December 8, 2023 – In their playoff game, the Columbus Crew scored an exciting win against rival team FC Cincinnati, advancing them to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final. The game prompted celebrations among teammates and fans. And, thanks to that win, students and staff at Starling PreK-8 have something additional to celebrate.
As part of its commitment to improving the quality of education for students in Ohio, the Columbus Crew teamed up with MLS and the Stay in the Game! network to bring Starling students an attendance incentive room dubbed the ‘Stay in the Game!’ room.
This room will be permanently located in Starling thanks to an application submitted by PEAK instructor Stephanie Mcgivern. The ‘Stay in the Game!’ room is her classroom, a creative, engaging space designed to reward students for consistent and improved attendance. It features a multi-sensory environment that will aid students in their social and emotional learning.
Starling’s principal Dr. Joan Bucy said the room will be a strong addition to Starling’s mission of improving student attendance and achievement.
“The room is incredible,” Dr. Bucy said. “There is a PlayStation; there’s flexible seating for students to do some work. There’s some social emotional elements like fidgets for kids to use to calm down. This room will support students in wanting to come to school and be a part of Starling PreK-8.”
The room was officially unveiled in front of a large crowd that included Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman, representatives from the MLS and the Columbus Crew, and a group of Starling students.
The room was officially unveiled in front of a large crowd that included Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman, representatives from the MLS and the Columbus Crew, and a group of Starling students.When the students first entered the room, they were amazed. The room had transformed to a unique space complete with a Crew mural, soccer games for students to play, bean bags, and a cozy rug.
Igren Ali is a 7th grade student at Starling. She thinks the room will be a good space for students to come and relax if they’ve had a difficult day at school or at home.
“I like everything about the room,” she said. “I think it’s a place for people to come and chill out if they get angry.”
This room is the first of five total ‘Stay in the Game!’ rooms that will be installed around the District. Superintendent Dr. Chapman said the room is an exciting addition that will hopefully encourage students to come to school on-time and ready to learn.
“This [room] symbolizes our commitment to students’ well-being and education,” Dr. Chapman said. “It gives [students] a space where we can continue to reward their efforts for making good choices and remembering to stay in the game.”
In addition to the room and as part of their continued collaboration with the District, the Crew also donated coats, hats, and shoes to the Starling scholars. Good luck to the Columbus Crew as they take on Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup Final! Columbus is rooting for you.
