle time to allow for open discussion among all. 

"Everyone is equal and even quiet voices may be heard," one student said. "We think everybody’s opinion is important."

Keith Valley Middle School guidance counselor Andy Osborne said students are looking to expand the KV K'Nex platform with peer mediation and community service as well. In doing research, Osborne said he found "an undeniable fact" pertaining to relationships.

"Kids who feel connected are feeling welcomed … are going to be our best learners," Osborne said.