Students at Whittier Elementary School engage in a fun, outdoor activity - lunchtime dance and karaoke - thanks to an innovative idea by School Counselor Dave Kirkendall. Each Friday, Mr. Kirkindall’s students can be seen dancing and singing along to some of their favorite tunes, including Baby Shark, The Chicken Dance, and The Cha Cha Slide. When asked about why he started the group, Dave shared a few of the reasons, including community togetherness, relationship building, school spirit, and an opportunity to provide the students with something the kids have been missing--being together again in the fresh air, laughing, dancing, and enjoying life.
From its onset, lunchtime dance and karaoke has been a popular activity amongst students. Being outdoors, students have ample space to move about while also honoring current health and safety protocols. The physicality of movement is also a welcome aspect of the activity as it provides a chance for students to get their blood moving and experience a burst in energy to guide them through the rest of the school day.
Following a year when a student’s only option may have been to dance along at home to their favorite songs on YouTube, the opportunity to be among their peers is proving to be a welcome activity.
When asked about the experience, Dave said, “I went into this with unknown expectations. What I came out with was amazing! Seeing the students have so much carefree fun with something as simple as music and togetherness brought joy to my heart.”
Whittier Elementary plans to continue the activity throughout the school year as it is quickly becoming a student and staff favorite.